Racing at Richmond for the first time since 2018, Dale Earnhardt Jr. brought his 3-year-old daughter Isla along with him for the day, something he said was cooler than anything he accomplished in the race car.
Earnhardt Jr., one of the fan favorites, was cheered by a healthy midday crowd at Richmond Raceway every time he passed a car, moving up from his starting position of 30th and ultimately rising to third.
A pair of late-race incidents damaged his car and ultimately led to a 14th place finish, but that won't be his main takeaway.
"I told myself I was probably gonna enjoy that more than anything today," he said of having his daughter come out with him for driver intros. "And I was right. I really had fun in the car, but nothing beats her looking at me like, what is happening? She couldn't figure it out. (laughs) It'll be fun now to go back to her and hear what she thinks and see if everything registered."
The Xfinity race was won by Noah Gragson. The track was then cleared in preparation for a 9/11 anniversary tribute and the Cup Series playoff race, which is scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. and will be broadcast on NBC Sports Network.
Earnhardt, who came out of retirement for the race, said he anticipates doing something similar next year, but noted that at 46 years old, he was struggling to keep up.
"These guys are so good," he said. "I mean, I’m going to have to try again next year, and if I don't run good then I might not come back. Because it's a young man's game out there."
Earnhardt said one reason to keep doing it was to involve his family. This was Isla's first time being out on the track (she's a fan of the Cars series of movies), while Earnhardt's wife Amy and younger daughter watched from nearby.
"It sucks I only get to do this once a year for that reason," Dale Earnhardt Jr. said. "Man, I'd love for her to experience a lot of what I went through in the last few decades.
"So we come we come to that tunnel and through the curtain (for introductions) and she's looking all the people cheering, and I said, these are all the drivers, these are all my friends. I'm going to race with today - I was wrong about a few of them. Some of them aren’t my buddies. (laughs) But I was like, all my friends and me are going to get out there and compete. I was trying to make her think that we’re all gonna go have a great time.
"Hopefully it'll be something they appreciate when they get older."
Earnhardt's day wasn't over yet. He was scheduled to participate in the Cup race as a commentator on the NBC Sports Network broadcast.
With several legacy names in the sport, Earnhardt said it brings things full circle to his childhood to be able to share the moments with his family.
"I get it now," he said. "You know, all these years I've watched all these guys bring their kids out. And I didn’t have a problem with it, but I didn't get it. I get it now. I get it, why they want to have their kids around at intros, and out at the car. They want their kids to experience that. It’s never registered for me. Now I’m understanding why they do this."
PHOTOS: NASCAR Saturday races at Richmond Raceway in 2021
Dale Earnhardt Jr., carrying his daughter, Isla , 3, is introduced to the crowd during driver introductions at Richmond Raceway, Saturday 9/11/2021. Earnhardt Jr., who is retired, was driving in the 41st Annual Go Bowling 250 at the speedway.
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Dale Earnhardt Jr., carrying his daughter, Isla , 3, is introduced to the crowd during driver introductions at Richmond Raceway, Saturday 9/11/2021. Earnhardt Jr., who is retired, was driving in the 41st Annual Go Bowling 250 at the speedway.
JAMES H WALLACE/TIMES-DISPATCH
Dale Earnhardt Jr., carrying his daughter, Isla , 3, is introduced to the crowd during driver introductions at Richmond Raceway, Saturday 9/11/2021. Earnhardt Jr., who is retired, was driving in the 41st Annual Go Bowling 250 at the speedway.
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Dale Earnhardt Jr., carrying his daughter, Isla , 3, walked pit road after being introduced during driver introductions at Richmond Raceway, Saturday 9/11/2021. Earnhardt Jr., who is retired, was driving in the 41st Annual Go Bowling 250 at the speedway.
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Dale Earnhardt Jr., showed his daughter the car he would be driving in the 41st Annual Go Bowling 250 at Richmond Raceway, Saturday 9/11/2021. Earnhardt Jr., who is retired, was driving in the race. His daughter had grown tired of the media attention focused on her father an buried her face in his shoulder.
