CONCORD, N.C. – For Kasey Kahne and Jeff Gordon, plenty is on the line Saturday night at Richmond International Raceway.
Both drivers, winless to this point in 2015, can clinch their spots in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup.
For their teammates Jimmie Johnson and Dale Earnhardt Jr., the race under the lights at the Virginia short track will feature less pressure. Both drivers have their postseason positions secure.
“You can be aggressive at Richmond and the racing is fun,” Earnhardt said. “We struggled the last time we were there but it is nice going without the pressure of having to race for a spot in the Chase. We are going to go have fun and try to get a win.”
Among active drivers, four drivers – including both Earnhardt and Johnson – are tied for second in the win column with three trips to Victory Lane at Richmond.
Earnhardt most recently won at the track on May 6, 2006, after leading 47 laps. Johnson swept the track in 2007, and his latest victory there came in September 2008. His last two trips to the track have resulted in finishes of eighth and third.
“This is what we work all year for,” Johnson said. “The race at Richmond is always a good one for the fans. It’s always exciting. There will be a few teams trying to get into the Chase and a few guys trying to defend their spot. We are lucky to have won and secured our spot early so we can just go out there on Saturday night and try to win. We don’t have that Chase pressure.”