NASCAR Cup - Bristol II

The Bristol II nascar-cup event at Bristol Motor Speedway features the Bass Pro Shops Night Race, a major playoff competition in the NASCAR Cup Series. This race takes place under the lights at one of the most challenging short tracks in stock car racing. Bristol Motor Speedway sits in Bristol, Tennessee, and offers fans a unique racing experience with its steep banking and concrete surface.

About the Bass Pro Shops Night Race

The Bass Pro Shops Night Race serves as the third event in the NASCAR Cup Series playoff system. The 2026 season brings back "The Chase" playoff format, where sixteen drivers compete based on regular-season points. The win-and-you're-in rule no longer applies in this format. Race wins carry significant weight, earning drivers 55 points each.

The race covers 500 laps around the 0.533-mile oval, totaling 266.5 miles. USA Network provides television coverage of this Bristol II event. The competition takes place on a Saturday evening, allowing fans to watch under the facility's powerful lighting system.

Bristol Motor Speedway Circuit

Bristol Motor Speedway is a 0.533-mile oval short track with a concrete racing surface. The track earned nicknames like "The Last Great Colosseum" and "The World's Fastest Half-Mile" due to its unique characteristics.

Track Configuration

The turns feature variable banking between 24 and 28 degrees, while the straightaways have banking from 4 to 8 degrees. This steep banking creates high cornering speeds and intense racing conditions. The concrete surface provides strong grip and responds differently to temperature changes compared to asphalt tracks.

Bristol Motor Speedway features two pit lanes, one on the frontstretch and another on the backstretch. This dual pit lane configuration is rare in NASCAR and necessary due to the track's compact size. The facility holds 146,000 spectators, making it one of the largest sports venues in the United States.

Stadium Atmosphere

The grandstands completely surround the track, creating a bowl-shaped stadium environment. This design traps sound inside the facility, creating an intense sensory experience. "Colossus TV," a massive four-sided video screen, hangs over the infield and ranks as the largest outdoor center-hung display of its kind.

The NASCAR Cup Series Competitors

The 2026 Bass Pro Shops Night Race will feature elite NASCAR Cup Series drivers and teams. Three manufacturers compete in the series: Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota. The typical field includes approximately 40 cars, with the top 16 drivers competing in the playoff system.

The playoff format creates intense competition at Bristol Motor Speedway. Drivers battle for crucial playoff points that determine their championship hopes. The Bristol II race often produces dramatic position changes and close racing throughout the field.

Next Gen Race Cars

The NASCAR Cup Series uses the Next Gen car platform, which debuted in 2022. These cars represent a significant advancement in stock car technology and continue to compete in the 2026 season.

Engine and Performance

Next Gen cars use naturally aspirated pushrod V-8 engines with a maximum displacement of 358 cubic inches. These engines produce approximately 670 horsepower at short tracks like Bristol Motor Speedway. A 5-speed sequential manual transmission with reverse replaces the previous 4-speed gearbox.

Chassis and Components

The Next Gen car features an independent rear suspension, a departure from the solid axle design used previously. The cars ride on 18-inch forged aluminum wheels with a single lug-nut design. Goodyear provides low-profile tires with a 365-section width. The braking system uses 15.0-inch front rotors and 14.0-inch rear rotors.

The car has a fully symmetrical composite body that increases durability and simplifies repairs. Aerodynamic features include vents, a stepped front splitter, and a rear diffuser that manage downforce. The minimum weight is 3,200 pounds without the driver and fuel.

Racing History at Bristol

Bristol Motor Speedway opened in 1961 as Bristol International Speedway. Jack Smith won the first NASCAR Cup Series race at the facility in July 1961. The track underwent a major reconfiguration in 1969, when the banking increased to 36 degrees.

The night race tradition began with the 1978 Volunteer 500. This event grew into one of the most popular races on the NASCAR calendar. The track received a concrete surface in 2007, changing the racing characteristics. The Bass Pro Shops Night Race became a playoff event, adding championship significance to the competition.

Darrell Waltrip holds the record with 12 victories at Bristol Motor Speedway. Dale Earnhardt became famous for his aggressive "bump-and-run" maneuver at this track, a move that exemplifies the close-quarters racing Bristol produces.

What Makes Bristol Special

Bristol Motor Speedway offers several unique features that distinguish it from other NASCAR tracks. The high banking and steep turns generate lateral G-forces approaching 3 Gs, similar to forces experienced during a rocket launch. Drivers must maintain intense focus throughout the 500-lap race.

The tight confines of the 0.533-mile track create frequent close racing and contact between cars. The "bump and run" maneuver appears regularly at Bristol II, where drivers make contact with competitors to gain positions. This aggressive racing style has become a hallmark of events at Bristol Motor Speedway.

The stadium-style seating traps engine noise and crowd sounds, making Bristol one of the loudest tracks in NASCAR. The facility also hosts non-racing events, including college football games. The 2026 Bass Pro Shops Night Race promises intense competition as playoff drivers fight for championship position at this demanding short track.