After the chaos of last weekend, all of the various ARCA Menards Series’ and the NOAP Series got a weekend off before the big push to the end of the season. This allowed the Craftsman Truck Series and Cup Series to take the spotlight in Richmond, Virginia. A short track with a long time presence on the NASCAR scene, Richmond has seen its fair share of drama and pretty cool themed races over the years (looking at you Chevy Rock ‘n Roll 400). 

From a truck race filled with surprises, and some pretty impressive finishes…to a Cup race that drained the excitement slowly away, while Joey Logano said hold my Pennzoil and dominated, these are the hidden gems and stories scattered throughout both fields.

Next week? NOAP Series is off again, as the Trucks and Cup hit Loudon, New Hampshire. ARCA also returns to get dirty at the Illinois State Fairgrounds.

BLACK’S TIRE 250 presented by BTS REWARDS

Winner: Kaden Honeycutt

Pole: Shane Van Gisbergen

#77 Tristan McKee

The “Where did he come from?” award goes to series newcomer Tristan McKee in Richmond. I would be remiss if I did not mention what such a young newcomer (McKee is 15) accomplished in Richmond. Thanks to NASCAR modifying their rules, McKee got the call the drive their #77 Chevrolet in Richmond. A member of Spire Motorsports’ development program, McKee has put in impressive showings in ARCA, but the Craftsman Truck Series in an entirely different animal, and McKee made a name for himself on this night.

THE STORY

At such a young age, this was McKee’s truck debut, and debut he did. In something that I think nobody expected, McKee qualified the Spire #77 Silverado 13th, ran strong throughout the event, and finished a surprising 8th in his series debut…it is not often such a young racer makes an immediate impact. McKee has spent the bulk of 2026 part-time in ARCA, where he has wheeled Pinnacle Racing Group’s #77 (you see the connection) Chevrolet to two wins in just six 2026 starts.

McKee does have more races planned in the #77 truck, with New Hampshire (this upcoming weekend), Bristol, Phoenix, and Martinsville rounding out the season, and where he can “legally” compete.

#1 Nick Leitz

A longtime journeyman racer, Leitz has seen his share of track time in both the Craftsman Truck and NOAP Series throughout his career, with 22 NOAP Series starts and 11 truck starts dating back to 2022. Often getting the call to hop in a seat that may not always be the most competitive, Leitz has made a strong case for himself as someone who can do a lot with a little when it comes to results. Enter 2026, where Leitz got one of the best chances of his career…running a TRICON Garage Toyota in the truck series.

THE STORY

Often relegated to running mid-pack or just out of in national series starts during his career, getting the call to run a partial schedule with TRICON has to feel like a win. Richmond was one of his best performances yet, starting the #1 Toyota in fifth. From there, TRICON’s newest driver would go on to finish 12th in just his third start of the season. Leitz also has finishes of 11th (Daytona), and 17th (N. Wilkesboro) to back up his strong Richmond run.

Photo Credit: Jayski and David Jensen/Getty Images

With two races left on his 2026 schedule (Bristol and Kansas), Leitz has made a strong case that he deserves a full-time shot in trucks next season. He has certainly paid his dues, and it would seem TRICON owner David Gilliland has noticed.

 

COOK OUT 400

Winner: Joey Logano

Pole: Ryan Blaney

#21 Josh Berry

Yet again, as the nearly former Wood Brothers Racing driver searches for a seat in the yearly game of musical chairs, Josh Berry had yet another standout performance in Richmond. In a race that heavily favorited Team Penske’s Ryan Blaney and Joey Logano, Penske-affiliated Wood Brothers and driver Berry had yet another standout run. Where this sudden burst in speed came from, who knows…but it is happening at a crucial moment as Berry searches for a 2027 seat anywhere (*cough* Trackhouse and Richard Childress Racing *cough*)

THE CONTINUED STORY

Why Wood Brothers, why? first off…you need to keep your driver. Unfortunately former NOAP Series champion Jesse Love will move to Cup in the #21 Ford for 2027. Despite this, Berry had one of his best runs yet in Richmond. Following a season-matching starting spot of 3rd, Berry kept the #21 ever-present amongst the leaders, and drove away with an 8th-place finish. This now marks Berry’s third straight top ten run in as many races, after a start of the season I’m sure he would like to forget. 

Where Josh Berry winds up in 2027 remains uncertain right now. The only concrete fact is that he will not be back in the #21 Ford next season. As the annual domino’s start to fall during Silly Season (the time when drivers change teams for those who do not know), some potential rides are beginning to appear…but only time will tell where Berry is or what series even in 2027.

#2 Austin Cindric

Continuing the heavy Penske and Ford influence this week, Team Penske’s Austin Cindric also had a day worth mentioning in Richmond. Traditionally, the #2 Ford (once the flagship team) has fallen to the back of the line in the Penske hierarchy, in favor past champions Blaney (#12) and Joey Logano (#22). Richmond though? Cindric and his #2 Ford showed up and showed out. An eye-catching race in a season that leaves a lot to be desired for the #2 team.

THE STORY

Where to begin? The #2 Ford and Cindric had their fair share of bad luck in the season’s opening races. Collecting two DNF’s (Did Not Finish) put Cindric behind the eight-ball almost right away. This led to a string of top ten and twenty finishes that put the #2 Ford within the chase conversation. Which was of course followed by the bottom falling out a bit again. 

Photo Credit: Jayski and Team Penske

Recent weeks have seen Cindric gain momentum as chase time nears, with Richmond now the exclamation point on those finishes. Qualifying 23rd, Cindric quickly made his way towards the front of the field, as teammates ebbed and flowed from the top five at the front. As the race wore on, the #2 Ford would show it’s grill in the top 5, and come out of Richmond with a third place finish. This now bests Cindric’s 5th-place effort early in the season in Darlington.