NASCAR fantasy picks: Cup Series makes big arrival at Richmond in August 2024

The 23rd official weekend of the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season has arrived. After a two-week break, NASCAR has arrived at Richmond Raceway to set the starting lineup for the Cook Out 400. This is Richmond’s last date in 2024, so there is much to be excited about!

Now, the time has come for NASCAR.com’s version of fantasy picks. Who should you start and sit for the Cook Out 400? Below, we recommend who you should include and not include in your fantasy lineups at Richmond.

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Start 'Em: No. 19 Martin Truex Jr.

Jun 9, 2024; Sonoma, California, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Martin Truex Jr. (19) waves as he gets introduced to fans before the start of the Toyota / Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports

Martin Truex Jr. led 228 laps in the first Richmond race in 2024 and should be one of the favorites again. Truex is looking for redemption after losing the lead on the final restart, resulting in some controversy over whether Denny Hamlin jumped the restart. The Joe Gibbs Racing driver will be strong and should be locked into your fantasy lineups.

Sit 'Em: No. 12 Ryan Blaney

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - JULY 21: Ryan Blaney, driver of the #12 Menards/Atlas Ford, fist bumps a NASCAR fan prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on July 21, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)

Ryan Blaney hasn't been very successful at Richmond in the past, and his 19th-place finish in March shouldn't be overlooked. Blaney may be hitting his stride during the summer, but the race track hasn't been nice to him in the past. The Team Penske driver is one of NASCAR's best drivers right now, but stay away from him this weekend.

Start 'Em: No. 11 Denny Hamlin

NASCAR Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin is introduced before the Ally 400 at Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tenn., Sunday, June 30, 2024.

Hamlin won the Cup Series race at Richmond in March and has been very successful at the track over the last few years. Hamlin's success has mostly occurred on short tracks, which gives him a strong opportunity to sweep the races in 2024. The Joe Gibbs Racing driver is another one that should be locked into fantasy lineups on Sunday evening.

Sit 'Em: No. 45 Tyler Reddick

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JULY 06: Tyler Reddick, driver of the #45 Jordan Brand Toyota, walks onstage during the NCS Driver Engagement on the Main Stage at the Chicago Street Course on July 06, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)

Tyler Reddick could have a solid weekend at Richmond, but saving his starts for better tracks over the next three weeks is wise. If you have more than two starts left for Reddick, it wouldn't hurt to start him, but his 10th-place finish and 28 points in March weren't fantastic. The 23XI Racing driver has better tracks ahead, following Richmond.

Start 'Em: No. 22 Joey Logano

Jun 22, 2024; Loudon, New Hampshire, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Joey Logano (22) waits outside his hauler before practice for the USA Today 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

Joey Logano always finds himself in contention at Richmond, and this weekend should be no different. In March, Logano ended with a second-place finish and 49 points in a strong effort. The Team Penske driver has been much better than Blaney at Richmond, and a trip to victory lane wouldn't be surprising on Sunday.

Sit 'Em: No. 24 William Byron

NASCAR Cup Series driver William Byron is introduced before the Ally 400 at Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tenn., Sunday, June 30, 2024.

William Byron hasn't been very great at Richmond but a seventh-place finish and 32 points in March opens the door for him. However, it might be wise to keep Byron off your lineups if his starts are winding down like Reddick. The Hendrick Motorsports driver could surprise, but the ceiling isn't as high for the No. 24 team compared to other events. [lawrence-related id=15835,15831,15731]

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