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Dale Earnhardt Jr., with his daughter, Isla , 3, stood next to his car while awaiting the official start of the 41st Annual Go Bowling 250 at Richmond Raceway, Saturday 9/11/2021.
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Dale Earnhardt Jr., laughts with a member of the broadcast media while awaiting the start of the 41st Annual Go Bowling 250 at Richmond Raceway, Saturday 9/11/2021.
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Dale Earnhardt Jr. (8) was stuck in traffic early in the Go Bowling 250 at Richmond Raceway on Saturday. JJ Yeley (17) and Patrick Emerling were ahead of him.
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Austin Cindric #22 lead the early part of the 41st Annual Go Bowling 250 at Richmond Raceway, Saturday 9/11/2021. He was followed by Harrison Burton #20.
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The cars of William Byron #24 and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #47 go through pre race inspections at Richmond Raceway, Saturday 9/11/2021, prior to the start of the Federated Auto Parts 400.
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Austin Cindric #22 lead the early part of the 41st Annual Go Bowling 250 at Richmond Raceway, Saturday 9/11/2021. He was followed by Harrison Burton #20.
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Race fans fill parts of the main parking lot prior to the 41st Annual Go Bowling 250 at Richmond Raceway, Saturday 9/11/2021.
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Race fans fill parts of the main parking lot prior to the 41st Annual Go Bowling 250 at Richmond Raceway, Saturday 9/11/2021.
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Race fans were directed by track officials as they lined up to go through a security check prior to the start of racing at Richmond Raceway, Saturday 9/11/2021.
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Race fan Connie Aylor of Ruckers, Virginia, sat down in the shade next to a merchandise exhibit after not feeling well prior to racing at Richmond Raceway, Saturday 9/11/2021.
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Race fan Tom Turro at Richmond Raceway, Saturday 9/11/2021, prior to the start of racing.
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Race fans Tom Turro, with sons Michael, left, and Joseph, go through ticketing at Richmond Raceway, Saturday 9/11/2021.
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Race fans wait for the introduction of driver prior to the 41st Annual Go Bowling 250 at Richmond Raceway, Saturday 9/11/2021.
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Noah Gragson #9, celebrates in front of his team and fans in the firs turn after winning the 41st Annual Go Bowling 250 at Richmond Raceway, Saturday 9/11/2021.
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Noah Gragson #9, celebrates in Victory Lane after winning the 41st Annual Go Bowling 250 at Richmond Raceway, Saturday 9/11/2021.
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Noah Gragson #9, celebrates with his team and kids who tried to avoid getting wet, after winning the 41st Annual Go Bowling 250 at Richmond Raceway, Saturday 9/11/2021.
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Noah Gragson #9, celebrates in Victory Lane after winning the 41st Annual Go Bowling 250 at Richmond Raceway, Saturday 9/11/2021.
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The crew for #23 Patrick Emerling complete a late pit stop under caution during the 41st Annual Go Bowling 250 at Richmond Raceway, Saturday 9/11/2021.
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NASCAR Xfinity driver Dale Earnhardt Jr, shares a moment with his daughter Isla (3), as the look inside his No. 8 Chevy Camaro, before the start of the 41st Annual Go Bowling 250.
Bud Kraft
NASCAR Xfiniy Series driver Dale Earnhardt Jr’s daughter Nicole (1) doesn’t seem too impress with all the activity on pit row before the start of Saturdays 41st Annual Go Bowling 250.
Bud Kraft
Anthony Grant (9) of Portsmouth Va. shows his support for his favorite driver Kyle Busch, in the garage area Of Richmond International Raceway Saturday.
Bud Kraft
Jeremy Clements pit crew, works on his No 7 Xfinity car, in the late stages of the 41st Annual Go Bowling 250.
Bud Kraft
Richard Petty Motorsports Tire Specialist, Liz Prestella Of Mooresville N.C., writes down the tire dimensions for NASCAR Series driver Erik Jones,#43 Chevrolet Camaro.
Bud Kraft
NASCAR Series driver Martin Truex leads the race on his way to victory in the 64th Annual Federated Auto Parts 400 Salute to First Responders.
Bud Kraft
NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Myatt Snider, leads the pack into turn 1 in the late satges of the 41 st Annual Go Bowling 250 at Richmond International Raceway on Saturday.
