Sunday after the hunt for Easter eggs is complete, night racing will return to Richmond Raceway for the Toyota Owners 400 .
The 69th annual spring NASCAR Cup Series race will see drivers battle for 400 laps around Henrico County’s 3/4-mile, D-shaped oval track.
Easter races were once a tradition in the sport before being moved away from that date in 1989. They returned to Bristol Motor Speedway the past two years before coming to Richmond.
As is annually the situation, the 51,000-seat raceway will draw thousands of fans, bringing an economic boost to the area. Some will travel across the country in campers and RVs.
Kevin Harvick puts on his helmet as he prepares to race in the Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond Raceway on Sept. 22, 2018. Much like that season, both of this year's Cup races in Richmond will take place in prime time. Harvick will serve as an analyst for this Sunday's Cup race on Fox.
MARK GORMUS, TIMES-DISPATCH
The event kicked off Friday with the Whelen Modified Tour’s Virginia is for Racing Lovers 150.
Cars will take to the track early Saturday, as NASCAR Xfinity and Cup Series drivers participate in practice and qualifying sessions that open at 8:35 a.m.
The ToyotaCare 250 Xfinity race is scheduled to drop the green flag Saturday at 1:30 p.m., and the weekend’s main event, the Toyota Owners 400, will begin Sunday at 7 p.m. That day also includes an Easter church service at the raceway’s amphitheater at 3 p.m.
The 7 p.m. slot on Fox gives the racetrack and the region’s profile a national spotlight.
“It is on the national stage on a night like Easter,” Richmond Raceway President Lori Collier Waran told the Richmond Times-Dispatch last fall. “And we’re not talking about afternoon hours. It’s prime time, and that’s pretty special.”
This past Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, drew 3,310,000 viewers for Fox. This number is up 6% from last year’s race on Fox and makes for the fifth consecutive increase of viewers for the season.
Mike Davies, executive vice president of field operations and production at Fox, says there are elements on the production side that will enhance the experience for the viewers at home.
“We are genuinely having a very good season. It’s been competitive and very well-watched. This is our first full season with Kevin Harvick, and it’s great to have someone fresh off the track and know what it was like just last season,” Davies said. “A lot of the things we do from a production standpoint are to enable viewers to watch and determine what’s going on. We try to refine technology and talent to evangelize this amazing sport and try to telegraph the excitement of being at a NASCAR race on to television.”
Davies and Megan Englehart of the Fox Sports media relations team shared some fun facts about what goes into a production of this magnitude.
New on-screen tech A new telestrator has been added to production equipment. This allows drawing over videos and images to point out different cars on the track, similar to what is used in other sports like football and soccer. “You may be interested in the lead, but you may also be interested in a car in the middle of the pack,” Davies said.
Kevin Harvick puts on his helmet as he prepares to race in the Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond Raceway on Sept. 22, 2018. Much like that season, both of this year's Cup races in Richmond will take place in prime time. Harvick will serve as an analyst for this Sunday's Cup race on Fox.
MARK GORMUS, TIMES-DISPATCH
2 days to set up The production work occurs mainly in the TV compound that includes production trucks, office trailers, satellites and equipment. It takes two days to set up the TV compound, and trucks rolled into the raceway on Wednesday morning. It takes only about 2.5 to 3 hours to disassemble everything after the race ends Sunday night.
Lots of cable Production uses approximately 15 miles of TV cable.
Angles covered The Toyota Owners 400 will be filmed on a total of 26 cameras: 15 cameras operating robotically, seven cameras capturing high angles, three handheld wireless cameras and one aerial camera.
Ready for the close-up There is a “snoop cam” in the broadcast booth that enables the producer in the production truck to see the announcers’ faces and body language during the broadcast. Think of it as a “nanny cam.”
Listen up Broadcasters in the booth have a “talkback” button to talk to the producer or director in the production truck off-air, particularly to let them know what elements they would like to see. A lot of joking around and fun happens behind the scenes via this button.
NASCAR driver Kevin Harvick waves to fans while carrying his daughter Piper ahead of the Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway last July. Harvick finished 10th in his final Richmond Cup start. This weekend, he serves as a NASCAR on Fox analyst.
Nicolas Galindo, TIMES-DISPATCH
Still teammates NASCAR on Fox analysts Kevin Harvick (new to Fox in 2024 after retiring from the Cup Series at the end of the 2023 season) and Clint Bowyer are teammates in the Fox booth after being teammates twice during their racing careers — first at Richard Childress Racing and later at Stewart-Haas Racing. One of the most entertaining things this season is when the producers pull old clips of on-track incidents from the past that involved both of them.
