2025 Cook Out 400 Picks and Predictions - NASCAR Betting Preview August 16

NASCAR Cook Out 400 Betting Preview

NASCAR heads to Richmond Raceway in Richmond, VA for the Cook Out 400 as drivers start their engines on August 16, 2025 for the big race! WagerTalk NASCAR handicapper Andy Lang gives his Cook Out 400 picks and predictions before the race starts up at 7:30 pm ET!

2025 Cook Out 400 Betting Odds

Saturday, August 16	Cook Out 400 Notes (Courtesy of Caesars)
Date:	August 16, 2025
Time:	7:30pm ET / 4:30pm PT
Location:	Richmond Raceway in Richmond, VA
Favorite to Win:	Denny Hamlin (+400)
TV:	USA Network

Cook Out 400 Track: Richmond Raceway

Richmond Raceway, famously known as “America’s Premier Short Track,” is a 0.75-mile D-shaped asphalt oval just outside Richmond, Virginia.

It features moderately steep 14-degree banking in the turns, 8 degrees on the frontstretch, and a flatter 2 degrees on the backstretch—creating a fast short-track feel with some intermediate-track characteristics.

The relatively smooth asphalt, combined with the high banking, allows for multi-groove racing and lots of passing, rewarding both aggressive driving and strong tire management. Drivers who excel here tend to be those with short-track prowess and savvy racecraft.

Consistent top performers at Richmond in recent seasons include Denny Hamlin— who averages a 5.0 finish—Kevin Harvick, Christopher Bell, and Kyle Larson, all demonstrating strong results and frequent top-10-showings.

Denny Hamlin has secured multiple wins in recent years, while Kyle Larson also notched a victory in the spring race of 2023, and Alex Bowman took the checkered flag back in 2021.

These drivers typically understand how to manage traffic, time their moves, and preserve tires for late-race battles.

On the flip side, some drivers with weaker Richmond records include those whose driving style doesn’t adapt as well to Richmond’s blend of speed and precision— often those who struggle with rhythm in short-track traffic or over long green-flag runs.

While they may find success elsewhere, the combination of tight racing and tire degradation at Richmond has exposed their setup or traffic-management limitations in past races.

In short, succeeding at Richmond requires nuanced setup, smart tactics, and precise execution—and the drivers who bring those to the table generally shine under the Friday night lights.

Cook Out 400 Top 10 Prediction

Alex Bowman TOP 10 (+200)

Alex Bowman offers strong value at +200 for a Top 10 finish. While his recent history at this track hasn’t been great, he did win here back in 2021, proving he knows how to perform on this layout.

He’s also riding a hot streak with four straight Top 10 finishes on ovals, showcasing both speed and consistency. Given his current form and the team’s momentum, these odds are simply too good to pass up.

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