Dale Earnhardt Jr., driver of the #88 Diet Mountain Dew/National Guard Chevrolet, leads the field to start the race under caution due to weather in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond International Raceway on September 8, 2012
Photo – Todd Warshaw/Getty Images

It all comes down to Saturday night at Richmond International Raceway. It will be the drivers’ last chance to put themselves in the Chase. In past years, Richmond has produced surprises, upsets, and much more. This year has already produced tons of shocking moments and more on race day adds to the drama of the season. Drivers who don’t hold a spot in the playoffs will have one thing on their minds during the race. To be in it, they need to win now.

The Federated Auto Parts 400 will go green on Saturday, September 7, 2013 at 7:44 PM ET. 400 laps and 300 miles will make up the final race of the regular season. Saturday night’s weather looks great for a race with clear skies and a 0% chance of rain. The race is broadcast on ABC and the radio version of the race is on MRN.

A fierce battle took place between two wild card hopefuls last time NASCAR rolled into Richmond in September. Kyle Busch and Jeff Gordon each had one win heading into the last race before the Chase. Busch, considered the favorite since his one victory came at Richmond in April, was expected to grab the last wild card. But, being the favorite didn’t do him any good since Gordon out-ran Busch at one of his best tracks. By race end, Gordon secured his spot in the playoffs while Busch left with his head down.

The drivers with a chance of securing their Chase spot will be going all out Saturday night and include, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Joey Logano, Greg Biffle, Kurt Busch, Martin Truex Jr., Ryan Newman, Brad Keselowski, Jamie McMurray, and Paul Menard. A win and some luck will give these Chase hopefuls a spot in the 12-driver field. With eight drivers chasing down wild card spots, the front of the field may be a little hectic toward the end of the night.

Just because the top-six drivers and Kasey Kahne have their Chase spots secured, doesn’t mean they won’t be fighting for the victory. Clint Bowyer is the only driver in that group without a win this season. Getting a win must be his goal since bonus points going into the playoffs could decide a drivers’ fate. Bowyer along with the rest won’t be pulling over for the bubble drivers Saturday night which should create some exciting racing.

With so much riding on this one race, it becomes a must-see event. Eight drivers needing a win or a good finish will put on a show under the lights. Unpredictable outcomes are what this race is known for and another one wouldn’t come as a surprise. This is the last shot for the drivers on the outside to get in to the Chase. One last chance to be among the drivers going after the championship should motivate the contenders to perform at their best. Wildness will ensue and hopes destroyed. A crazy night is shaping up in Richmond.

Event Schedule

12:10-2:00 PM ET (Friday) Sprint Cup Series Practice, televised on ESPN2

2:45-3:30 PM ET (Friday) Sprint Cup Series Final Practice, televised on ESPN2

5:35 PM ET (Friday) Sprint Cup Series Qualifying, televised on ESPN2

7:30 PM ET (Saturday) Sprint Cup Series’ Race, the Federated Auto Parts 400, televised on ABC

Next Race- GIECO 400 at the Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, IL

Entry List via Jayski.com