Foray into Victory Lane: Kevin Harvick looks caged in Richmond

At six races this season, Kevin Harvick has been a constant factor in a handful despite not yet having to make a trip to victory lane. Racing Insights slips in the points standings after a tough race at the Circuit of The Americas and forecasts the Stewart-Haas Racing ace to return to the track and will return to the Victory Column. FS1, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR radio).

The 47-year-old veteran was successful on the Virginia short track, amassing four wins and ending his 65-race winning streak last season with an emotional win.

Including last August’s win, Harvick has finished eighth or better in three consecutive races at Richmond and in 13 of his last 16 starts – an exceptional run of form at such a technical short circuit. But there will also be a lot of competition here due to the successes of other drivers on Sunday.

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It’s hard to mention Richmond without acknowledging Joe Gibbs Racing’s incredible grip on track, both literally and figuratively. The organization leads all teams here with 18 wins and has won nine of the last 14 competitions at the 0.75 mile oval, including a driver who has led the most laps in eight of the last 14. As the next team in line for their first win of the 2023 season, this race could start their season.

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ONE TO SEE

DENNY HAMLIN: Hamlin has four wins at Richmond, including last April’s race. He’s almost a suspension to finish in the top 10 and fight for the win in 12 of his last 14 at the Virginia track.

KYLE BUSH: Busch has the best active résumé at Richmond with six wins and laps in 10 of the last 11 races at the track – and he also has 16 of his many short-track wins.

Tyler Reddick: Reddick has surprisingly never finished in the top 10 at Richmond but will aim to ride his wave of momentum from the Circuit of The Americas to a career-best result.

The story goes on

MARTIN TRUEX JR: Still looking for an end to his winless drought, Truex should be in the mix at Richmond with three wins and a 1,237-lap lead in the last 12 races (lead in nine) on track.

AUSTIN-DILLON: Don’t write off the #3 driver this week. Dillon has led 56 laps at Richmond in the last five races so he has the knowledge to be at the front here and finish top 11 in six out of eight.

Projections from Wednesday March 29th.

PROJECTIONS FROM RACING INSIGHTS FOR TOYOTA OWNERS 400