The Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway on August 16, 2025, was Austin Dillon’s night to shine. The No. 3 Chevrolet driver went back-to-back at the Virginia short track, leading 107 laps and holding off a fierce challenge from Ryan Blaney to win the NASCAR Cup Series race.
Dillon’s masterful drive, especially through a tense final green-flag pit cycle, locked him into the 2025 playoffs with authority. He took the checkered flag after dominating the final 47 laps, proving he’s got the grit to tame Richmond’s tricky D-shaped oval.
Make room for the No. 3!@austindillon3 wins his way into the NASCAR Playoffs! pic.twitter.com/Lykktv1u3L
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) August 17, 2025
Alex Bowman brought home a strong second, keeping Dillon honest, while Blaney settled for third after their hard-fought duel. Joey Logano and Austin Cindric rounded out a solid top five, with Kyle Larson, Daniel Suarez, Josh Berry, Brad Keselowski, and Denny Hamlin completing the top 10.
The race was a short-track classic, packed with tight racing and strategic pit calls that kept fans on edge. For Dillon, it’s a statement win, showing he’s peaking at the right time as the playoffs loom. Richmond’s sold-out crowd got a show, and Dillon’s victory lap under the lights was one to remember.
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