NASCAR Xfinity - Bristol II

The Bristol II nascar-xs event brings the NASCAR Xfinity Series back to Bristol Motor Speedway for the second time in the 2026 season. Known as the Food City 300, this race takes place at one of stock car racing's most unique venues. The short track, located in Bristol, Tennessee, has earned the nickname "The Last Great Colosseum" for its gladiator-like racing atmosphere. The race covers 300 laps on the 0.533-mile concrete oval, totaling 159.9 miles of competition. The event follows a three-stage format, with the first two stages running 85 laps each and the final stage spanning 130 laps.

Bristol Motor Speedway Circuit Details

Bristol Motor Speedway is a concrete oval measuring 0.533 miles in length. The track features steep banking that ranges from 24 to 28 degrees in the turns and 4 to 8 degrees on the straightaways. This banking creates high speeds despite the short distance around the track. The facility holds approximately 146,000 spectators in giant grandstands that tower on all sides, creating a stadium-like setting. The track's compact size requires two separate pit lanes—one on the frontstretch and another on the backstretch—to accommodate all competitors.

The concrete surface provides unique racing characteristics. Drivers face specific tire wear and handling challenges throughout the race. The tight confines and high speeds often lead to close-quarters racing and frequent contact between cars.

Expected Participants for Bristol II

The nascar-xs field typically includes seasoned veterans, rising stars, and occasionally Cup Series drivers. Recent Bristol races have featured drivers such as Justin Allgaier, Sam Mayer, Riley Herbst, Sammy Smith, Sheldon Creed, Austin Hill, Jesse Love, Brandon Jones, and Parker Kligerman. Young talents like Connor Zilisch and Carson Kvapil have also demonstrated strong performances at Bristol Motor Speedway in Xfinity Series competition.

Technical Regulations for 2026

The NASCAR Xfinity Series, also known as the O'Reilly Auto Parts Series, operates under specific technical regulations for the 2026 season. Several rule updates have been implemented across NASCAR's national tours. The minimum age for drivers participating in O'Reilly Auto Parts Series events at short tracks and road courses has been lowered to 17 years. Cup Series drivers who accrue points in the Cup Series cannot compete in the final nine events of the O'Reilly Auto Parts Series season. A new rule states that once a car enters the garage during a race, it is no longer eligible to record the fastest lap, though a time recorded before entering the garage will still stand.

Bristol Motor Speedway Racing History

Bristol Motor Speedway has hosted NASCAR Xfinity Series races since the series began in 1982. The Food City 300 has been a consistent fixture on the series schedule. The track was built on a former dairy farm and opened in 1961 as Bristol International Speedway. A significant reconfiguration in 1969 increased the banking to its current steep angles, transforming it into one of the fastest and most challenging short tracks in NASCAR competition. The fall race at Bristol transitioned to a night event in 1978, a tradition that continues today.

Bristol Motor Speedway has hosted more Xfinity Series races than any other track in the series. The race length has varied over the years but has settled on 300 laps for the current format.

What Makes Bristol II Special

Bristol Motor Speedway has earned the nickname "The World's Fastest Half-Mile" due to the high speeds achieved despite its short length. The track's stadium-like seating arrangement and steep banking create an intense atmosphere for both fans and competitors. The concrete jungle surface presents unique challenges throughout the race distance. The track has shown versatility, having been temporarily converted to a dirt surface for special NASCAR Cup Series and World of Outlaws sprint car events.

The Bristol II nascar-xs race promises close competition and hard racing at one of stock car racing's most distinctive venues. The combination of steep banking, concrete surface, and compact layout creates opportunities for dramatic racing action throughout the 300-lap distance. Fans who follow this race will witness Xfinity Series drivers battling on a track that has produced memorable moments throughout NASCAR history.