Expert prediction
Cook Out 400 Picks, Odds, and Preview (Aug 16)
Pick rationale
Analysis & key factors
Only two races remain on the regular season schedule for the 2025 season, meaning that the pressure will be intense at Richmond Raceway for the Cook Out 400 this Saturday. But, which drivers will be among the standout Cook Out 400 picks to enhance their playoff credentials before the postseason gets underway on Aug 31?
How To Watch
- When: Saturday, August 16, 2025, at 7:30 P.M. ET
- Where: Richmond Raceway, Virginia
- How To Watch: USA
Odds
| Driver | Odds |
|---|---|
| Denny Hamlin | +350 |
| Christopher Bell | +400 |
| Kyle Larson | +900 |
| Joey Logano | +1000 |
| William Byron | +1000 |
| Chase Briscoe | +1400 |
| Ryan Blaney | +1400 |
| Other Selections | +1600 & Bigger |
Recent Winners of the Cook Out 400
| Year | Winning Driver |
|---|---|
| 2024 | Austin Dillon |
| 2023 | Chris Buescher |
| 2022 | Kevin Harvick |
| 2021 | Martin Truex Jr |
| 2020 | Brad Keselowski |
| 2019 | Martin Truex Jr |
| 2018 | Kyle Busch |
Race Preview
The finishing line is in sight in terms of the NASCAR Cup Series regular season, with just two final opportunities being on the agenda to secure enough points to make the playoffs. This weekend, the focus will be on Richmond Raceway, as the Cook Out 400 covers a total of 300 miles, which is made up by 400 laps of the oval track.
Last weekend saw William Byron extend his advantage at the top of the Drivers’ Championship after taking fourth at the Go Bowling at the Glen. However, last weekend’s race was all about the continued dominance of Shane van Gisbergen on the road tracks after winning for the third time on the calendar in 2025.
But, Byron was the big winner in the context of the season, with Chase Elliott, Denny Hamlin, and Kyle Larson all failing to finish in the top 20. Christopher Bell enjoyed a solid weekend on the track, as he finished second overall to move up to third in the overall standings.
READ More: The Open Championship Odds, Preview, and Picks (2025)
In fact, five of the top seven in the overall standings failed to finish in the top five last weekend. Bell’s second-place finish reignited his chances of success this season, as he has now finished in the top ten in three of the last five races.
Denny Hamlin may enjoy being back at the Cook Out 400 after famously winning the race back in 2017. His strike-rate this term has been respectable, claiming four victories and five further podiums.
Cook Out 400 Picks
A very competitive race is set for this weekend, as we chase a third winning pick in a row. Christopher Bell looks like a standout chance after his return to form last weekend. The driver has been no stranger to success throughout the campaign, winning three times on the Cup Series schedule.
Free Picks:
Nascar
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