Frontstretch’s Truck Series content is presented by American Trucks
This is one of the greatest times to be a NASCAR fan during the season. A jam-packed, tripleheader weekend of action will commence on Thursday night at the legendary Bristol Motor Speedway.
A fan favorite on the schedule, Bristol is the host of a playoff race for all three series this week. The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series kicks off the Round of 8 with a championship spot potentially on the line. NASCAR Xfinity Series drivers begin their quest for the title on Friday night. Last but certainly not least is the Bass Pro Shops Night Race for the NASCAR Cup Series, serving as the finale to the Round of 16, with four drivers’ championship hopes to be dashed after the race.
Bristol is always full of entertainment and action. Let’s see who will be making stops this weekend.
TV Broadcast: Cup drivers will compete in the final scheduled night race of the season on Saturday, Sept. 16 at 7:30 p.m. ET on the USA Network.
On Friday, Sept. 15, the Xfinity race will commence at 7:30 p.m. ET on USA, where Dale Earnhardt Jr. makes his return to the track. That will be preceded by the Truck race on Thursday, Sept. 14 at 9 p.m. ET on FOX Sports 1.
Driver Introductions: One of the most unique driver introduction sessions in NASCAR will continue with “Let’s Get Ready to Rumble” deliverer Michael Buffer returning for driver intros. Each driver will also walk out to the song of their choice.
Special Guests: 16-time Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest champion Joey Chestnut will bring his appetite to Thunder Valley, participating in a wing eating contest on Saturday. Chestnut will make several appearances around the track.
2004 Cup champion Kurt Busch will also be a guest of honor at the track. Busch, who recently announced his retirement from Cup racing, won six races at Bristol, including his first career win in 2002. Bristol will be commemorating the 20-year anniversary of the 45-year-old’s first night race win at the track in 2003.
Trackside Live: Trackside Live with Kenny Wallace and John Roberts returns to the track, taking place in the Food City Fan Zone Stage at 4 p.m. prior to the Cup race. Chestnut and select drivers will appear on the stage during the show.
Pre-Race Concert: Country band Midland will perform the pre-race concert prior to the Bass Pro Shops Night Race. The group boasts two top three Country Airplay singles at Billboard.
A foam party will take place after the Truck race, hosted by DJ Sterl the Pearl. Country artist Tim Dugger will perform after the Food City 300 on Friday.
About the author
Luken Glover arrived on the Frontstretch scene in 2020. He has been an avid NASCAR fan for the majority of his life, following in the footsteps of his grandfather, who used to help former team owner Junie Donlavey in his garage. Glover covers news for the site and took over "The Underdog House" column in 2021. In addition to being a college junior, his hobbies include volunteering at church, playing basketball and tennis, racing go-karts, and helping at his high school alma mater.
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Blown tires at Kansas determines qualifying position at Bristol. Please stop carrying over race stats from one to next. Start fresh every time, allow more practice and quit the damn A&B divisions in practice. Proven sun vs clouds makes a difference, so put em all out there together and let practice times or ping pong balls determine qualifying order. ( It’s like they think you guys can’t practice with 36 on the track). Every week someone has a faster time in AorB that gets 11th or worse. Just because it’s 2023 doesn’t mean 1996 or 1987 rules weren’t better. Just stupider experiments. Let em earn it!!!
Am I the only person that believes your pitiful finish at the last race should be left there. New track. New day. Either pull ping pong balls or use practice speeds to determine qualifying lineup. New track. New day. No A&B sessions. Equal time for everyone