NASCAR Cup Series driver Shane van Gisbergen was frustrated with himself after being eliminated from the playoffs at Bristol. He now remains out of the 2025 title fight, among other drivers who were eliminated from the playoffs, such as Josh Berry, Alex Bowman, and Austin Dillon.
Gisbergen set off to a great start in his first Cup Series season, proving to be one of the strongest drivers on road courses, securing four wins and a spot in the playoffs. Despite the advantage of 22 playoff bonus points, the New Zealander is out of championship contention.
Speaking of the race, it had severe effects on the tires, leading Goodyear to arrange for more sets during the race. Gisbergen spun out twice, which ended his chances of advancing in the playoffs.
However, all positions from P5 to P16 in the standings are open for drivers to secure, meaning he could still finish the season in a good spot. Finishing above the eighth spot could make him the first foreign driver to do so in the Cup Series. Speaking after his playoff exit, Gisbergen was furious with himself. He said:

NASCAR races get decided by drivers battling on the track, but off it, reporters shape how fans see the sport, from driver personas to hot takes on rules. That influence packs a punch, sometimes steering opinions on big issues like the current playoff format. Back before 2004, the championship went to the driver with the most points over the full season, no cuts or resets. Now, since 2014, it’s an elimination setup with 16 drivers whittled down through rounds to a final four chasing the title in one race. This shift has sparked endless debates, with many fans clamoring for a return to the old ways for consistency’s sake.
But when insider Jordan Bianchi floated a tweaked playoff idea on the Door Bumper Clear podcast, legend Mark Martin fired back online, calling out the push amid fan pushback. Some feel reporters like him can shape opinions too much, raising the question — is that fair, or is it just to stir up the drama?
Jordan Bianchi found himself labeled a “NASCAR shill,” after a tense exchange with Jeff Gluck on a podcast, where Bianchi quipped, “Be careful, Mark Martin is gonna tweet about you and accuse you of being on the nascar payroll.” Gluck pushed back, saying, “I don’t think he said you were on the NASCAR payroll; he just said, ‘Why are you going on DBC trying to sell this…,’” to which Bianchi replied, “I didn’t say anything about me.”
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“Be careful, Mark Martin is gonna tweet about you and accuse you of being on the nascar payroll” – Bianchi
“I don’t think he said you were on the nascar payroll, he just said why are you going on DBC trying to sell this…” – Gluck
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“I didn’t say anything about me” – Bianchi
— BrakeHard (@BrakeHardBlog) September 14, 2025
This banter, captured in a viral X tweet from BrakeHardBlog, stemmed from Bianchi’s earlier Door Bumper Clear appearance, where he gave his own opinion on the playoff format: “You could have a format of three races and then another round of three races. From that, you whittle down to whatever the driver count is, and those drivers compete over four races for the championship.” Fans saw it as him shilling for NASCAR’s agenda, especially amid rumors of 2026 changes that Jeff Gluck debunked as undecided. The ‘shill‘ tag ties to perceptions that Bianchi, a key voice at The Athletic, amplifies league-favored ideas, much like how broadcasters have been accused of prioritizing playoffs for TV drama over traditional racing purity.
Mark Martin amplified the fire by tweeting, “Why is @Jordan_Bianchi trying so hard to push a playoff when the majority of fans don’t want it?” This blunt call-out resonated because Martin, a Hall of Famer with 40 Cup wins, has long criticized the system as a “gimmick” that overshadows consistent performance. In a 2025 interview, Martin elaborated, “Making the playoffs has overshadowed the wins… I like seeing it being a big deal when you win a race because when you win a race, it’s a big deal.”
Why is @Jordan_Bianchi trying so hard to push a playoff when the majority of fans don’t want it. https://t.co/ppmTtYcqga
— Mark Martin (@markmartin) September 9, 2025
Bianchi’s hypothetical aimed to extend the finale for more “palatable” drama, but it ignored fan surveys showing preference for pre-2014 formats. On top of it, the disrespect in Bianchi’s jab at Martin’s tweeting habits felt personal, echoing past media-driven spats like Dale Earnhardt Jr.‘s 2020 critique of coverage bias. Gluck’s response highlighted the misread, but the clip’s spread on X fueled calls for media accountability in shaping fan views.
As the dust settled, fans flooded social media with their takes, turning the spotlight on Bianchi’s role and sparking broader chats about media influence in NASCAR.
Fan backlash builds against Bianchi
One fan vented, “Jordan is the guy that people leaked information to so it gets out in the media. As reporting is usually accurate. That said, his opinions are horrific.” This captures Bianchi’s rep as a go-to for scoops, like his 2024 reports on charter deals, but slams his takes, like defending playoffs amid fan polls showing 60% opposition per NASCAR.com data. It recalls leaks during the 2022 Next Gen car rollout, where insiders shaped narratives, yet Bianchi’s push for tweaks feels out of touch with grassroots sentiment.
Echoing that frustration, another chimed in, “For me the issue is when it seems like those in the media seem to be cheerleading for NASCAR the organization and seemingly carrying the water for them, versus having the objectivity to be critical of the product when it’s warranted.” Bianchi’s podcast floats often align with league experiments, like the 2017 stage racing intro that drew similar cheers from media despite fan gripes over artificial excitement. Think back to NBC’s playoff hype in 2025, which Martin ripped as ignoring racing’s core. Fans crave honest critique, not sales pitches.
