Awesome Race Fans

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.

 

The Go Bowling at The Glen delivered the chaos, drama, and edge-of-your-seat action that fans have come to expect from NASCAR’s road courses. On September 15, 2024, Chris Buescher stole the spotlight, taking his first-ever road course victory in a nail-biting overtime battle. In a race filled with high-speed drama, playoff shakeups, and pivotal moments, Buescher’s aggressive last-lap move on road-course ace Shane van Gisbergen defined the day.

The Overtime Thriller

The race went into overtime after multiple incidents on the track. Shane van Gisbergen, known for his mastery of road courses and fresh off a successful NASCAR debut last season, took the lead in a bold three-wide move during the final restart. However, Chris Buescher’s No. 17 RFK Racing Ford stayed glued to his bumper.

In a heart-stopping moment at the Bus Stop chicane, Buescher and van Gisbergen made contact, sending sparks flying. Van Gisbergen briefly pulled ahead, but he clipped the inside wall at the Esses, opening the door for Buescher to make a daring pass on the inside. Buescher powered through the final section, crossing the line 0.979 seconds ahead of van Gisbergen  .

“We came here to be spoilers,” Buescher declared, reflecting on the race. “What an awesome finish. We were so strong all day, and to pull off the win feels incredible.”

For van Gisbergen, it was a tough loss. “Driver error,” he admitted. “I knew Buescher would send it, and I just didn’t hold it together. It’s frustrating, but we’ll be back.” Despite the setback, van Gisbergen showcased why he’s one of the most formidable road course drivers, finishing second.

Playoff Shakeups

This race was a crucial one in the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs, and the results threw the playoff standings into chaos. Ryan Blaney, who led the points going into Watkins Glen, saw his race end on Lap 1 after being caught in a six-car pileup. Playoff contenders Denny Hamlin, Brad Keselowski, and Christopher Bell also fell victim to the melee  .

Chase Briscoe emerged as the highest-finishing playoff driver, securing sixth place, while Austin Cindric managed to grab a 10th-place finish. Other playoff drivers, like Tyler Reddick and Kyle Larson, were mired deep in the pack after multiple incidents. Hendrick Motorsports, which had dominated Watkins Glen in recent years, saw its five-race winning streak snapped  .

Strategy, Chaos, and Pit Road Penalties

The race saw its fair share of green-flag pit stops and strategic moves, but it was the accidents and penalties that defined the day for many. Brad Keselowski was hit with multiple penalties, including an uncontrolled tire, while Kyle Larson suffered a penalty for vehicle interference during pit stops .

Ross Chastain, who started on the pole, led significant portions of the race and claimed the second stage victory. However, he couldn’t fend off the late-race charge from Buescher and van Gisbergen .

Notable Finishes and What’s Next

Carson Hocevar finished third, a strong performance from the young driver. Ross Chastain and Zane Smith rounded out the top five, while Michael McDowell, Corey LaJoie, and Ryan Preece also cracked the top 10  .

With the Watkins Glen madness in the rearview mirror, all eyes turn to the next playoff race at Bristol Motor Speedway. As the playoff picture becomes clearer, expect more aggressive racing and perhaps another spoiler like Buescher to upset the field.