After breaking a 65 race win-less streak last week in Michigan, Kevin Harvick scores back-to-back wins in the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series season at Richmond Raceway.
Kevin again lived up to his nickname of “The Closer” in the Federated Auto Parts 400 Sunday afternoon. Most of the race it appeared that it would be Joey Logano’s race to lose and perhaps Ross Chastain would be the driver that could beat him. Joey led a race-high 222 laps and scored the win in Stage 2 of the race. Ross led the second most laps with 80 laps out front and was the winner in Stage 1.
However, Kevin’s crew adjusted on his car all race. In the third and final stage he was moving toward the front. He took the lead for the first time on lap 334 of the 400 lap race. He gave it up seven laps later to pit for the final time.
When the green-flag-pit-cycle completed, Kevin was back out front with 48 laps remaining in the race. A couple of cars made attempts to chase him down. They were unable to catch and pass him. When it counted Kevin’s car was able to get the lead and hold the lead. That is where his nickname “The Closer” came from.
Kevin crossed the finish line first to claim his second win of the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series season. It is his fourth win in the Cup Series at Richmond. This also ties him with Kyle Busch at 9th place on the all-time wins list in the Cup Series at 60 career wins each. The win locks him in the Playoffs for this year.
Christopher Bell was able to claim the runner-up finish. Chris Buescher took home third with Denny Hamlin in fourth. Chase Elliott rounded out the top five. See the complete race results for the Federated Auto Parts 400 here.
Following Sunday’s race at Richmond, Chase Elliott remains the leader in the regular season point standings. Ryan Blaney continues to hold second-place. Kyle Larson moves up two spots to third with Martin Truex Jr. holding steady in fourth. Ross Chastain slips back two spots to fifth-place. See the complete NASCAR Cup Series Point Standings here.
There are two races remaining before the start of the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs. With 15 winners already, it is likely that to make the post-season a driver will have to win to get in. The last two regular season races can be considered wild-card-races because of where they are taking place. Anything can happen in these races and anybody can win at these tracks.
Next up is a road course race. The Go Bowling at the Glen takes place this Sunday, August 21st, at Watkins Glen International.
By: Buck Stevens
