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2026 Cook Out 400 NASCAR Race
Date: Saturday, August 15, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM ET (Green Flag Approx.)
Track: Richmond Raceway
Track Type: 0.75-mile D-shaped oval
Location: Richmond, Virginia
Laps: 400
Total Distance: 300 miles
Last Year Winner: Austin Dillon
Last Race Winner: Ty Gibbs
Last Race 2nd Place: Christopher Bell
Points Leaders: Denny Hamlin
Television: USA Network
Radio: MRN Radio and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio
Richmond Short-Track Betting Takes Center Stage
The 2026 Cook Out 400 brings NASCAR betting action to Richmond Raceway tonight, with 400 laps of short-track chaos and major playoff implications. Ryan Blaney starts from the pole alongside Chase Briscoe, giving both valuable track position on Richmond’s slippery 0.75-mile oval.
Denny Hamlin starts 14th but remains a serious betting threat thanks to his outstanding Richmond history. Kyle Larson faces a tougher assignment from 30th, while Tyler Reddick starts 32nd after spinning during practice.
The playoff bubble adds another wrinkle. Austin Cindric holds the final transfer position by only three points over Ryan Preece, while Joey Logano and Bubba Wallace desperately need strong finishes.
With high tire wear making long-run speed and conservation critical, bettors should look beyond qualifying position. Richmond rewards patience, pit strategy and drivers who can preserve their tires before attacking late.
Read on to see our pick for this week.
Here are the Odds for the Top Drivers:
Cook Out 400
Outright
Ryan Blaney +400
Denny Hamlin +550
Christopher Bell +700
Joey Logano +700
Ty Gibbs +1000
Chase Briscoe +1000
Kyle Larson +1400
William Byron +1800
Bubba Wallace +1600
Josh Berry +2000
Austin Dillon +2200
Chase Elliott +2800
Tyler Reddick +2500
Brad Keselowski +3300
Austin Cindric +3300
Ryan Preece +3300
Carson Hocevar +4000
Ross Chastain +5000
Chris Buescher +6600
Alex Bowman +6600
Daniel Suarez +6600
Shane van Gisbergen +8000
Get real-time latest betting odds & props here!
- Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
The Prediction: Denny Hamlin (+550)
Denny Hamlin looks like the driver to beat at Richmond despite starting 14th. He owns five Cup victories here and has finished first or second in six of his last nine Richmond starts, including two wins in the Next-Gen era.
Hamlin also enters with 10 straight top-five finishes on traditional ovals and four victories this season. Richmond’s heavy tire degradation rewards long-run speed, another Hamlin strength.
Propping up:
- Take Ryan Blaney +115 for Top 3 Finish
- Take Chase Briscoe +150 for Top 5 Finish
- Take Over 11.5 Drivers to Lead a Lap at +200
- Driver H2H Match Up Take Chase Briscoe -115 over Ty Gibbs
- Long Shot Bets – Austin Cindric and Carson Hocevar Both to Finish in the Top 10 at +475
Bet on the Cook Out 400 at Bovada Sportsbook where you can get $250 bonus.