National effort Although the race is being broadcast from Richmond, staff from five other states are involved in the live broadcast. Fox has control centers in North Carolina and California, and there will be staff working from their homes in Georgia, Florida and Arizona.
This will be the first of two NASCAR Cup night races at Richmond Raceway this season; the second is the Cook Out 400 on Aug. 11. The 2024 season marks the first time the racetrack has hosted two Cup primetime races in the same year since 2019.
Gallery: A NASCAR weekend at Richmond Raceway in August 2023
Tyler Reddick (45) high-fives a young fan as he makes his way to his car before the start of Sunday's Cup race. Reddick started on the pole and led 81 laps but finished 16th.
Nicolas Galindo/TIMES-DISPATCH
Harrison Burton’s crew jumps into action during a pit stop in Sunday’s Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway. Burton finished 31st in the NASCAR Cup Series race.
Mike Kropf, TIMES-DISPATCH
Chris Buescher celebrates in victory lane at Richmond Raceway. The win was Buescher's second at a short track in his Cup career; he won last September at Bristol Motor Speedway.
Mike Kropf, TIMES-DISPATCH
Chris Buescher celebrates on the track Sunday after his third career NASCAR Cup Series victory in the Cook Out 400.
Nicolas Galindo, TIMES-DISPATCH
Chris Buescher acknowledges the crowd Sunday after winning the Cook Out 400. Buescher secured a spot in the Cup playoffs with the victory.
Nicolas Galindo, TIMES-DISPATCH
Melissa Ilnicki, a firefighter at Richmond Raceway, watches as NASCAR Cup drivers make their final preparations before Sunday’s Cook Out 400.
Mike Kropf, TIMES-DISPATCH
Hailie Deegan waves to fans as she is introduced before the start of the Worldwide Express 250 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race. She finished 15th.
Nicolas Galindo, TIMES-DISPATCH
Cars motor past the grandstands during Sunday's Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway.
Mike Kropf, TIMES-DISPATCH
A pit crew member burns rubber off a tire during the Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway.
Mike Kropf, TIMES-DISPATCH
A member of Martin Truex Jr.’s pit crew works in pit lane before the start of Sunday's NASCAR Cup race. Truex finished seventh.
Mike Kropf/TIMES-DISPATCH
Kevin Harvick passes the start-finish line during the Cook Out 400 as another car is reflected in a tool case.
Mike Kropf, TIMES-DISPATCH
Lightning streaks across the sky at Richmond Raceway before Saturday's Craftsman Truck Series race. The start of the race was delayed due to a passing storm.
Nicolas Galindo, TIMES-DISPATCH
NASCAR fans sit in the grandstands during Sunday’s Cook Out 400 NASCAR Cup race at Richmond Raceway.
Mike Kropf, TIMES-DISPATCH
Bubba Wallace led a career-high 80 laps in Sunday's NASCAR Cup race at Richmond Raceway. He finished 12th.
Mike Kropf, TIMES-DISPATCH
Bubba Wallace’s car is parked in the garage Saturday at Richmond Raceway as fans walking past are reflected in the garage window.
Margo Wagner, Times-Dispatch
Conner Jones (66) sits in his truck before Saturday's Worldwide Express 250 at Richmond Raceway.
Nicolas Galindo, TIMES-DISPATCH
Cook Out 400 winner Chris Buescher (17) drives away waving the checkered flag at Richmond Raceway in Richmond, Va. July 30, 2023.
Nicolas Galindo/TIMES-DISPATCH
Adam Smallwood writes his name in the pedestrian tunnel to the infield at Richmond Raceway before the Cook Out 400 in Richmond, Va. July 30, 2023. “I’m for the fun and to support my favorite driver, Michael McDowell,” Smallwood said.
Nicolas Galindo/TIMES-DISPATCH
Cook Out 400 winner Chris Buescher (17) does a victory burnout at Richmond Raceway in Richmond, Va. July 30, 2023.
Nicolas Galindo/TIMES-DISPATCH
NASCAR drivers Michael McDowell (34) and Noah Gragson (42) jockey for position along the back stretch during the Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway in Richmond, Va. July 30 2023. McDowell would finish 22nd and Gragson would place 28th.
Nicolas Galindo/TIMES-DISPATCH
Cook Out 400 winner Chris Buescher (17) does a victory burnout at Richmond Raceway in Richmond, Va. July 30, 2023.