Building on the cheerleading gripe, a commenter added, “Mark had a fair point, rubbed me the wrong way seeing Jordan trying to be their salesman for another gimmicky format. This guy just started coming around and, like the rest of the higher-ups, talks down to the fans like he knows more.” Bianchi joined The Athletic in 2018, quickly rising, but his format ideas overlook icons like Martin’s 22 top-fives in 1998 without a title under old rules. Martin’s confrontation as a fan echoes, highlighting how newcomers in media can seem elitist.
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Shifting to personal digs, someone noted, “If he was just a reporter and didn’t have a podcast, we’d actually think pretty highly of him. But unfortunately he talks and shows us all how bad his opinions are.” Bianchi’s reporting shines, but podcasts expose views like extending finales and clashing with insider weigh-ins favoring balance. It’s akin to Bob Pockrass‘s neutral style, earning trust, while opinionated pods risk alienating purists.
Wrapping the reactions, a fan joked, “We need Jimmy Spencer to bring back the crying towel for Jordan Bianchi.” Spencer’s old Speed Channel bit mocked complainers, fitting here as Bianchi’s defensiveness in the Gluck exchange mirrors past media feuds, like 2010’s, where reporters faced driver backlash over format bias.

The Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway delivered the kind of heart-pounding finish that makes NASCAR fans live for when it comes to the sport. In the closing laps, Christopher Bell pulled off a masterclass, charging from fifth to first after a late restart, thanks to fresh right-side tires that gave him the edge.
A viral post on X sparked a firestorm, “The fact Keselowski hit Bell that hard for the bump and run on the final corner and his car barely moved bothers me a bit tho. Thoughts?” Fans lit up the platform, pointing fingers at the Next-Gen car’s design for killing the drama of the bump-and-run, a move that’s been a Bristol staple for decades.
Brad Keselowski, never one to go down without a fight, threw everything he had into a classic bump-and-run move in the final corner, smacking Bell’s rear bumper to knock him off the line. Bell took the hit like a champ, kept his No. 20 Toyota straight, and crossed the finish line just 0.343 seconds ahead for his first Bristol points win. The intensity of that moment, 14 cautions, brutal tire wear, and a clean but fierce battle, had fans buzzing about the skill and respect on display.
The race was a tire management war, with a softer right-side tire causing chaos as drivers slid and spun under cooler night conditions. Bell led just 12 laps, leaning on smart pit calls to stay in contention, while Keselowski’s 33 laps led showed his strength until the final restart’s outside lane pick cost him grip and momentum.
Bristol’s always been about chaos and contact, where the high banks and tight quarters make bump-and-runs a crowd-pleaser. Back in the day, legends like Dale Earnhardt Sr. would nudge rivals up the track or into the wall with a precision that defined short-track racing. The Next-Gen car, introduced in 2022, brought wider tires, a sturdier build, and more stability, but fans argue it has dulled the sport’s raw edge.
Bell’s ability to absorb Keselowski’s hit without spinning reignited debates about whether the car’s design is robbing NASCAR of its greatest joy: the unpredictable, high-stakes battles that make races like Bristol unforgettable. The finish was a testament to Bell’s poise and Joe Gibbs Racing’s strategy, securing a Round of 16 sweep and snapping his 24-race winless streak. Keselowski’s gamble, while bold, fell short, but his clean approach earned respect.
But not everyone was thrilled.
Fans vent over next-gen’s bump-and-run block
The X post about Keselowski’s bump-and-run on Bell not budging the No. 20 had fans in a tizzy, with reactions ranging from awe to outright annoyance. One fan summed it up, “kinda surprised me too. ls it the car or did C.Bell just predict that hit perfectly because the radio picked up someone saying ‘good job. Perfect’.” Bell’s composure was key, race audio caught his spotter praising the save, and replays show him holding steady after Keselowski’s square hit.
His inside lane choice on the Lap 491 restart, paired with fresh tires, let him dive low and avoid the slide-prone outside. The Next-Gen’s wider 14.5-inch tires and lower center of gravity likely helped him stay planted, but fans wonder if Bell’s anticipation or the car’s stability stole the drama.
Another fan wasn’t buying it, “I agree. Next Gen killed the bump and run. You have to full-on Austin Dilon someone now to move them.” The reference to Austin Dillon’s aggressive wrecks, like his 2024 Richmond move, highlights the Next-Gen’s resilience.
Its sturdy build and wider tires make it harder to unsettle, unlike older cars that would have spun under Keselowski’s hit. Bristol’s 2025 tire wear chaos, 14 cautions from shredding right-sides, should have amplified the bump-and-run’s impact, but Bell’s car barely flinched, leaving fans feeling cheated out of a classic Bristol moment.
A different take praised the restraint, “It barely moved because he hit him square. It was a classy move. He could have hit him in the corner and spun him. 20yo Brad would have. Good racing.”
Keselowski’s clean approach, hitting Bell dead-on rather than clipping a corner, kept it fair, unlike the younger, brasher Keselowski who might have spun a rival in his Penske days. The Next-Gen’s stability let Bell absorb it, but fans still saw sportsmanship in Keselowski’s measured move, even if it did not deliver the win.