Bud Kraft
NASCAR Series driver Kyle Busch (right) tries to make his way through slower traffic, in the 64th Annual Federated Auto Parts 400 Salute to First Responders.
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NASCAR Series driver Martin Truex performs a burnout in front of the grandstands after winning the 64th Annual Federated Auto Parts 400 Salute to Responders Saturday night at Richmond International Raceway.
Bud Kraft
Dale Earnhardt Jr. shares a moment with his daughter Isla, 3, in his Chevy Camaro before the start of the Go Bowling 250 Xfinity Series race. Earnhardt finished 14th.
Bud Kraft
Xfinity driver Myatt Snider, relaxes in the garage area of Richmond International Raceway,before the start of the 41st Annual Go Bowling 250
Bud Kraft
Noah Gragson, driver of the #9 car, celebrates in Victory Lane after winning the Go Bowling 250 at Richmond Saturday, September 11, 2021.
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Noah Gragson, driver of the #9 car, celebrates in Victory Lane after winning the Go Bowling 250 at Richmond Saturday, September 11, 2021.
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Noah Gragson, driver of the #9 car, celebrates in Victory Lane after winning the Go Bowling 250 at Richmond Saturday, September 11, 2021.
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Noah Gragson, driver of the #9 car, celebrates in Victory Lane after winning the Go Bowling 250 at Richmond Saturday, September 11, 2021.
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Noah Gragson, foreground, celebrates in Victory Lane after winning the Go Bowling 250 at Richmond Saturday, September 11, 2021.
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Noah Gragson, driver of the #9 car, celebrates in Victory Lane after winning the Go Bowling 250 at Richmond Saturday, September 11, 2021.
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Colby Howard spun out during the Go Bowling 250 at Richmond Raceway Saturday, September 11, 2021.
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There was a near-capacity crowd for the NASCAR doubleheader at Richmond Raceway on Saturday.
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Stephen Harmon, of Marshall, Va., talks with his 5-year-old son Chip Harmon as he uses the Sim Seats machine at Richmond Raceway Saturday, September 11, 2021.
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Race fans watch the Go Bowling 250 at Richmond Raceway Saturday, September 11, 2021.
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Noah Gragson, driver of the #9 car, celebrates in Victory Lane after winning the Go Bowling 250 at Richmond Saturday, September 11, 2021.
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Noah Gragson, driver of the #9 car, leads the pack at turn four during the Go Bowling 250 at Richmond Saturday, September 11, 2021.
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Austin Cindric pulled in to the pits during the Go Bowling 250 Xfinity race at Richmond Raceway in September. Cindric, the 2020 Xfinity series champion, finished the race 16th.
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Staff Sgt. Joshua Pate, who is stationed at Fort Lee, saluted during the national anthem at Richmond Raceway on Saturday. The track presented a Salute to First Responders before the start of the Federated Auto Parts 400. For more 9/11 coverage, see Page B1. For more NASCAR coverage, see Page C1.
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Staff Sgt. Joshua Pate salutes as the National Anthem is played during the Salute to First Responders before the Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond Raceway Saturday, September 11, 2021. Pate is stationed at Fort Lee.
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Josh Sobecki fist bumps members of the Army after they carried the flag during the Salute to First Responders before the Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond Raceway Saturday, September 11, 2021. Sobecki is with Tyler Reddick's team.
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Josh Sobecki fist bumps members of the Army after they carried the flag during the Salute to First Responders before the Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond Raceway Saturday, September 11, 2021. Sobecki is with Tyler Reddick's team.
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Soldiers hold the American flag during the Salute to First Responders before the Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond Raceway Saturday, September 11, 2021.
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Staff Sgt. Joshua Pate salutes as the National Anthem is played during the Salute to First Responders before the Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond Raceway Saturday, September 11, 2021. Pate is stationed at Fort Lee.
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Planes fly over Richmond Raceway during the Salute to First Responders before the Federated Auto Parts 400 Saturday, September 11, 2021.
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Fireworks go off at Richmond Raceway during the Salute to First Responders before the Federated Auto Parts 400 Saturday, September 11, 2021.
