Sights & Sounds: The final race before the Chase

Published Sep. 6, 2014 4:45 p.m. ET

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4:45 p.m. ET -- It's almost time to set the 16-driver Chase field! Richmond International Raceway is buzzing with action as teams and drivers prepare for the Federated Auto Parts 400. 

While the majority of the Chase field is already set, the battle will be on all night long as drivers and teams gamble to put themselves in position to score a much-needed win and an all-important spot in the Chase field. 

Before the drivers take to the track, however, many of the drivers are busy spending time with fans and hospitality guests around RIR. 

The famous 'Dale Guys' are on site at RIR, and one of them even proposed to Danica Patrick. Apparently, she did not say no... 

While drivers are hanging out with fans, their crews are hard at work preparing the car for tonight's demanding race around the 0.75-mile short track. 

5:25 p.m. ET -- The crowds are gathered and everyone is heading into the driver-crew chief meeting at RIR, while some drivers stop to sign a few autographs for fans along the way. 

5:35 p.m. ET -- Due to rain in the area earlier this afternoon, NASCAR has told the competitors there will be a competition caution on Lap 50 of tonight's race. NASCAR's Robin Pemberton also had a word of advice for the competitors after last year's 'Spingate' scandle. 

6:15 p.m. ET -- Teams are pushing the cars through the final stages of the NASCAR technical inspection before heading to the grid. 

6:20 p.m. ET -- The cars are lined up on the grid, ready to go for tonight's race. 

Joe Gibbs Racing gave us a look at the starting grid thanks to hyperlapse. 

6:45 p.m. ET -- Ricky Stenhouse Jr. knows all that matters tonight in Richmond is a win. A victory would clinch a spot in the 16-driver Chase field. 

7:30 p.m. ET -- Pre-race activities are wrapping up and it's almost time to get the final race before the Chase underway! 

Be sure to follow all the action from Richmond International Raceway with RaceTrax, featuring live timing and scoring, as well as in-race commentary. 

Also, don't miss Kenny Wallace and John Roberts in the new 'Couch Commentary' feature on FOXSports.com. 

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