Brad Keselowski leads 192 laps to win at Richmond Raceway

The NASCAR Cup Series wrapped up a busy weekend at Richmond Raceway Saturday night for the Federated Auto Parts 400. A pair of Fords were on the front row with Kevin Harvick winning the pole by a metric qualifying system, and Joey Logano starting second. The “Choose Cone Rule” was in effect for this race. Two drivers were starting the race at the tail end of the field they were Christopher Bell (unapproved adjustments) and Kyle Busch (failed inspection twice).

A huge Saturday night in the #NASCARPlayoffs starts now! We're green in the #Federated400 at @RichmondRaceway! (📺: NBCSN) pic.twitter.com/X4Xx3u9zkK — NASCAR (@NASCAR) September 12, 2020

Kevin Harvick led the first twenty laps of the race before Austin Dillon used the inside lane off of turn four to take the lead. The competition caution would come out ten laps later with Timmy Hill getting the free pass. During the caution, all of the leaders pitted for four tires with Dillon coming out first. He would choose the inside lane with Joey Logano on the outside for the restart on lap 38.

NEW LEADER: @austindillon3 powers past @KevinHarvick to take over the top spot in the #Federated400. 📺: NBCSN | 📱: https://t.co/BHXvTwrLoC pic.twitter.com/9ZOVmvfSaa — NASCAR (@NASCAR) September 12, 2020

A lap into the restart, Denny Hamlin used the inside lane on turn one to take the lead away from Austin Dillon. On lap 44, Jimmie Johnson suffered some damage after making contact with Bubba Wallace and fell to 28th place. Hamlin would lead 42 laps to win stage one.

You'll find that 1️⃣1️⃣ out front! @dennyhamlin takes the lead away from @austindillon3 midway through Stage 1 in the #Federated400! pic.twitter.com/YwiQkhIiep — NASCAR (@NASCAR) September 13, 2020

Denny Hamlin led the field down pit road and came out first; however, he was caught speeding and had to restart at the back of the field. The new leader was Joey Logano he picked the inside lane while Kevin Harvick chose the outside to start stage two on lap 90. Logano led 31 laps before being passed by his teammate Brad Keselowski. On lap 139, Matt DiBenedetto went to pit road from the 22nd position to start green flag stops. Kevin Harvick went to pit road on lap 140, Austin Dillon on lap 151, Kyle Busch at lap 158, and Brad Keselowski pitted on lap 162 to complete green flag stop with Harvick resuming the lead.

What a battle between teammates at @RichmondRaceway! @keselowski wrestles the lead away from @joeylogano in Stage 2! (📺: NBCSN) pic.twitter.com/mtFx55hSSN — NASCAR (@NASCAR) September 13, 2020

Harvick led twenty laps before Austin Dillon used the inside lane at turn one to take the lead away again from Harvick. Harvick would come back to pit road on lap 185 for a scheduled stop but was penalized for a commitment line violation and had to serve a drive-through. Harvick did his penalty and was now two laps down.

Nope. Can't do that. pic.twitter.com/uVPxM6kWPs — NASCAR (@NASCAR) September 13, 2020

On lap 218, Brad Keselowski used the inside lane entering turn one to take the lead. On lap 227, Harvick would make up the two laps to get onto the lead lap. Keselowski led the remaining 18 laps to win stage two. During the caution, Keselowski led the field down pit road, and he would come out first. He was followed closely by Martin Truex Jr. and Joey Logano. Keselowski would choose the inside lane while Martin Truex Jr. went to the outside to start the final stage on lap 244.

STAGE WINNER: @keselowski grabs a crucial #NASCARPlayoffs point by winning Stage 2 at @RichmondRaceway. pic.twitter.com/kyVZMYdXaW — NASCAR (@NASCAR) September 13, 2020

Denny Hamlin, who was sitting in the 14th position, made a scheduled pit stop on lap 291 to start green flag stops. Joey Logano and Kevin Harvick came in a couple of laps later. Brad Keselowski made his stop on the next lap with Martin Truex Jr. taking over the lead. The lead would change hands with Kurt Busch taking over; however, on lap 308, Joey Logano took command of first. Brad Keselowski, whose car would be the one to beat, would get the lead back with the help of Christopher Bell using the inside lane on lap 317.

Teams would make their final scheduled green-flag stop beginning at lap 336. Austin Dillon, who was running well, tried to pit but missed the entrance of pit road. The rest of the lead lap cars pitted and began their surge to the front. With 27 laps to go, Keselowski took over the lead and go on to win the race by 2.557 seconds over Martin Truex Jr. Keselowski led 192 and will move on to the round of twelve playoffs.

Statement. Made. Retweet to congratulate @keselowski on an impressive showing tonight at @RichmondRaceway. #NASCARPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/Hv4c2ohajT — NASCAR (@NASCAR) September 13, 2020

The rest of the top ten finishers were Joey Logano third, Austin Dillon fourth, Chase Elliott fifth, Kyle Busch sixth, Kevin Harvick seventh, Aric Almirola eighth, Alex Bowman ninth, and Clint Bowyer tenth. There were three cautions for 21 laps and 19 lead changes.

Playoff point standings right now are Kevin Harvick first (1 win), Brad Keselowski second (1 win), and Denny Hamlin third are locked into the round of twelve. Right now in the round of twelve are Joey Logano fourth, Martin Truex Jr. fifth, Austin Dillon sixth, Chase Elliott seventh, Alex Bowman eighth, Kyle Busch ninth, Aric Almirola tenth, Kurt Busch eleventh, and Clint Bowyer twelfth. Outside looking in is William Byron thirteenth, Cole Cust fourteenth, Matt DiBenedetto fifteenth, and Ryan Blaney sixteenth with one race remaining in the round of sixteen.

The Cup Series will back in action next Saturday for Bass Pro Shops Night Race at 7:30 pm on NBCSN.

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