One fan pointed to the tires, “That’s what four 14.5 inch wide tires will do. Narrow up the tires to 10.5 inches max and the cars won’t need more horsepower.” The Next-Gen’s wider tires, designed for grip and durability, were a double-edged sword at Bristol.
While they helped Bell hold the line, they dulled the chaos fans crave. Older cars with narrower tires, like the 2006 era, were easier to unsettle, making bump-and-runs more effective and races wilder.
Finally, a nostalgic jab, “They are like if you made a cup car out of Lego blocks but then glued them together. If this was 2006, Brad would of sent him into the stands with that move.”
The Next-Gen’s tank-like build, stiffer chassis, wider stance, makes it feel “glued” compared to the twitchy Gen-4 cars of 2006, when Earnhardt or Stewart could have launched a rival skyward with a nudge. Fans miss that raw, unpredictable edge, and Bell’s ability to shrug off Keselowski’s hit only fueled their frustration with a car that has tamed NASCAR’s greatest joy.

In the midst of the 2025 NASCAR season, tension and drama mounted around the playoffs, especially concerning the wildcard spot clinched by Shane van Gisbergen (SVG) after his stunning road course victories. Despite SVG’s undeniable prowess on road courses, his struggles on ovals have been glaring and decisive. Richard Petty, NASCAR’s legendary figure, voiced pointed criticism of the NASCAR playoff system that favors such scenarios, sparking robust discussion. As the cutoff for the Round of 12 neared, statistical realities and Petty’s unapologetic opinions revealed a harsh truth about the evolving nature of NASCAR’s championship battles.
Petty’s critique and SVG’s playoff performance
Richard Petty’s blunt criticism of the current NASCAR playoff system has added fuel to the debate, as SVG qualified for the Round of 12 in 2025 mainly due to his exceptional performance on road courses. Petty highlighted a key statistical reality: SVG’s average finish of 27.0 on ovals, compared to an average finish of 2.0 on road courses, creates a huge imbalance in a format that relies heavily on oval racing performance. “Unfortunately for SVG, if you have a 27.0 average finish on ovals and an average finish of 2.0 on road courses, you will not make the Round of 12,” an analysis pointed out on thier instagram story, underscoring why his playoff journey faced a steep uphill battle despite his road course prowess.
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Petty argued that NASCAR’s “win and you’re in” system, which allows a driver to secure a playoff spot by winning a single race regardless of overall consistency, can be unfair. He expressed frustration that a driver like SVG, who struggles on the sport’s traditional oval circuits, can displace others who have shown consistent performance throughout the season. “The way they got this thing fixed, if you win and you’re in, that can’t be right. You’ve got somebody that’s 30th in points gonna make the playoffs. What happened to the guy that’s 15th or 16th or 18th running good, finishing good?” Petty asked rhetorically, emphasizing the integrity of season-long consistency.
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Petty didn’t just critique the current playoff format’s structure; he also called into question the rising weight of road courses in NASCAR’s predominantly oval-based identity. “NASCAR is ovals, not just road courses,” he insisted, acknowledging SVG’s road course mastery but stressing that the sport’s core and history revolve around oval racing. Petty’s comments underline the tension between honoring NASCAR’s traditional roots and adapting to modern demands for diversity in racing formats.
Beyond criticizing the playoff inclusion of specialists, Petty condemned the entire points and stage racing system as “a bunch of cr*p,” aligned with fellow NASCAR icons like Mark Martin. He advocated a return to a full-season points championship rather than the current elimination-style playoffs that focus on shorter-term performance spikes. Petty compared NASCAR’s playoff point gimmicks to football, noting that if a team loses despite a late score, they earn zero despite prior efforts, an analogy he suggested should apply to racing as well.
Petty’s views resonate with a broader faction of NASCAR purists concerned about the sport losing its identity. He lamented the dilution of star power and the rise in “too many winners,” which he believes weakens fan engagement. His call is clear: the champion should be the driver who performs best across the full season, not one who wins just enough or specializes in non-oval circuits to sneak into the playoffs.
Playoff Implications and NASCAR’s Future
While van Gisbergen’s improbable playoff berth showcased the unique challenges facing NASCAR’s evolving format, it also magnified the ongoing debate around what constitutes the sport’s core identity. The tension between honoring NASCAR’s oval roots and embracing its expanding road course presence was palpable in both fan reactions and expert analysis.
NASCAR’s inclusion of multiple road course events has reshaped the skill set of championship contenders. However, this shift also led to scenarios where a driver excelling largely in a limited subset of races disrupts the playoff field traditionally dominated by consistent oval performers. SVG’s road course wins, though remarkable, highlight the polarizing impact of current rules.
Petty’s comments underscored the importance of consistency across all track types, not just occasional triumphs on specialty tracks. “NASCAR is ovals, not just road courses,” he reiterated, stressing that the heart of the sport remains on oval circuits where most races and history reside. His remarks called attention to the potential dilution of competition if the playoff system continues to reward isolated wins disproportionately.
The clash between the old guard and the contemporary NASCAR landscape signals the need for ongoing dialogue about the sport’s direction. Petty’s stance reflects a broader fan and participant debate: Should the playoff format evolve to reward specialist winners, or should it prioritize well-rounded, consistent performance across the traditional NASCAR schedule?