Nicolas Galindo/TIMES-DISPATCH
NASCAR driver Martin Truex Jr. (19) signs a fan’s speed limit sign during the driver’s red carpet walk ahead of the Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway in Richmond, Va. July 30, 2023. Truex would finish the race in 7th place.
Nicolas Galindo/TIMES-DISPATCH
The pit crew for NASCAR driver Noah Gragson (42) pushes the car back to the garage after the 66th annual Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway in Richmond, Va. July 30, 2023. Gragson would finish the race in 28th place.
Nicolas Galindo/TIMES-DISPATCH
NASCAR driver Kevin Harvick waves to fans while carrying his daughter Piper ahead of the Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway last July. Harvick finished 10th in his final Richmond Cup start. This weekend, he serves as a NASCAR on Fox analyst.
Nicolas Galindo, TIMES-DISPATCH
NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace (23) and wife, Amanda Carter, stand during the National Anthem before the Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway in Richmond, Va. July 30, 2023. Wallace would place 12th in the race.
Nicolas Galindo/TIMES-DISPATCH
A tire specialist with Bubba Wallace’s (23) race team inspects a tire after Wallace’s pit stop during the Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway in Richmond, Va. July 30, 2023.
Nicolas Galindo/TIMES-DISPATCH
NASCAR driver Chris Buescher (17) stands atop his car in celebration after winning the Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway in Richmond, Va. July 30, 2023.
Nicolas Galindo/TIMES-DISPATCH
NASCAR driver Joey Logano (22) waves to fun during driver introductions ahead of the Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway in Richmond, Va. July 30, 2023. Logano would place 4th in the race.
Nicolas Galindo/TIMES-DISPATCH
A clump of rubber smolders on the track after Chris Buescher’s (17) victory burnout for winning the Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway in Richmond, Va. July 30, 2023.
Nicolas Galindo/TIMES-DISPATCH
NASCAR driver Chase Elliott (9) rounds turn three during the Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway in Richmond, Va. July 30, 2023. Elliott would finish 13th in the race.
Nicolas Galindo/TIMES-DISPATCH
Cars pass the front stretch during the Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway in Richmond, Va. July 30, 2023. Chris Buescher (17) would win the race.
Nicolas Galindo/TIMES-DISPATCH
Harrison Burton (21) comes in for a pitstop during the Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway on Sunday, July 30, 2023.
Mike Kropf/TIMES-DISPATCH
A pit crew member burns rubber off of a tire during the Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway on Sunday, July 30, 2023.
Mike Kropf/TIMES-DISPATCH
Kevin Harvick (4) passes the start line during as another car is reflected in a tool case during the Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway on Sunday, July 30, 2023.
Mike Kropf/TIMES-DISPATCH
Melissa Ilnicki, a firefighter at Richmond Raceway, watches drivers prepare to compete in the Cook Out 400 on Sunday, July 30, 2023.
Mike Kropf/TIMES-DISPATCH
A member of Martin Truex Jr.’s crew team works in pit lane before the start of the Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway on Sunday, July 30, 2023.
Mike Kropf/TIMES-DISPATCH
Ross Chastain signs an autograph on the red carpet before competing in the Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway on Sunday, July 30, 2023.
Mike Kropf/TIMES-DISPATCH
Bubba Wallace’s car is parked in a garage while people walking by are reflected in the garage window glass on July 29, 2023, at Richmond Raceway. MARGO WAGNER/TIMES-DISPATCH
Margo Wagner
Chase Elliot waits to compete in qualifying on July 29, 2023 at Richmond Raceway. MARGO WAGNER/TIMES-DISPATCH
Margo Wagner
NASCAR driver Chris Buescher (17) does a burnout on the track after winning the NASCAR Cup Series 66th annual Cook Out 400 at the Richmond Raceway in Richmond, Va. July 30, 2023.
Nicolas Galindo/TIMES-DISPATCH
Flames shoot out of the exhaust of Daniel Suárez’s car during the Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway.
Nicolas Galindo, TIMES-DISPATCH
Cars line the back wall during the NASCAR Cup Series 66th annual Cook Out 400 at the Richmond Raceway in Richmond, Va. July 30, 2023. Chris Buescher (17) would win the race.
Nicolas Galindo/TIMES-DISPATCH
Chris Buescher salutes the fans at at Richmond Raceway clinching a spot in the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs.
Nicolas Galindo, TIMES-DISPATCH
Left: Driver Michael McDowell, left, poses for a selfie with Amir Duff, 14, as McDowell walks the red carpet before the start of the Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway. Right: Fans line the barricade at the start of Sunday’s race at Richmond Raceway.
