BRISTOL, TN – As the NASCAR Cup Series heads into its penultimate regular-season race, all eyes will be on Bristol Motor Speedway for the Bass Pro Shops Night Race this Saturday night. Scheduled for 7:30 p.m. EDT, the 500-lap race around the .533-mile concrete oval will determine which drivers advance to the Round of 12 in the NASCAR Playoffs.
Chase Briscoe, currently 11th among the 16 playoff drivers, finds himself on the cusp of the next playoff round. With only a six-point buffer over 13th-place Denny Hamlin, Briscoe faces a crucial test at Bristol. A solid performance could secure his spot in the next round or force him into a precarious position depending on other drivers’ outcomes.
Briscoe’s history at Bristol, though limited, has shown potential. In four previous Cup Series starts at the track, his best finishes have been 13th. Despite these modest results, Briscoe’s confidence is bolstered by his past successes in other racing series. The .533-mile oval’s high banking resembles tracks he excelled on during his ARCA Menards Series days, such as Salem and Winchester Speedways, where he showcased dominant performances.
In the NASCAR Xfinity Series, Briscoe’s record at Bristol is even more impressive. Out of six starts, he finished in the top four in his last four appearances and won the 2020 Food City 300. This track has consistently been one of his best, providing a foundation of confidence as he prepares for Saturday’s race.
Reflecting on his recent win at Darlington Raceway, Briscoe expressed confidence, saying, “Winning at Darlington, the Southern 500, was a huge boost for us. If we can win that race, we believe we can win anywhere.” He noted that the win energized his team and instilled a belief that they can excel under pressure, especially at a high-stakes race like Bristol.
Bristol’s intensity, particularly as an elimination race, is palpable. Briscoe acknowledges the importance of avoiding mistakes and staying focused throughout the night. “In an elimination race, you have to execute perfectly. You can’t afford big mishaps or mistakes. Doing everything right gives you the best chance, even if it doesn’t guarantee a win.”
Despite facing tough competition, Briscoe remains optimistic. “I don’t see us as underdogs. We’ve proven we can win tough races. Our confidence is high, and we believe in our capability to perform well.”
Looking ahead, Briscoe’s strategy includes leveraging the knowledge gained from a recent test at Bristol. “We had a good test session, and we’re hopeful that the insights we gained will help us be competitive,” he said. The night race is expected to be physically demanding, with Briscoe emphasizing the need for constant aggression and strategic overtaking.
As the NASCAR Playoffs intensify, the Bass Pro Shops Night Race will be a critical moment for Briscoe and others fighting for a spot in the next round. With the stakes high and the competition fierce, Bristol’s .533-mile oval promises a thrilling showdown.
Fans can catch the action live on USA Network or tune in to PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio for coverage.