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As the 2025 playoffs proceed, Shane van Gisbergen’s case stands as a defining example of this modern crossroads. His dramatic road course triumphs catapulted him into contention but also exposed the structural weaknesses in NASCAR’s “win and you’re in” format. Richard Petty, ever the voice of NASCAR’s heritage, perhaps got the last laugh, underscoring that in this season’s grand design, road course wins alone were not enough to carry SVG deep into the hunt.
In summary, the clash between Petty’s traditionalist view and van Gisbergen’s specialist success encapsulates the dynamic, often contentious evolution of NASCAR playoff racing. This ongoing debate promises to shape rule changes and the sport’s identity for years to come.

The walk-out song tradition at Bristol Motor Speedway has become one of the quirkiest and most anticipated pre-race rituals in NASCAR. Each September, under the lights of the Bass Pro Shops Night Race, the Cup Series drivers don’t just roll their cars onto the track, they also get to choose the music that plays as they’re introduced to the roaring Tennessee crowd.
It’s part rock concert, part sporting spectacle, and it adds an extra layer of personality to a race that’s already known as one of the sport’s crown jewels. Unlike other NASCAR tracks, Bristol leans into showmanship. The coliseum-style half-mile already has the drama, 160,000 fans packed around the high-banked bullring, so walk-out songs just amplify it. From silly to serious, from pop culture to classic rock, the selections often tell you as much about a driver’s personality as their sponsor logos do.
This year’s driver introductions at the Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway once again proved why the walk-out song tradition is such a fan favorite. Each Cup Series driver picked their own entrance music. But the biggest headline grabber was Denny Hamlin’s trolling choice: the Law & Order theme. Already one of the sport’s most polarizing drivers, often showered with boos during intros, Hamlin leaned into the role of NASCAR’s self-aware villain.
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The pick sparked viral fan reactions online, with some calling it “God-tier trolling,” perfectly fitting Hamlin’s reputation for embracing his critics while keeping the spotlight on himself. His entrance may not have helped his rough night on the track, but off the track, it reinforced his place as one of NASCAR’s most talked-about personalities.
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Others’ tracks ranged from Austin Cindric’s goofy
“Goofy Goober Rock” from SpongeBob SquarePants to Christopher Bell’s Jersey-approved “It’s My Life” by Bon Jovi, and Corey Heim’s throwback to Limp Bizkit’s “Rollin’”, a song older than he is.
That’s the magic of the tradition as it blends sports with entertainment. Fans aren’t just there to see who can tame 500 laps at “The Last Great Colosseum,” they’re also seeing drivers put on a show before the green flag drops.
For young stars like Carson Hocevar or Corey Heim, the walk-out song is a way to connect with fans who may not know them as well as the veterans. For established names like Denny Hamlin, Kyle Busch or Joey Logano, it’s a chance to either have fun with their reputations or double down on their roots with country and rock staples.
It’s no surprise that NASCAR highlights these intros on social media every year. The clips rack up thousands of views because they let fans debate: Who nailed their pick? Who missed an opportunity? Who trolled the best?
In fact, Bob Pockrass’s coverage of the 2025 walk-out songs went viral on X, with fans reacting to everything from Elliott’s country choice to Hamlin’s “God-tier troll” moment. The conversation often continues throughout the night, sometimes overshadowing the race’s opening laps.
Bristol walkout songs have fans cracking up
The Bristol walk-out songs had fans on X losing their minds, with Denny Hamlin’s Law & Order theme stealing the show and earning him the “God-tier troll” crown. One fan cracked up: “Cindric and Hocevar chose the correct intros!” Austin Cindric’s “Goofy Goober Rock” from SpongeBob SquarePants was a repeat from 2024, turning his entrance into a meme fest and showing his playful side. Carson Hocevar’s “Ride the Dente” Chili’s jingle added to the silliness, fitting his meme-loving vibe and winning over the crowd with pure humor.
Another fan was all in, “Heim is gonna win. Not because he is the best driver but that song will give him supernatural powers that only a man from Jacksonville and Gastonia (the gateway to Charlotte) possess.” Corey Heim’s “Rollin’” by Limp Bizkit, a Jacksonville-born nu-metal anthem, bridged his Gastonia roots to Charlotte’s racing hub. Dropped in 2000, five years before Heim was born, the choice was a hilarious generational flex, but fans joked it channeled “supernatural powers” for the young star, who’s already a Truck Series standout and Toyota prospect.
The Jersey pride shone through, “Bell: I am from New Jersey, so seeing Bon Jovi or Bruce I approve. Cindric is a man of pure culture and class Preece: Perfect summary of him vs Superspeedways and Hamlin is a grade A troll.” Christopher Bell’s “It’s My Life” by Bon Jovi was a nod to his New Jersey roots, earning cheers from East Coast fans.
Ryan Preece’s “Flirtin’ With Disaster” by Molly Hatchet summed up his superspeedway woes, like his 2023 Daytona flip, while Hamlin’s Law & Order theme was pure villain energy, trolling the crowd amid his JGR-NASCAR lawsuit buzz.
One fan nailed the age gap, “Corey with a great choice – Song is older than he is.” Heim’s “Rollin’,” from 2000, predated his 2002 birth, making it a fun throwback in Bristol’s tradition of blending eras. Veterans often pick 80s and 90s rock, while newcomers like Heim pull from memes, but his choice bridged the gap, hyping his rising status.
