This weekend’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Bristol, the Bass Pro Shops Night Race, is shaping up to be a thrilling event with plenty of storylines to follow. Here are the key narratives heading into Saturday’s showdown:
1. Playoff Elimination Race
This is the final race in the Round of 16 for the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs, meaning four drivers will be eliminated by the end of the night. Playoff contenders like William Byron, sitting 25 points above the cutline, will look to secure their spot, while drivers on the bubble, such as Tyler Reddick and Joey Logano, will be battling to stay alive .
2. Tire Management and Race Strategy
Drivers are particularly concerned about tire wear heading into this race, given how unpredictable Bristol’s high-banked, half-mile track can be. Earlier this year, Bristol saw significant tire fall-offs, and teams have been scrambling to figure out the best strategy to avoid costly blowouts .
3. Chris Buescher’s Spoiler Role
Fresh off his overtime victory at Watkins Glen, Chris Buescher is looking to play spoiler again, much like he did last season at this same race. While he’s out of playoff contention, his recent form makes him a threat to shake things up .
4. Ford’s Dominance
Historically, Ford has seen great success at Bristol, including notable wins by drivers like Brad Keselowski and Joey Logano. Ford drivers are looking to extend this dominance, with Ryan Blaney and Keselowski aiming to improve their standings .
5. Track Temp and Conditions
Cooler evening temperatures are expected, which could affect tire performance and handling. Drivers are preparing for different racing conditions than those experienced in the spring race, adding to the uncertainty of how the night will unfold .
It’s a crucial race for both playoff hopefuls and those aiming to spoil the party, so be ready for some intense short-track racing under the lights at Bristol!
Driver Odds
The odds for the upcoming Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol show several drivers positioned as favorites for Saturday’s critical playoff elimination event. Here’s a snapshot of the top contenders:
•Denny Hamlin: +400 (The favorite, known for strong performances at Bristol)
•Kyle Larson: +500 (A proven force at Bristol, with wins and multiple top finishes)
•Christopher Bell: +600 (Consistently near the front at Bristol)
•Ty Gibbs: +800 (Emerging contender with strong recent performances)
•Brad Keselowski: +900 (Has shown good form and is poised to challenge)
Some notable longer shots include:
•Chris Buescher: +1200 (Fresh off his win at Watkins Glen)
•Ryan Blaney, Martin Truex Jr., Joey Logano: +1600
•William Byron, Kyle Busch, Tyler Reddick: +2000
For fans looking for real longshots, Bubba Wallace is listed at +6000, while drivers like Michael McDowell, John Hunter Nemechek, and AJ Allmendinger are at +10000 .
The race promises plenty of excitement, especially as it marks the final opportunity for drivers in the Round of 16 to advance in the NASCAR Playoffs.