What Is 2015 Federated Auto Parts 400

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2015 Federated Auto Parts 400 was a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race held on August 29, 2015, at Richmond International Raceway. Kyle Busch won the event, leading 95 laps and securing his second consecutive victory.

Key Facts

Race date: August 29, 2015
Track: Richmond International Raceway, 0.75-mile oval
Winner: Kyle Busch, driving the #18 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
Total laps: 400, distance: 300 miles
Pole position: Kurt Busch, with a qualifying speed of 124.427 mph

Overview

The 2015 Federated Auto Parts 400 was a pivotal NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event that served as the final race in the 'Race to the Chase' before the 2015 playoffs. Held under the lights at Richmond International Raceway, the race played a crucial role in determining which drivers would qualify for the expanded 16-driver playoff field.

This race marked the 25th annual running of the Federated Auto Parts 400 and was the 26th event of the 36-race 2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup season. The outcome had significant implications for driver standings, with several competitors vying for the final playoff spots.

Kyle Busch won the race, leading 95 laps and securing his second consecutive victory after winning the previous week at Bristol.
The race featured 8 caution flags for a total of 47 laps, including a late-race incident that bunched the field.
Joey Logano finished second, while Kurt Busch started on pole but finished third after leading 48 laps.
Denny Hamlin advanced into a playoff-eligible position by winning the first two stages of the race.
The race lasted 3 hours, 11 minutes, with an average speed of 94.108 mph due to multiple caution periods.

How It Works

The Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond was structured under NASCAR's traditional race format, with a focus on stage racing elements that would later be formalized in 2017. The race tested driver consistency, pit strategy, and track position over 400 grueling laps.

Track Layout: Richmond International Raceway is a 0.75-mile D-shaped oval with 8 degrees of banking in the turns and 2 degrees on the straights. The short track demands aggressive driving and precise handling.
Race Format: The event consisted of 400 laps, divided into three stages informally recognized by teams, though stage points were not yet part of NASCAR's official system in 2015.
Qualifying:Kurt Busch earned the pole with a lap speed of 124.427 mph, edging out Martin Truex Jr. in the final round of time trials.
Pit Strategy: Teams had to balance fuel mileage and tire wear, especially during long green-flag runs; several top contenders opted for two-tire pit stops under caution.
Playoff Implications: The race determined the final lineup for the 2015 Chase, with 12 drivers locked in based on wins and points, and the final four spots decided by points.
Weather Conditions: The race started under clear skies at 7:30 PM ET, with temperatures around 78°F and low humidity, providing optimal track conditions.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2015 Federated Auto Parts 400 compares to other key races in the 2015 season:

Race	Date	Winner	Track Length	Caution Flags
Federated Auto Parts 400	August 29, 2015	Kyle Busch	0.75 miles	8
Darlington Raceway (May)	May 9, 2015	Denny Hamlin	1.366 miles	7
Daytona 500	February 22, 2015	Joey Logano	2.5 miles	6
Brickyard 400	July 26, 2015	Jeff Gordon	2.5 miles	5
Coca-Cola 600	May 24, 2015	Joey Logano	1.5 miles	10

Compared to other races, the 2015 Federated Auto Parts 400 had a moderate number of cautions and was notable for its playoff-deciding impact. Richmond’s short track produced tighter racing and more side-by-side action than superspeedways like Daytona or Indianapolis.

Why It Matters

The 2015 Federated Auto Parts 400 was more than just another race—it was a dramatic cutoff event that shaped the entire playoff landscape. With NASCAR’s new win-and-in format, every lap carried heightened stakes, making it one of the most intense regular-season finales in recent memory.

Kyle Busch solidified his championship contender status by winning despite missing the first 11 races due to injury.
The race marked the final regular-season appearance for Tony Stewart before his retirement, adding emotional weight.
Matt Kenseth entered the playoffs with momentum after a top-five finish, later advancing to the Championship 4.
It highlighted the importance of consistency, as 16 drivers earned playoff berths based on wins or points.
The event drew an estimated 85,000 fans, showcasing Richmond’s enduring popularity in the NASCAR circuit.
NASCAR’s decision to expand the playoff field to 16 drivers was validated by the race’s competitive drama and unpredictability.

The 2015 Federated Auto Parts 400 remains a landmark event in NASCAR history, remembered for its high stakes, dramatic finishes, and pivotal role in shaping the modern playoff era.