Brad Keselowski beat Martin Truex Jr by 2.5 seconds en-route to a dominating win in the Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond Raceway on Saturday. Keselowski scored his fourth win of 2020, the 34th of his career. This is also the Penske Racing driver's second career Richmond win after capturing his first victory at the Virginia short track in 2014. The Michigan native has won three or more races in the last five seasons.
Keselowski's teammate Joey Logano took the checkered flag in third, Austin Dillon fourth, and Chase Elliott fifth. Kyle Busch, polesitter Kevin Harvick, Aric Almirola, Alex Bowman, and Clint Bowyer rounded out the top 10. Dillon led 55 laps, the most he has led in a race since beginning his full-time Cup Series career in 2014. Darrell Wallace Jr, the Cup Series' lone black driver, who finished 26th, announced on Friday he will not return to Richard Petty Motorsports after this season. Wallace has driven the 43 car since 2018. Jimmie Johnson finished 31st in his final Richmond race, five laps down. The seven-time champion broke the news via Twitter on Wednesday that he will be transitioning to the IndyCar Series in 2021. Johnson signed a two-year deal with Chip Ganassi Racing, which will last through 2022, on Wednesday.
Denny Hamlin, a three-time Richmond winner, won Stage One after leading 45 of the first 80 laps. The Chesterfield, VA native finished 12th. Keselowski scored the Stage Two win.
Keselowski led a race-high 192 laps in what was a relatively quiet race compared to the drama-filled Southern 500 the week prior. The 400-lap event only saw two cautions, both times for stage breaks.
The playoff standings after the Federated Auto Parts 400 are as follows:
With Saturday's win, Keselowski joins Kevin Harvick as the only drivers to advance into the Round of 12 by winning a race. Due to a large points cushion, Denny Hamlin has also advanced to the next round.
The Cup Series makes its way to Bristol Motor Speedway for the third and final race in the Round of 16. The four drivers positioned below the cutline, by the conclusion of the much-anticipated event, will face elimination from championship contention. The Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol begins at 7:30 p.m. next Saturday night on NBCSN.
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