The NASCAR Cup Series gears up for its first Saturday race of the year with the 2026 Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway. The green flag is set to drop at 7 p.m. ET, promising an exciting evening under the lights.

Austin Dillon, the defending champion for the last two years, aims to make history by joining Richard Petty as one of the few drivers to secure three consecutive wins at this track. However, Denny Hamlin, boasting five wins at Richmond, stands as the +460 favorite according to the latest odds.

The top contenders include:

• Christopher Bell at +500
• Joey Logano at +750
• Austin Dillon and Tyler Reddick both at +1500

Mike McClure, a renowned professional DFS player, has utilized his powerful prediction model to simulate the race 10,000 times. With a track record of identifying winning drivers, including Hamlin’s recent victories, McClure’s insights are invaluable for anyone looking to place bets.

For the 2026 NASCAR at Richmond, McClure is surprisingly fading Joey Logano, predicting he won't finish in the top 5 despite his strong track history. Logano hasn't claimed a victory since 2017 and has struggled to break the top 10 recently.

On the other hand, McClure shows optimism for Tyler Reddick, who has notched five wins this season and has performed well at Richmond in the past.

In addition to these predictions, McClure highlights another longshot that could offer substantial returns. For more detailed insights and to uncover the potential winners of the 2026 Cook Out 400, visit SportsLine for exclusive bets and predictions.