Finally, a missed opportunity, “Kyle Busch missed an opportunity for laughs by picking ‘You spin me round’ as his walkout song!” Busch went with “Ice Cream Paint Job” by Dorrough Music, fitting his swagger, but fans joked “You Spin Me Round” by Dead or Alive would’ve poked fun at his spin-prone rep. Busch’s history of bristling at criticism, like his 2020 self-parody commercials, made the idea gold, but his safe pick fueled chatter on how songs can be self-aware tools.

Hendrick Motorsports (HMS) entered the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs with high expectations. In addition to a legacy name, they were fielding four competitive drivers in Kyle Larson, William Byron, Chase Elliott, and Alex Bowman. However, the team’s performance in the initial NASCAR playoffs fell short, leading to concerns about their championship prospects. Bowman, in particular, faced challenges that put his playoff advancement in jeopardy.
In the opening races of the playoffs, Bowman encountered significant setbacks. At Darlington Raceway on August 31st, a pit stop error resulted in a 40-second delay. This caused him to finish 31st. The following week at Gateway, another pit stop issue led to a 23.9-second stop. The situation contributed to a 26th-place finish. These performances left Bowman 35 points below the cutoff line heading into the crucial Bristol race on Saturday. In response, HMS overhauled Bowman’s pit crew. They brought in members from Carson Hocevar’s team to address the issues. Despite these changes, the team’s performance remained inconsistent.
Eventually, the Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway on September 13 proved to be a pivotal moment in the NASCAR playoffs. Despite a fiery moment on pit road, Austin Cindric clinched a berth in the Cup Playoffs Round of 12. Meanwhile, Alex Bowman was the first one out. Bowman, who had been in a strong position to advance, ultimately fell short, marking a significant disappointment for the team.
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With only three of their four drivers advancing, Hendrick Motorsports faces increased pressure in the upcoming races. The elimination of Alex Bowman has sparked frustration among fans, with many expressing their disappointment on social media platforms like X. The team’s ability to regroup and perform in the next round will now be crucial to their championship aspirations.
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Fans livid as Bowman faces an injustice amidst NASCAR playoffs
Heading into the 2025 playoffs, Kyle Larson showed flashes of strong performance but repeatedly dropped positions. Especially after starting near the front. This highlighted potential strategic issues on the track. One fan reacted sharply to these recurring struggles. “Larson’s crew chief better get it together, seems like every time he’s starting up front he gets bumped and the next thing you know he’s an 18th or 19th place just fighting to stay there, that’s not going to win you no championship, crew chief get this thing together,” wrote one fan.
This comment underscores the perception that Larson’s team, particularly the crew chief, is failing to convert competitive starts into consistent finishes. It reflects broader fan concern that without an improved in-race strategy, HMS cannot contend for the championship.
Beyond team-specific issues, fans have also criticized the manufacturer’s role in overall performance: “We’re not winning the Championship this year. Chevrolet as a whole has to get it together.” There have been numerous mechanical reliability concerns and car setups that have struggled to compete against top rivals. By calling out Chevrolet, the implication is that HMS’s struggles are not isolated. However, that’s partly systemic, suggesting that even talented drivers face limits due to the machinery they are given.
Over these three races, one thing was clear. Not every HMS driver was dealt a fair hand. Alex Bowman’s NASCAR playoffs elimination drew attention to operational inefficiencies and subpar car performance, “Maybe you’d have all 4 if you had competent pit crews and some decent cars.. yall have been bringing tractors to the track lately.” This reaction is tied directly to Bowman’s elimination. It pointed to pit crew errors and slow cars as decisive factors. The term “tractors” highlights how fans perceive HMS vehicles as uncompetitive, underscoring that internal team and mechanical issues played a significant role in failing to advance all four drivers.
Fans also placed direct responsibility on the team for Bowman’s playoff exit, rather than the driver alone. One comment captured this sentiment rather bluntly: “You guys failed Bowman.” Contextually, Bowman’s season included strong early finishes. But it was marred by pit stop mistakes and inconsistent support. This statement made it clear a view that team management, decisions, and support systems were insufficient. This arguably contributed to the elimination. It conveyed a clear expectation among fans that the team should shield drivers from avoidable setbacks.
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Finally, some reactions contextualize the 2025 struggles within HMS’s history. A fan noted, “While these guys are talented and I will support Hendrick forever, you have to marvel at what Chad & Jimmie did winning 5 championships in a row !!! Different times / different cars, yes, but you still have to wonder if the sport will ever see that kind of dominance ever again.” This reaction referenced the legendary era of Chad Knaus and Jimmie Johnson. It also framed the current challenges as a stark contrast. Fans didn’t just express disappointment but also highlighted how strategic consistency and crew leadership once defined HMS, making 2025’s inconsistencies even more pronounced.
Collectively, these reactions paint a troubled image. From crew chief performance and manufacturer reliability to pit crew errors and Bowman’s elimination, the responses reflect widespread concern about HMS’s ability to sustain dominance. While supporters recognize driver talent, they also demand better strategy and execution to reclaim the team’s championship competitiveness.

NASCAR cars push limits at high speeds, but drivers’ emotions can spike just as fast, sometimes spinning out like a car after contact. Christopher Bell, the No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing driver known as “the iceman” for his steady calm, showed a rare flash of fire during the 2025 Gateway race. Finishing seventh, he vented over the radio: “We just f—— ran seventh with the best car on the track! Every f—— week, it’s the same s—. We’re the last car to pit road. I’m over it!” That outburst echoed his 2024 frustration at Martinsville, where a disallowed wall ride cost him a playoff spot to William Byron. But this week changed his story upside down.
