NASCAR Truck - Richmond

The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series returns to Richmond Raceway for the eero 250 in 2026. This premier short track race brings stock truck racing to the historic Virginia venue. Richmond Raceway hosts one of the most competitive races on the NASCAR truck series schedule.

About Richmond Raceway

Richmond Raceway sits on 575 acres in Richmond, Virginia, between Interstate 95 and Interstate 64. The facility features a unique three-quarter-mile D-shaped oval configuration. This track layout sets Richmond apart as the only NASCAR venue with a 0.750-mile distance. The asphalt surface measures exactly 1.207 kilometers around.

The turns feature 14 degrees of banking, while the frontstretch has 8 degrees and the backstretch carries 2 degrees. These banking angles create close racing and multiple racing lines. Drivers can run high or low through the corners. Richmond earned its nickname "America's Premier Short Track" through decades of competitive racing action.

Race Format and Distance

The eero 250 at Richmond covers 250 laps for a total distance of 187.50 miles. NASCAR divides the race into three stages. Stage 1 runs 70 laps, followed by Stage 2 at 70 laps. The final stage extends to 110 laps. This stage format creates multiple strategy scenarios throughout the race.

Teams must balance tire wear, fuel mileage, and track position. The short track surface puts stress on equipment. Crew chiefs develop race strategies around stage breaks and potential caution periods.

Track History and Heritage

Richmond Raceway opened on October 11, 1946, as a half-mile dirt track. The venue held its first NASCAR Cup Series race in 1953, with Lee Petty taking the victory. The track received an asphalt surface in 1968. A major reconfiguration in 1988 created the current D-shaped layout that drivers race on today.

The facility added lights in 1991, allowing for night racing. Richmond underwent a significant infield redevelopment project in 2018. This renovation added modern fan amenities and enhanced the viewing experience. The venue has operated under several names throughout its history, including Richmond Fairgrounds Raceway and Richmond International Raceway.

NASCAR Truck Series at Richmond

The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series competed at Richmond from 1995 to 2005, then returned to the schedule in 2020. Three drivers earned their first truck series victories at this track: Terry Labonte, Bob Keselowski, and Tony Stewart. The short track demands precision driving and clean execution.

Racing at a Short Track

Richmond's three-quarter-mile layout creates a unique racing environment. Lap times are short, putting cars in traffic quickly. Drivers navigate through lapped trucks throughout the race. Clean air offers a performance advantage, making track position valuable.

The compact racing surface means accidents can collect multiple trucks. Caution flags play a major role in race outcomes. Restarts bunch the field together, creating opportunities for position changes. Side-by-side racing occurs frequently through the corners and down the straightaways.

Technical Specifications

NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series vehicles follow specific technical regulations. The sanctioning body sets rules for engine specifications, chassis construction, aerodynamics, and safety equipment. All trucks must meet these standards to compete.

Teams work within these parameters to optimize performance at Richmond. Short track setups differ from configurations used at larger speedways. Engineers focus on mechanical grip and handling through the corners. Brake performance becomes critical due to the repetitive slowing and acceleration.

The 2026 Season

The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series field will feature drivers and teams competing for race wins and championship points. Richmond Raceway provides a test of short track skills and equipment durability. The 2026 edition of the eero 250 continues the tradition of NASCAR truck racing at this Virginia facility.

Richmond's location in the mid-Atlantic region makes it accessible to racing fans throughout the eastern United States. The venue's capacity accommodates a substantial audience. This nascar-truck race at Richmond International Raceway represents a key event for competitors pursuing series success.