2021 NASCAR Cup Series - Federated Auto Parts 400 Salute to First Responders

The NASCAR Playoffs continue at Richmond Raceway for the Federated Auto Parts 400 Salute to First Responders, where America's greatest motorsport slow things down to remember those who lost in the September 11 attacks twenty years ago and then honor this very moment with the continuation of the Round of 16 Playoffs.

As the green flag waved, NASCAR's Patriot Day race has begun and the first stage saw Martin Truex Jr, got slapped with a penalty for beating race leader Denny Hamlin to the line while Kyle Busch also got slapped with a penalty as well for equipment interference. After that, Kurt Busch crashed after he got spun out of the track.

With Denny Hamlin won Stage 1, Stage 2 gets even serious with Chase Elliott's pitstop chaos overshadowed Denny Hamlin's struggle to maintain his lead.

As Hamlin won Stage 2 and Kyle Larson secured his spot in the Round of 12, the final stage saw Martin Truex Jr. charged through the lead from Denny Hamlin while the #34 got slapped with three speeding penalties. With less than 70 laps left, Kyle Busch is slapped with a speeding penalty during his green-flag stop. 

Screengrab from NASCAR

After a dramatic Patriot Day race, Martin Truex Jr. wins the Federated Auto Parts 400 Salute to First Responders of the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series, and his spot in the Round of 12 is now sealed.

The next race is at Bristol Motor Speedway for the Bass Pro Shops Night Race on the 18th of September. Who will make it to the Round of 12? Who will be eliminated? Find out soon!