Nicolas Galindo photos, TIMES-DISPATCH
Bubba Wallace’s (23) pit crew rushed into pit road as Wallace makes a pit stop during the NASCAR Cup Series 66th annual Cook Out 400 at the Richmond Raceway in Richmond, Va. July 30, 2023. Wallace would finish in 12th place.
Nicolas Galindo/TIMES-DISPATCH
Cars enter turn one during the NASCAR Cup Series 66th annual Cook Out 400 at the Richmond Raceway in Richmond, Va. July 30, 2023. Chris Buescher (17) would win the race.
Nicolas Galindo/TIMES-DISPATCH
Drivers Austin Cindric (2) and AJ Allmendinger (16) spin out while Ryan Newman (51) passes by at the end of the NASCAR Cup Series 66th annual Cook Out 400 at the Richmond Raceway in Richmond, Va.
Nicolas Galindo/TIMES-DISPATCH
NASCAR driver Tyler Reddick (45) high fives a fan as he makes his way to his car before the start of the NASCAR Cup Series 66th annual Cook Out 400 at the Richmond Raceway in Richmond, Va. July 30, 2023. Reddick would finish the race 16th, despite starting in the pole position.
Nicolas Galindo/TIMES-DISPATCH
Fans line the barricade at the start of Sunday’s race at Richmond Raceway.
Nicolas Galindo, TIMES-DISPATCH
NASCAR drivers Denny Hamlin (11) and Christopher Bell (20) jockey for position along the back wall during the NASCAR Cup Series 66th annual Cook Out 400 at the Richmond Raceway in Richmond, Va. July 30, 2023.
Nicolas Galindo/TIMES-DISPATCH
Chris Buescher, left, and his crew celebrate in victory lane after winning the Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway. The victory was the third of Buescher’s Cup career.
Mike Kropf, TIMES-DISPATCH
Chris Buescher (17) and his crew celebrate in victory lane after winning the Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway on Sunday, July 30, 2023.
Mike Kropf/TIMES-DISPATCH
Cars pass the stands during the Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway on Sunday, July 30, 2023.
Mike Kropf/TIMES-DISPATCH
Chris Buescher celebrates in victory lane after winning the Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway this year. Buescher entered Sunday having never led a lap in a NASCAR Cup Series race at the track, but he held off a late charge by Denny Hamlin for his first win of the year.
Mike Kropf, TIMES-DISPATCH
Alex Bowman (48) competes in the Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway on Sunday, July 30, 2023.
Mike Kropf/TIMES-DISPATCH
NASCAR fans record a pit stop during the Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway on Sunday.
Mike Kropf, TIMES-DISPATCH
RICHMOND, VIRGINIA - AUGUST 14: Bubba Wallace, driver of the #23 leidos Toyota, leads Brad Keselowski, driver of the #6 RoushParts.com Ford, during the NASCAR Cup Series Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond Raceway on August 14, 2022 in Richmond, Virginia. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
Carson Hocevar (42) bites the Craftsman chain necklace late Saturday night after his third Truck Series victory of the season in the Worldwide Express 250 at Richmond Raceway.
Nicolas Galindo, TIMES-DISPATCH
Carson Hocevar (42) hoists the checkered flag truck after winning the 4th annual Worldwide Express 250 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series at Richmond Raceway on July 29, 2023.
Nicolas Galindo, TIMES-DISPATCH
Trucks pass the starting line beginning the 4th annual Worldwide Express 250 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series at Richmond Raceway in Richmond, Va. July 29, 2023.
Nicolas Galindo/TIMES-DISPATCH
Trucks pass the starting line during the 4th annual Worldwide Express 250 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series at Richmond Raceway in Richmond, Va. July 29, 2023.
Nicolas Galindo/TIMES-DISPATCH
The sunsets over Richmond Raceway before the start of the 4th annual Worldwide Express 250 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in Richmond, Va. July 29, 2023.
Nicolas Galindo/TIMES-DISPATCH
A crew member cleans the hood of a truck before the start of the 4th annual Worldwide Express 250 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series at Richmond Raceway in Richmond, Va. July 29, 2023.
Nicolas Galindo/TIMES-DISPATCH
Ty Majeski (98) puts on his helmet before the start of the 4th annual Worldwide Express 250 NASCAR Craftsman truck series at Richmond Raceway in Richmond, Va. July 29, 2023.
Nicolas Galindo/TIMES-DISPATCH
A NASCAR official walks between covered trucks before the4th annual Worldwide Express 250 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series at Richmond Raceway in Richmond, Va. July 29, 2023.