Bell’s cool demeanor usually holds, but pressure builds when wins dry up. Sitting fourth in the Round of 12 with a 20-point cushion, his Bristol victory snapped a 24-race drought after three straight early-season triumphs. Tracks like Bristol devour tires, making pit crews vital for any shot at victory lane. But what prompted this shift from frustration to triumph for Bell?
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Christopher Bell’s turnaround after Bristol triumph
In his Bristol post-race interview, Christopher Bell reflected on whether his earlier anger fueled the Bristol breakthrough. “I don’t know. I don’t know if I was angry or not. I don’t think I was, but maybe,” he said, tying the win to team resilience amid a tough stretch. This came after his Gateway blowup, where buildup from subpar results boiled over despite strong speed, echoing a pattern seen in drivers like Kyle Busch in 2023, whose radio rants preceded a reset with better crew sync.
For Bell, the drought since his March Phoenix win highlighted execution slips, but Bristol’s tire chaos demanded flawless strategy, turning potential frustration into a morale lift. Bell credited the crew’s precision in navigating Bristol’s demands, where rapid degradation forced 14 cautions and extra tire sets. “I’m just so proud of this entire 20 group, Adam, my engineers, my mechanics, and my pit crew. This was a total team win,” he emphasized, noting how mishaps could derail anyone.
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Crew chief Adam Stevens, addressing the Gateway tension, explained the playoff pressure and Darlington woes built up, but Bristol’s calls, like saving fresh tires for the final restart, bailed Bell out, leading the last four laps for his 13th career victory. Post the race, he expressed his motivational words to Bell for the prep: “My point to him last week was, ‘Whatever gap there is between where we are and where we want to be, it might feel big but it’s not big. it just takes…a right restart here and there, a little better qualifying, and we can have nights like this.’” This win was a story of redemption, proving that team unity turns droughts around.
The win showcased Joe Gibbs & Co.’s bailout role, with flawless pits amid Bristol’s hunger for rubber. “With all the pit stops that we did, if you had one mishap, you were going to be in trouble, and in this race a lot of fortune went into winning this race,” Bell added, praising the engineers’ timing. Stevens reinforced this, noting their summer speed went uncapitalized until Bristol’s strategy clicked, echoing JGR’s history of 225 Cup wins, where crew execution defines championships.
While Bell’s personal turnaround grabbed headlines, it fed into a bigger team narrative that’s positioning JGR as the squad to beat.
JGR’s playoff dominance in the first round
Joe Gibbs Racing swept the Round of 16 with wins from Denny Hamlin, Chase Briscoe, and Christopher Bell, leading 757 of 1,107 laps across those races. “We’ve got fast cars right now. I think it just says a lot for the way we feel back at the race shop. It’s a big deal all the way across the board for us. It really means a lot,” said owner Joe Gibbs, highlighting the morale surge. This marks JGR’s strongest playoff start since 2019, with all four drivers advancing, a feat unmatched this year.
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Bell’s Bristol clincher solidified their favorite status heading to Phoenix on November 2. “Winning fixes everything, that’s for sure. It’s a huge morale boost for the team and myself as a driver,” Bell noted, crediting crew chief Adam Stevens’ calls. Stevens added, “We’ve had such good speed between now and then. That’s for sure,” pointing to missed summer chances now redeemed. JGR’s 225 Cup victories underscore this run, built on Toyota alliances and internal tweaks.

Before the engines roared at the Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway, the spotlight belonged to the smallest stars in NASCAR. The children of drivers and crew members stepped up to deliver a heart-melting rendition of the national anthem, a tradition that’s become one of the sport’s most cherished moments.
Organized by Motor Racing Outreach (MRO) since 1999, this kids’ choir brings together the sons and daughters of the NASCAR family to sing in front of 160,000 fans, stealing the show before the green flag even waves. It’s not just a performance, it’s a snapshot of the sport’s heart, where family and community shine as bright as the trophies.
For over two decades, MRO has made this moment a Bristol staple, coached by volunteers like Melanie Self who prep the kids to feel like rock stars. Self’s words ring true, “They are the stars and they know it.”
From kids of drivers like Chase Elliott and Harrison Burton to crew members’ families, the choir is a chance for the next generation to stand tall in the sport’s biggest arena. Parents, usually the ones under pressure, get to play proud spectators, watching their little ones command the coliseum-style bullring with courage and charm.
The anthem fits perfectly into Bristol’s pre-race pageantry alongside the invocation, colors, and flyover, but it carries a unique weight. It’s a reminder that NASCAR’s more than just racing; it’s a tight-knit world where family ties run deep.
MRO, founded in 1988 by Max Helton, has been the glue for that community, offering chapel services, counseling, and mentoring to keep drivers and crews grounded through the grind of a 36-race season. The kids’ choir is their crown jewel, a tradition that turns the high-octane chaos of Bristol into a heartfelt celebration of the future.
This year’s performance was no different, with the kids’ voices echoing through the Tennessee night, tugging at heartstrings and sparking a wave of fan love on X. From the raw emotion of the crowd singing along to the pride of seeing NASCAR’s youngest take center stage, the moment was pure magic.
