A Historic Combo

With a win in the Coca-Cola 600 already notched in his belt, Martin Truex Jr. scored a checkered flag in yet another one of NASCAR's crown jewels on Sunday: the Bojangles Southern 500 in Darlington. Driving the throwback No 78 Auto-Owners Camry, Truex was able to hold outrun Harvick to his second win of the season. "We've had a string of terrible bad luck lately," Truex said. "We've had super-fast race cars. ... I knew when the bad luck stopped coming, we would start racking them off. Tonight we weren't the best car, and we won for once. I just couldn't be more excited." He's just the eighth driver to score wins in both the Coca Cola 600 and Bojangles Southern 500 in the same season.

One. Last. Chance.

If the season ended in Darlington, the Chase field would be set. Chris Buescher, sitting 30th, would be one of two rookies in the Chase - joining Chase Elliott who's sitting 12th in points. Austin Dillon would be making his first-ever Chase appearance and Jamie McMurray would make the NASCAR postseason for the second time. But there's still Richmond - and a pair of NASCAR vets with 12 Chase berths between them are looking to make one final push for the playoffs. Check out the graphic above to see how the Chase bubble looks heading into the regular season finale. If math isn't your strong suit, just remember this: win and get in.

This One's for the Fans

Fan Appreciation is an entire weekend devoted to showing our gratitude to race fans near and far for the enthusiastic support they have given our sport throughout the regular season. As we head into The Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup playoffs, there is no better time to tell our fans THANK YOU for another incredible year. From unprecedented driver access, to car decals, to a literal red carpet, this weekend is going to be unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. Check out rir.com/FANPRIZES to see the cool swag you can win now, and follow us on Twitter @RIRinsider to see the cool swag you can win while you’re here. 

Austin Dillon Chase Elliott Chase for the Sprint Cup Fan Appreciation Weekend Jamie McMurray Kasey Kahne Martin Truex Jr NASCAR Richmond International Raceway RIR Ryan Newman Victory Lap

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TICKETS  |  MAPS  |  FAMILY FUN  |  WEEKEND SCHEDULE  |  FAN APPRECIATION

We’re adding more appearances to this list daily so you can plan your weekend schedule accordingly. (Pssst… this doesn’t even include the surprises we have up our sleeves!)

Don't forget, NASCAR’s future stars will be signing autographs from 2-2:45 pm on Friday afternoon. Show your Virginia529 College Savings 250 ticket at the Virginia529 midway display starting at 10:00 am to get a wristband for access. (Limited to the first 350 fans.)

20 RIDE will be kicking off the pre-race festivities with a concert on the track on Saturday night. From southern rock, to Caribbean rhythm and sultry bedroom ballads, these good ol' boys from upstate Carolina definitely know how to entertain. Pick up a Driver Intro pass to see ‘em up close!

Follow us on social media to keep up with all of the appearances, surprise giveaways, and behind-the-scenes content throughout the weekend. Plus, #ThanksFans will have all your Fan Appreciation news from around the sport (think: NASCAR, partners, media, and other fans).

Make sure you’ve got those grills and coolers packed! With acres of free parking and an entire day to prepare for the race, tailgating at Richmond is some of the best on the circuit. See more info here and tweet us when you’re cooking up something delicious…we’re probably hungry.

What could make race weekend even better? How about: garage access, fan hospitality, pit passes, or seeing your favorite drivers up close! If you're looking for a mix of everything, check out 3-Wide Hospitality. It includes a Saturday pre-race pit pass, plus access to a climate-controlled fan hospitality area where you can enjoy food, festivities and special Q&A's with Sprint Cup drivers Kasey Kahne and Kurt Busch.

The midway, a fan-favorite every race weekend, will be chock full of fun displays. Show your Toyota, Lexus, or Scion key at the Toyota Owners Hub to grab a quick bite and relax before heading back out to see the Monster Jump Team, Miller Lite Party Zone, or riding the Toyota Ferris Wheel. Bookmark the Midway map here and plan your route.

Whether you’re at the track or at home, our goal is to make sure you feel appreciated. Keep your eyes peeled for signage everywhere – although we don’t think you’re going to have any trouble spotting these:
- Fan Appreciation Restart Zone
- Painted apron
- Car decals
- Miss Sprint Cup’s firesuit
- Pit road 

Our friends at Sprint couldn’t be more excited to say #ThanksFans for years of support and lifelong memories. Visit the Sprint display in the Midway to see the Sprint Cup trophy up close and appearances by Miss Sprint Cup. They will also be giving away $5 concessions vouchers AND randomly choosing fans to join them in the Sprint Fan Suite for the race! (While supplies last.)

M&M’S is literally rolling out the red carpet on Friday and Saturday. Snag FREE M&M’S, see Kyle’s No. 18 showcar, meet the M&M’S characters, and more! Don’t miss the gate giveaways and more #ThanksFans opportunities all weekend long.

The flagship event of Fan Appreciation Weekend, Gridside Live! will give you unprecedented access to your favorite drivers – FREE for all ticket holders, from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm on the frontstretch. (RICHMOND NATION members can get in early at 1:00 pm and get a free gift.) Check out the schedule here to see when your favorites are appearing.

Fan Appreciation Weekend Federated Auto Parts 400 NASCAR Richmond International Raceway RIR Top 10

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Austin Dillon Chase Elliott Chase for the Sprint Cup Jamie McMurray Kasey Kahne NASCAR Richmond International Raceway RIR Ryan Newman

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Kick-off your Saturday night NASCAR party on a high-note with 20 RIDE! Making their first appearance at RIR, 20 RIDE will get the show started on the Pre-Race stage prior to the Federated Auto Parts 400 on Saturday, September 12th at 5:50 p.m.

