Richmond: News and Notes

Under The Lights-With all the hype and talk from Talladega winding down, can the Cup guys feed off of the energy and buzz generated from last week's spectacular finish? Even though Talladega's ratings were down from last year's numbers the race did pretty well going head to head with the NBA. The biggest question heading into Richmond is will the race be a dud or will it keep the fans talking and wanting more? Being the first short track race under the lights this season you couldn't ask for a better race to follow what happened at 'Dega.

Next Two Critical for Dale Jr-Saturday night's race at Richmond will be crucial for a lot of guys. None more so than Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Junior and his 88 bunch look to build on his 2nd place finish last week at Talladega. The next two weeks will be critical for these guys. Top 15's won't cut it. This team needs to run up front and get top 5's. Junior has won before at Richmond and he always runs well at Darlington. If this team can't get out of the hole during the next two races then they are done as far as the Chase is concerned.

Bowyer's Streak Continues-Even though Clint Bowyer was caught up in the Lap 7 wreck at Talladega, his team was able to repair the car and finish the race. The hard work by Shane Wilson and his crew allowed Bowyer to continue his impressive streak of running at the finish of 82 consecutive races. The streak rides into Richmond where Bowyer is the defending race winner.

Kyle Busch Hopes To Join An Elite Group-Jayski posted an interesting stat yesterday in regards to drivers winning on their birthday. In the history of the sport only one driver has won on his birthday and that was Cale Yarborough. Amazingly he did it twice; March 27, 1977 at North Wilksboro and March 27, 1983 at Atlanta. If Busch can win Saturday night on his 24th birthday he will join Yarborough as only the 2nd Sprint Cup driver in history to win on his birthday.

Saturday Night's Race Named After A True Hero-A couple of years ago track officials came up with what could be the coolest race contest ever created. They decided to give fans the opportunity to have a Sprint Cup race named after them. This year's winner is not only a true race fan he is a true hero. Earlier this year at Daytona, Russ Friedman found out that the May 2nd race at Richmond would be named after him. Friedman, a two-time Purple Heart recipient, wants to use the race as a platform to honor those who served next to him and those who have given their lives so that we can enjoy the simple pleasures of life. In conjunction with Friedman's honor, Crown Royal and the Jamie McMurray Foundation have stepped in to help make the weekend a running tribute to those who served and are currently serving our nation's military.