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Martin Truex Jr. celebrated his third victory in his last five Cup Series stops at Richmond Raceway on Saturday night in the Federated Auto Parts 400.
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Martin Truex Jr. celebrates in Victory Lane after winning the Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond Raceway Saturday, September 11, 2021.
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Martin Truex Jr. celebrates in Victory Lane after winning the Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond Raceway Saturday, September 11, 2021.
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Martin Truex Jr. celebrates in Victory Lane after winning the Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond Raceway Saturday, September 11, 2021.
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Martin Truex Jr. celebrates winning the Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond Raceway Saturday, September 11, 2021.
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Denny Hamlin makes a pit stop during the Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond Raceway Saturday, September 11, 2021.
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Christopher Gabehart, Denny Hamlin's crew chief, watches the Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond Raceway Saturday, September 11, 2021.
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(L-R) Katie Bobbitt, Steve Allen, Karen and Steve Powers watch the Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond Raceway Saturday, September 11, 2021.
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Members of Denny Hamlin's team watch the Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond Raceway Saturday, September 11, 2021.
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NASCAR paid tribute to the military and first responders during a pre race ceremony that also honored the victims of 9/11, prior to the Federated Auto Parts 400 race at Richmond Raceway, Saturday 9/11/2021.
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NASCAR paid tribute to the military and first responders during a pre race ceremony that also honored the victims of 9/11, prior to the Federated Auto Parts 400 race at Richmond Raceway, Saturday 9/11/2021.
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NASCAR paid tribute to the military and first responders during a pre race ceremony that also honored the victims of 9/11, prior to the Federated Auto Parts 400 race at Richmond Raceway, Saturday 9/11/2021.
JAMES H WALLACE/TIMES-DISPATCH
NASCAR paid tribute to the military and first responders during a pre race ceremony that also honored the victims of 9/11, prior to the Federated Auto Parts 400 race at Richmond Raceway, Saturday 9/11/2021. A fire truck and police vehicles led a parade that included the race car as part of the ceremony.
JAMES H WALLACE/TIMES-DISPATCH
NASCAR paid tribute to the military and first responders during a pre race ceremony that also honored the victims of 9/11, prior to the Federated Auto Parts 400 race at Richmond Raceway, Saturday 9/11/2021. A fire truck and police vehicles led a parade that included the race car as part of the ceremony.
JAMES H WALLACE/TIMES-DISPATCH
NASCAR paid tribute to the military and first responders during a pre race ceremony that also honored the victims of 9/11, prior to the Federated Auto Parts 400 race at Richmond Raceway, Saturday 9/11/2021. A fire truck and police vehicles led a parade that included the race car as part of the ceremony.
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The start of the Federated Auto Parts 400 race at Richmond Raceway, Saturday 9/11/2021.
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Cars head into the first turn during the Federated Auto Parts 400 race at Richmond Raceway, Saturday 9/11/2021.
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Bubba Wallace #23, crashes into the wall during the Federated Auto Parts 400 race at Richmond Raceway, Saturday 9/11/2021.
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The crew for Kyle Busch #18, worked on his car during a pit stop. He entered the pit with the lead, but was penalized for speeding during the Federated Auto Parts 400 race at Richmond Raceway, Saturday 9/11/2021.
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The crew for Chase Elliott #9, work on his car during the Federated Auto Parts 400 race at Richmond Raceway, Saturday 9/11/2021.
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Martin Truex Jr., celebrates with a burn out after winning the Federated Auto Parts 400 race at Richmond Raceway, Saturday 9/11/2021.
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Martin Truex Jr., celebrates in Victory Lane after winning the Federated Auto Parts 400 race at Richmond Raceway, Saturday 9/11/2021.
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Martin Truex Jr. celebrates in victory lane following the Federated Auto Parts 400 NASCAR Cup race. The win was his third at Richmond Raceway in his past five starts.
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Martin Truex Jr., celebrates in Victory Lane with his crew after winning the Federated Auto Parts 400 race at Richmond Raceway, Saturday 9/11/2021.
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Martin Truex Jr., celebrates in Victory Lane with the victor’s trophy after winning the Federated Auto Parts 400 race at Richmond Raceway, Saturday 9/11/2021.