Fans couldn’t get enough, flooding social media with praise for the adorable singers and the tradition that keeps Bristol’s soul alive, even as the sport races into a new era.
Fans gush over kids’ anthem magic
The kids’ national anthem at Bristol had fans on Instagram, melting, with reactions pouring in that captured the moment’s emotional punch. One fan took a playful jab, “Just go drive a Ford and apparently it will catch on fire for you.” While not tied to the anthem, the quip references recent Ford fire incidents, like Jeb Burton’s 2025 Xfinity blaze, adding a cheeky nod to NASCAR’s unpredictable side. It’s a stretch, but it shows how fans weave the sport’s chaos into even its sweetest moments.
The tradition’s legacy shone through, “The precious tradition continues! MRO and its’ wonderful ladies & gentlemen who mentor these children have done this for generations now. It never gets old: Always tugs on our heartstrings and makes us Proud to be Americans! These little ones also remind us what’s Best about our wonderful country: Our Future! Let’s do our Best for Them! GOD BLESS AMERICA & ITS PRECIOUS CHILDREN!”
Since 1999, MRO’s choir, featuring kids like Briscoe’s Brooks or Josh Berry’s daughter, has been a Bristol hallmark. Fans feel the pride and patriotism, with coverage calling it a symbol of NASCAR’s family values, uniting the garage and grandstands in a shared, teary-eyed moment.
The crowd’s role hit home, “Hearing the crowd sing with the kids had all the feels.” Reports describe fans joining in, turning the anthem into a community celebration. The 160,000-strong Bristol crowd, already hyped for the Night Race, amplified the kids’ voices, making it a spine-tingling moment that felt like family. It’s why NBC Sports calls it one of NASCAR’s most special pre-race rituals.
One fan gushed, “Best Anthem i have heard, very moving.” The kids’ raw, heartfelt delivery, backed by MRO’s mentorship, struck a chord. Coverage consistently praises the choir’s emotional weight, with its imperfections adding to the charm. It’s not about polish, it’s about heart, and fans felt every note.
A curious question popped up, “Did Lennix go chasing Chase or SVG ? why is she not there @samanthabusch.” The Lennix mention being that she really likes talking to Chase before race and recently she switched her crush to SVG and the anthem part is probably pertaining to the fact that Lennix doesn’t have proper speech yet so she adorably butchers the anthem whenever the drivers and everyone are singing.

NASCAR Cup Series driver Josh Berry suffered a significant setback after his car caught fire during the race at Bristol Motor Speedway. Smoke filled his car’s cockpit in no time and ended his chances of advancing in the playoffs.
Flames were spotted under Berry’s No. 21 car after 78 laps of the final Round of 16 race. He barely made it into the pits when black smoke covered his car. Berry escaped in no time, but was affected by inhaling the smoke, leading him to cough persistently. He joins other drivers, such as Alex Bowman, Austin Dillon, and Shane van Gisbergen (SVG), who were eliminated from the playoffs.
Berry spoke about the scary incident, explaining that the smoke inside his car got darker as he tried to reach the pit road. He said:

Tensions were running high behind closed doors on August 28 when NASCAR Commissioner Steve O’Donnell met with team presidents to address a controversy that’s been boiling over, thanks to some eyebrow-raising text messages unearthed in the sport’s ongoing antitrust legal battle. Sources with direct knowledge of the meeting told Sports Business Journal that the lawsuit is more than just courtroom drama; it’s casting long shadows across the sport and fraying nerves at every level. Fast forward to yesterday, and what was meant to be a routine sit-down quickly shifted into damage control as officials were pressed to explain text messages that surfaced in the ongoing lawsuit.
At the heart of the storm? A no-holds-barred lawsuit brought by 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports that has NASCAR on the defensive, with a trial date set for December 1. During discovery, a particularly explosive message surfaced, quoting O’Donnell as saying the current charter renewal offer could come off as a “ f*ck the teams” deal. That one lit up the industry like a blown engine on the final lap. And cue the confusion.
Initial reactions painted O’Donnell as the villain, implying he was gunning for a raw deal that would leave the teams in the dust. But folks within NASCAR’s orbit are pushing a different story. According to insiders, O’Donnell wasn’t dishing out hostility; he was throwing up a warning flag.
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In an effort to cool the fires and clear the air, O’Donnell tackled the issue head-on during last week’s meeting. According to four people who were in the know, he stood firm, saying his words had been twisted and misread, and that far from selling out the teams, he was actually in their corner, fighting to get them a better deal. Still, the entire episode provides a raw look at the friction caused by the lawsuit and how it’s starting to rattle the cage of day-to-day business in NASCAR, which is usually a well-oiled machine. When asked about the conversation in the meeting, NASCAR stayed tight-lipped and offered no comment. And amid all this, the two teams involved, 23XI and FRM, filed for a summary judgment.
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It’s worth noting that this wasn’t one of the sport’s formal Team Owner Council summits; the TOC powwows include team owners and top brass. Last week’s gathering was a more intimate, mid-tier affair, limited to team presidents and a few NASCAR executives. 23XI Racing’s president, Steve Lauletta, was in the room.
