NASCAR Federated Auto Parts 400: 5 takeaways from Richmond

Matt Kenseth picked up a big win in the final race before “The Chase,” as he was the fastest at the Federated Auto Parts 400.

After struggling the past two weeks, Matt Kenseth put together a great race at Richmond. Kenseth battled Kyle Busch, Joey Logano, Denny Hamlin and the rest for the win at Richmond. For Kenseth, he never even looked back as he picked up his fourth win of the season and rolled right on into The Chase looking like a heavy contender.

For Kenseth, it’s another win by him for his team Joe Gibbs Racing, and another showing that he might have what it takes to win a second championship. He drove the short track at Richmond well, and made the necessary moves off pit road to work his way to the front.

He wasn’t even afraid to battle his own teammates for the lead at points. Kenseth and Carl Edwards traded paint early, and Kenseth made a move getting off the gas that saved his race from ending in a big wreck. In what was a relatively clean night of racing, the No. 20 pulled away with the easy win.

Now, The Chase with 16 cars and NASCAR’s best are ready to compete for a Sprint Cup Championship. Kevin Harvick heads in as the defending Sprint Cup Champion, but on Saturday night he looked human as his car had some major struggles on the track.

Here are five takeaways from the Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond.

1. Matt Kenseth

After major issues at Bristol and Darlington, Kenseth’s great summer looked like it was going to waste. At the Federated Auto Parts 400, Kenseth looked dominant and really didn’t face much competition as he ran away with the win.

He ties Kyle Busch and Jimmie Johnson for most wins on the season with four and will enter The Chase and should be a heavy favorite with the way he ran tonight. Along with the rest of the Toyotas on his team, Kenseth has been strong this year even if he did struggle the past two weeks.

Kenseth could be closing in on a second Sprint Cup Championship this year. His race for the cup begins next Sunday, at Chicagoland. He has the momentum heading into the race.

2. No. 1 seed in The Chase belongs to Jimmie Johnson

On Saturday, the battle for the No. 1 seed in The Chase, came down to Kyle Busch and Jimmie Johnson. Both drivers came into the Federated Auto Parts 400 with four wins. By virtue of points, Johnson would be the No. 1 seed unless Kyle Busch was able to pull out his fifth win of the season. Busch didn’t win and Johnson claimed the right to the No. 1 seed.

3. Kevin Harvick is human

Kevin Harvick has finished in the top-5 in 18 races this season. He has been at the top of almost every single race and has been unstoppable in the points standings. At Richmond, Harvick finally showed a human side to himself as he struggled with his car.

At one point he had to stop three times on one stop as his crew really worked on his car. For whatever reason, he just could not get his car to turn. He ended up being lapped and looked like the rest of the traffic at Richmond for once this season.

It’s rare territory for Harvick to struggle so mightily, and it’s not the best performance for him heading into The Chase. He will still be seeded high and will be a serious contender to defend his Sprint Cup Championship. Whatever the case may be, Harvick and his team need to figure out what’s wrong before they head to Chicagoland next week for the first race of the postseason.

4. Jamie McMurray is finally in The Chase

For the first time since the new formats were unveiled for The Chase, Jamie McMurray is going to the postseason. His team worked hard to get him there this season and after completing the green flag lap at the Federated Auto Parts 400, McMurray officially earned his spot.

It’s a great moment for the No. 1 team as the culmination of their hard work has them competing for a championship. He may have not won a race this season, but he’s been very good and was one of the best winless drivers on the track.

Being seeded in by points, McMurray is going to have to win early and perform his best, otherwise he will end up in the first round of eliminations.

5. Welcome to NASCAR Jeffrey Earnhardt

There is officially now another Earnhardt in NASCAR. Saturday night, Jeffrey Earnhardt made his Sprint Cup debut at Richmond. He made sure to stay out of the way of those competing in such a big race and got track experience in a tightly contested short-track racing contest.

The son of Kerry Earnhardt, nephew of Dale Earnhardt Jr. and grandson of the late Dale Earnhardt Sr., Jeffrey Earnhardt continues the legacy of one of the great racing families in history. He will run again soon at New Hampshire and eventually will work his way to becoming full time.

He will have a great fan base on his side.

More from FanSided

Home/NASCAR