Nicolas Galindo/TIMES-DISPATCH
Bob Heilbrun, a mechanic for Stewart Friesen removes the cover from the truck to before the start of the 4th annual Worldwide Express 250 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series at Richmond Raceway in Richmond, Va. July 29, 2023.
Nicolas Galindo/TIMES-DISPATCH
A truck passes the starting line during the 4th annual Worldwide Express 250 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series at Richmond Raceway in Richmond, Va. July 29, 2023.
Nicolas Galindo/TIMES-DISPATCH
Trucks with the 4th annual Worldwide Express 250 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Richmond Raceway in Richmond, Va. July 29, 2023.
Nicolas Galindo/TIMES-DISPATCH
Richmond Raceway in Richmond, Va. July 29, 2023
Nicolas Galindo/TIMES-DISPATCH
“Nine out of 10 times, aggression wins. … The stat column doesn’t care how it happens,” said Denny Hamlin, seen before Cup qualifying Saturday at Richmond Raceway. Hamlin made an aggressive move for the lead in the waning laps last Sunday at Pocono Raceway. The result was race leader Kyle Larson hitting the wall and finishing 20th, while Hamlin collected his 50th career Cup victory.
Margo Wagner photos, Times-Dispatch
Denny Hamlin watches another car compete before his qualifying race at Richmond Raceway on July 29, 2023. MARGO WAGNER/TIMES-DISPATCH
Margo Wagner
Denny Hamlin leaves his car during practice for Sunday’s Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway.
Margo Wagner, Times-Dispatch
Denny Hamlin answers questions from the press at Richmond Raceway on July 29, 2023. MARGO WAGNER/TIMES-DISPATCH
Margo Wagner
Kyle Busch answers questions from the press at Richmond Raceway on July 29, 2023.
Margo Wagner, Times-Dispatch
Fans line up Saturday outside the McDonald’s across from Richmond Raceway to meet NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace.
MARGO WAGNER, TIMES-DISPATCH
NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace signs autographs for a young fan on Saturday during an event at the McDonald’s across from Richmond Raceway.
Margo Wagner PHOTOS, Times-Dispatch
NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace works the drive-thru at the McDonald's across from Richmond Raceway on Saturday.
MARGO WAGNER/TIMES-DISPATCH
NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace works the drive-thru at the McDonald's across from Richmond Raceway on Saturday.
Margo Wagner, Times-Dispatch
Richmond Raceway president Lori Waran wears a pair of pink Michael Jordan shoes bearing signatures of various women in leadership roles from around the state. “I’m a bit of a sneaker head,” Waran said.
Nicolas Galindo, TIMES-DISPATCH
People gather at Byrdhouse Rooftop Pool & Bar on the roof of the Graduate Hotel for a Finish Line Party co-hosted by Richmond Raceway and Richmond Times-Dispatch on Thursday, July 27, 2023.
Mike Kropf/TIMES-DISPATCH
People gather at Byrdhouse Rooftop Pool & Bar on the roof of the Graduate Hotel for a Finish Line Party co-hosted by Richmond Raceway and Richmond Times-Dispatch on Thursday, July 27, 2023.
Mike Kropf/TIMES-DISPATCH
People gather at Byrdhouse Rooftop Pool & Bar on the roof of the Graduate Hotel for a Finish Line Party co-hosted by Richmond Raceway and Richmond Times-Dispatch on Thursday, July 27, 2023.
Mike Kropf/TIMES-DISPATCH
Patrons gather at Byrdhouse Rooftop Pool & Bar on the roof of the Graduate Hotel on Thursday for a Finish Line Party hosted by Richmond Raceway in partnership with the Richmond Times-Dispatch. NASCAR returns to the racetrack this weekend with Saturday's Worldwide Express 250 Craftsman Truck Series race and Sunday's Cook Out 400 Cup Series race.
Mike Kropf, TIMES-DISPATCH
Rachel Jones, who works at the Richmond Times-Dispatch, dances at Byrdhouse Rooftop Pool & Bar on the roof of the Graduate Hotel for a Finish Line Party co-hosted by Richmond Raceway and Richmond Times-Dispatch on Thursday, July 27, 2023.
Mike Kropf/TIMES-DISPATCH
Lori Waran, the first female track president of the Richmond Raceway, sits during a press interview at the Richmond Raceway in Richmond, Va. July 24. “I’ve never shied away from stuff that’ll make me grow,” Waran said. “This was definitely going to make me grow.”
Nicolas Galindo/TIMES-DISPATCH