RICHMOND, Va. – A photographic look at Friday’s NASCAR racing action at Richmond International Raceway. All photos provided courtesy of NASCAR and Getty Images.
Dale Earnhardt Jr., driver of the #88 Nationwide Chevrolet, practices for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Toyota Owners 400 at Richmond International Raceway on April 28, 2017 in Richmond, Virginia. (Photo by Sarah Crabill/Getty Images)
Dale Earnhardt Jr., driver of the #88 Nationwide Chevrolet, stands in the garage during practice for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Toyota Owners 400 at Richmond International Raceway on April 28, 2017 in Richmond, Virginia. (Photo by Matt Sullivan/Getty Images)
William Byron, driver of the #9 Liberty University Chevrolet, practices for the NASCAR XFINITY Series ToyotaCare 250 at Richmond International Raceway on April 28, 2017 in Richmond, Virginia. (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk/Getty Images)
Daniel Hemric, driver of the #21 Blue Gate Bank Chevrolet, practices for the NASCAR XFINITY Series ToyotaCare 250 at Richmond International Raceway on April 28, 2017 in Richmond, Virginia. (Photo by Sarah Crabill/Getty Images)
Cole Custer, driver of the #00 Haas Automation Ford, practices for the NASCAR XFINITY Series ToyotaCare 250 at Richmond International Raceway on April 28, 2017 in Richmond, Virginia. (Photo by Sarah Crabill/Getty Images)
Ryan Blaney, driver of the #21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center Ford, practices for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Toyota Owners 400 at Richmond International Raceway on April 28, 2017 in Richmond, Virginia. (Photo by Sarah Crabill/Getty Images)
Matt Kenseth, driver of the #20 Circle K Toyota, poses with the Coors Light Pole Award after qualifying for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Toyota Owners 400 at Richmond International Raceway on April 28, 2017 in Richmond, Virginia. (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk/Getty Images)
Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 FedEx Ground Toyota, practices for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Toyota Owners 400 at Richmond International Raceway on April 28, 2017 in Richmond, Virginia. (Photo by Sarah Crabill/Getty Images)
Ryan Blaney, driver of the #21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center Ford, stands in the garage area during practice for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Toyota Owners 400 at Richmond International Raceway on April 28, 2017 in Richmond, Virginia. (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk/Getty Images)
Mike Haag has covered motorsports in San Antonio and South Texas for more than 39 years. In addition to covering motorsports for the San Antonio Express-News for nearly 28 years, Mike also has co-hosted TrackSmack with Dawn Murphy for 19 race seasons. In addition to being a writer, Mike taught high school English and Journalism for 30 years before retiring in May, 2020.
By Mike Haag