From southern rock, to Caribbean rhythm and sultry bedroom ballads, 20 RIDE talents offer something for everyone, and these good ol' boys from upstate Carolina definitely know how to entertain. We can't wait to see these guys hit the stage and get the fans ready before their favorite drivers walk across the Pre-Race stage.

> JOIN IN THE FESTIVITIES WITH A DRIVER INTRO PASS <

20 Ride Fan Appreciation Weekend Federated Auto Parts 400 Richmond International Raceway RIR

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We were glad to have NASCAR Sprint Cup driver Kasey Kahne visit Richmond today, helping get the word out about Fan Appreciation Weekend and lending out a helping hand in our community. The No. 5 Hendrick driver spent the early afternoon helping out at a Habitat for Humanity site over in Newtowne, hammering and sawing away at a new shed for the property.

Afterwards Kasey took his handyman talents track side, and with the help of some fans put the finishing touches on the "Fan Appreciation Restart Zone" at RIR. The new-look track wall will be just one of the many things fans can expect to see this September for our inaugural Fan Appreciation Weekend.

Even after a day's worth of hard work, Kahne took the time to answer some fan questions with RIR President Dennis Bickmeier on the track. You can check out the it out here below. 

Fan Appreciation Weekend Kasey Kahne NASCAR Richmond International Raceway RIR

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Twice is Nice

Even Mother Nature was no match for Kevin Harvick, who raced his way to his second win on the season in the rain-delayed Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race at Bristol. "We should have won a lot of races this year, but things did not go our way," Harvick said. "We made mistakes or whatever the case may be, (so) to get back into Victory Lane feels good." Apparently it was good enough to share too. After the race, Harvick encouraged fellow driver and team owner Tony Stewart to celebrate Stewart's final race at Bristol. The result? A synchronized burnout to remember. "I really wanted him to ride around that track with me, but that's why he's the boss," said Harvick.

Riding High

After shocking the NASCAR world with a win at Pocono two weeks ago, Chris Buescher continued his meteoric rise into the Chase conversation with a fifth place showing at Bristol. "We're out here to get a championship and to get wins, " Buescher said. "We come to these next handful of races with a great opportunity to make the Chase." The finish put him inside the top-30 in points, and should he protect that standing through Michigan, Darlington and Richmond - we'll see this rookie standing among the field of 16 following the Federated Auto Parts 400 checkered flag.

Stable Sponsorship

There's something to be said for stability, and that's exactly what JR Motorsports and XFINITY Series driver Elliott Sadler established Wednesday. Longtime sponsor One Main financial inked a multi-year deal to return with Sadler and the team owned by Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kelley Earnhardt Miller.  "We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Elliott Sadler and JR Motorsports," said OneMain Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Bob Hurzeler. "Elliott has been an outstanding ambassador for OneMain and we look forward to our continued success with Elliott and JRM, on and off the track." The Emporia, VA native currently sits atop the XFINITY Series points standings, 51 points ahead of second place Daniel Suarez.

Whos In, Whos Out?

Jeff Gordon is out, Alex Bowman is in. With Dale Earnhardt Jr. still working his way back onto the track, Alex Bowman will fill in behind the wheel of the No. 88 this weekend in Michigan. Gordon has filled in for the past four races, while Bowman subbed for Junior at New Hampshire Motor Speedway earlier this season.

If the season ended today, Austin Dillon, Chase Elliott, Jamie McMurray and Ryan Newman would be in, leaving the likes of Trevor Bayne and Kyle Larson on the outside. But with three races left, there's a chance someone could win their way into the Chase. Guess you'll just have to be there to find out.

Alex Bowman Bristol Motor Speedway Chris Buescher Dale Earnhardt Junior Elliott Sadler Jeff Gordon Kevin Harvick NASCAR Richmond International Raceway RIR Tony Stewart Victory Lap

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On the Bubble

Ah, the final stretch. Only three races remain before the regular season finale at Richmond, and the Chase bubble grows smaller and smaller as we approach the Federated Auto Parts 400. Less than 20 points separate Kyle Larson (No. 15) from Ryan Blaney (No. 18) in the standings, while Chris Buescher needs to gain one spot in the standings for his win at Pocono to vault him into the Chase. Click the link to look at five drivers whose Chase Bubble is at risk of popping.

A Nice Problem to Have

Furniture Row Racing made headlines a couple weeks ago when they announced their addition of Erik Jones to the Sprint Cup lineup on a one-year deal in 2017, marking the first time the team has fielded more than a single driver (currently home to Martin Truex Jr.). Jones is the reigning NCWTS Champ and sits fourth in the XFINITY Series standing as a rookie for Joe Gibbs Racing. His three wins on the year tops all other XFINITY Series regulars, so it won't come as a surprise that Coach Gibbs already has his eye on a spot for the talented young driver. Also lurking in the wings is Daniel Suarez - who sits second in XFINITY points in his second season in the series. The future is undoubtedly bright for the JGR team, but so is the present. Kyle Busch (four wins), Carl Edwards (two wins), Matt Kenseth (two wins) and Denny Hamlin (two wins) are all locked into the Chase while sitting within the top nine in points. What happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object? We can't wait to find out.

Short Track Superstars

Have we mentioned there's only four races left in the NASCAR regular season? And with Bristol and Richmond on the calendar, half of the remaining races will be battled on short tracks. As we head into this weekend's Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race, FOX Sport's Chase Wilhelm takes a look at 10 drivers who might be able to gain valuable Chase momentum both this weekend and in the regular season finale at RIR.

Joe Gibbs Racing Kurt Busch Kyle Larson Matt Kenseth NASCAR Richmond International Raceway RIR Victory Lap

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