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Joe Gibbs Racing drivers Denny Hamlin (11 ) and Martin Truex Jr. (19) lead the field in the Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond Raceway. Truex won the race, Hamlin finished third and JGR teammate Christopher Bell took third.
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(L-R) Denny Hamlin, Christopher Bell and Martin Truex Jr. lead during the Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond Raceway Saturday, September 11, 2021.
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J.J. Yeley, driver of the number 53 car, is introduced before the Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond Raceway Saturday, September 11, 2021.
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Garrett Smithley is introduced before the Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond Raceway Saturday, September 11, 2021.
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Quin Houff, driver of the number 00 car, is introduced before the Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond Raceway Saturday, September 11, 2021.
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Erik Jones, driver of the number 43 car, is introduced before the Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond Raceway Saturday, September 11, 2021.
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B.J. McLeod, driver of the number 78 car, is introduced before the Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond Raceway Saturday, September 11, 2021.
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Josh Bilicki, driver of the number 52 car, is introduced before the Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond Raceway Saturday, September 11, 2021.
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Joey Gase, driver of the number 15 car, is introduced before the Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond Raceway Saturday, September 11, 2021.
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Ryan Newman, driver of the number 6 car, is introduced before the Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond Raceway Saturday, September 11, 2021.
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Corey LaJoie, driver of the number 7 car, is introduced before the Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond Raceway Saturday, September 11, 2021.
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Chase Briscoe, driver of the number 14 car, is introduced before the Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond Raceway Saturday, September 11, 2021.
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Bubba Wallace, driver of the number 23 car, is introduced before the Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond Raceway Saturday, September 11, 2021.
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Matt DiBenedetto, driver of the number 21 car, is introduced before the Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond Raceway Saturday, September 11, 2021.
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Anthony Alfredo, driver of the number 38 car, is introduced before the Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond Raceway Saturday, September 11, 2021.
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Fans watch as drivers are being introduced before the Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond Raceway Saturday, September 11, 2021.
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Cole Custer, driver of the number 41 car, is introduced before the Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond Raceway Saturday, September 11, 2021.
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Suarez
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Ricky Stenhouse Jr., driver of the number 47 car, is introduced before the Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond Raceway Saturday, September 11, 2021.
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Ryan Preece, driver of the number 37 car, is introduced before the Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond Raceway Saturday, September 11, 2021.
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Michael McDowell, driver of the number 34 car, is introduced before the Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond Raceway Saturday, September 11, 2021.
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Ross Chastain, driver of the number 42 car, is introduced before the Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond Raceway Saturday, September 11, 2021.
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Chris Buescher finished third in Sunday’s race and is a driver worth watching this weekend at Watkins Glen.
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Austin Dillon, driver of the number 3 car, is introduced before the Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond Raceway Saturday, September 11, 2021.
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Alex Bowman, driver of the number 48 car, is introduced before the Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond Raceway Saturday, September 11, 2021.
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Chase Elliott, driver of the number 9 car, is introduced before the Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond Raceway Saturday, September 11, 2021.
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William Byron, driver of the number 24 car, is introduced before the Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond Raceway Saturday, September 11, 2021.
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Kyle Busch, driver of the number 18 car, is introduced before the Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond Raceway Saturday, September 11, 2021.
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Justin Haley, driver of the number 77 car, is introduced before the Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond Raceway Saturday, September 11, 2021.
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Kevin Harvick, driver of the number 4 car, is introduced before the Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond Raceway Saturday, September 11, 2021.
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Bell
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Tyler Reddick, driver of the number 8 car, is introduced before the Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond Raceway Saturday, September 11, 2021.
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Kurt Busch, driver of the number 1 car, is introduced before the Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond Raceway Saturday, September 11, 2021.
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Kyle Larson, driver of the number 5 car, is introduced before the Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond Raceway Saturday, September 11, 2021.
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Denny Hamlin, driver of the number 11 car, is introduced before the Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond Raceway Saturday, September 11, 2021.
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Martin Truex Jr., driver of the number 19 car, is introduced before the Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond Raceway Saturday, September 11, 2021.
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