NASCAR Truck - Bristol

The Tennessee Army National Guard 250 brings NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series action to Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, Tennessee. This race serves as part of the Epic Spring Tripleheader weekend at one of NASCAR's most distinctive venues. The 250-lap competition covers 133.25 miles on Bristol's legendary concrete surface, with the race divided into three stages of 65 laps, 65 laps, and 120 laps respectively.

Bristol Motor Speedway Circuit Details

Bristol Motor Speedway features a 0.533-mile oval configuration that creates close-quarters racing action. The short track layout includes concrete surfaces throughout, with turn banking ranging from 24 to 28 degrees and straightaway banking between 4 and 8 degrees. The frontstretch extends 860 feet while the backstretch measures 650 feet. The facility operates with two pit roads and offers seating capacity for approximately 146,000 spectators, making it the largest-capacity venue in NASCAR.

Track Characteristics

Bristol Motor Speedway earned its nickname "The Last Great Colosseum" through its steep banking and compact design. The track also carries the title "The World's Fastest Half-Mile." The venue's configuration with four turns creates a racing environment where drivers compete in tight spaces lap after lap. The concrete surface, installed in 1992, provides consistent grip levels throughout race events.

NASCAR Truck Series Technical Specifications

The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series trucks competing at Bristol Motor Speedway produce 750 horsepower, the standard output for tracks shorter than 1.5 miles. The series utilizes a short track rules package that includes a three-inch rear spoiler and reduced diffuser strakes. All trucks feature mandatory A-post flaps to prevent vehicles from lifting during spins, with bright orange material visible underneath these safety components.

Participating Teams and Drivers

Kaulig Racing fields RAM trucks in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, with Justin Haley piloting the No. 16 RAM and Daniel Dye also competing for the organization. The team's No. 25 truck features a rotating lineup of drivers from various motorsports backgrounds. NASCAR regulations limit Cup Series drivers with three or more years of experience to a maximum of eight Craftsman Truck Series races per season.

Bristol Motor Speedway History

Bristol Motor Speedway opened its gates in 1961, originating from Larry Carrier's vision. The track initially measured a half-mile with 22-degree banking before undergoing reconfiguration in 1969 to its current 0.533-mile length. The facility transitioned to its concrete surface in 1992, establishing the racing conditions that remain today. The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series began competing at Bristol in 1995, adding another dimension to the track's motorsports calendar.

What Makes Bristol Unique

Bristol Motor Speedway stands out among NASCAR venues for several reasons. The steep banking creates racing lines that bunch the field together, leading to frequent position changes. The track's compact size means drivers complete laps quickly, with minimal time to rest between corners. Bristol ranks among the loudest tracks in NASCAR due to sound reflecting off the steep banking and large grandstands. The Bristol night race holds status as a crown jewel event within the sport.

The Spring Race Weekend

The Tennessee Army National Guard 250 NASCAR truck race at Bristol Motor Speedway forms part of a multi-series weekend. The Epic Spring Tripleheader delivers racing across different NASCAR series, with the Craftsman Truck Series joining Cup Series competition. This format provides fans with diverse racing action throughout the weekend at Bristol Motor Speedway. The track also hosts NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series playoff action later in the season with the UNOH 200 presented by Ohio Logistics in September.

Bristol Motor Speedway continues to serve as a proving ground for NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series competitors. The combination of short track racing, steep banking, and concrete surfaces tests driver skill and truck setup. The Tennessee Army National Guard 250 adds another chapter to Bristol's long NASCAR truck racing history, bringing competition to one of Tennessee's premier motorsports facilities.