Front Row Motorsports’ representatives were absent. Sources say GM Jerry Freeze had a scheduling conflict that kept him away, though the timing surely raised a few eyebrows given his team’s central role in the lawsuit. While the texts and legal drama grabbed the spotlight, other hot topics were also on the agenda, and one in particular got the paddock buzzing: the future of NASCAR’s playoff format.
NASCAR’s playoff format is still on the chopping block
According to multiple sources, some attendees walked away thinking a change is coming for 2026. But not so fast; others close to NASCAR’s internal discussions urged caution, saying nothing is set in stone yet. The speculation hit another gear when NASCAR spokesperson Mike Forde dropped a breadcrumb on the league’s in-house podcast, Hauler Talk. He confirmed that, yes, a playoff format change is on the table, and a meeting this week aims to narrow down the options. Still, sources say sessions are pending, and anything final is still around the corner. And now, amid Kyle Busch’s stone-cold take on the NASCAR Playoffs, hopes are still up to see changes in the current format.
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Internally, there is growing chatter that the current do-or-die, one-race championship format may no longer be the right fit. Some higher-ups are warming to the idea that a single-race shootout might not be the fairest way to crown a season-long champion, especially with loyal fans increasingly questioning whether the format reflects the full body of a driver’s work across the season. In oil, NASCAR’s high-speed world is grappling with more than just lap times and tire wear right now.
Between lawsuits, leadership messaging misfires, and the looming playoff overall, the off-season could bring as many plot twists as a short track Saturday night.

BRISTOL, Tenn. — When one enters The Last Great Coliseum in the hills of East Tennessee, it harkens back to ancient times where gladiators entered the same sort of arenas, with no guarantee that they would ever leave it. Thankfully, the concept of meeting one’s end in the Coliseum is metaphorical these days, but by the end of Saturday night, four drivers who had hopes of glory will be felled.
The Bass Pro Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway, the most historic and venerated Night Race on the NASCAR Cup Series schedule, is yet again the elimination race in the Round of 16 of the playoffs, meaning that four drivers are set to see their run to the championship end in a first round exit. By virtue of their wins at Darlington and Gateway, only Chase Briscoe and Denny Hamlin are guaranteed a spot in the Round of 12. The 14 others are trying to earn a spot, with some hanging for dear life above the cut line while Austin Dillon, Shane van Gisbergen, Alex Bowman and Josh Berry all try and find their way back out of the red in one of the toughest and most physical races of the entire season.
NASCAR playoffs 2025 race schedule, results: Complete list of Cup Series race dates, winners, tracks
Steven Taranto
Where to watch the NASCAR playoffs at Bristol
When: Saturday, Sept. 13 at 7:30 p.m. ET
Where: Bristol Motor Speedway — Bristol, Tennessee
TV: USA | Stream: Fubo (Try for free)
Starting lineup
A.J. Allmendinger won the pole for the Bass Pro Night Race in qualifying on Friday, posting a lap of 15.117 seconds to earn his first pole of the 2025 season, the fifth of his career, and the second pole in Kaulig Racing’s history as a Cup team.
#16 – A.J. Allmendinger
#12 – Ryan Blaney
#2 – Austin Cindric
#54 – Ty Gibbs
#5 – Kyle Larson
#11 – Denny Hamlin
#24 – William Byron
#23 – Bubba Wallace
#20 – Christopher Bell
#21 – Josh Berry
#47 – Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
#77 – Carson Hocevar
#1 – Ross Chastain
#45 – Tyler Reddick
#48 – Alex Bowman
#9 – Chase Elliott
#7 – Justin Haley
#6 – Brad Keselowski
#42 – John Hunter Nemechek
#60 – Ryan Preece
#17 – Chris Buescher
#22 – Joey Logano
#3 – Austin Dillon
#38 – Zane Smith
#71 – Michael McDowell
#41 – Cole Custer
#43 – Erik Jones
#88 – Shane van Gisbergen (R)
#35 – Riley Herbst (R)
#4 – Noah Gragson
#19 – Chase Briscoe
#8 – Kyle Busch
#33 – Austin Hill
#51 – Cody Ware
#99 – Daniel Suarez
#34 – Todd Gilliland
#10 – Ty Dillon
#67 – Corey Heim
#66 – Chad Finchum
Storylines to watch
The chief storyline of the weekend concerns the playoff cut line, specifically the four drivers currently in danger of playoff elimination. Austin Dillon (-11), Shane van Gisbergen (-15), Alex Bowman (-35) and Josh Berry (-45) are all in minus territory, while Austin Cindric currently holds an 11 point lead for the last spot in the Round of 12.
Bowman is the biggest name among those facing elimination, and a major part of his issues over the first two races of the playoffs has now been addressed. Following two straight weeks of disastrous pit stops, Hendrick Motorsports has swapped out the No. 48 pit crew that had been servicing Bowman’s car with the crew that had been pitting the Spire Motorsports No. 77 driven by Carson Hocevar.

Well, it all started with Denny Hamlin sharing a rumor on his podcast about a tire — not just any rubber, but a right-side Goodyear so soft it destroyed the factory’s sand-belt wear tester before it ever reached the track. He loved the idea of chaos, but he also worried this could backfire. And as Goodyear confirmed they were bringing something softer for Bristol, fans were drooling, drivers were curious, and media arms were waving like checkered flags. Then came Friday’s practice session, and the dream went sideways.
The Bristol weekend has already started with a little bit of controversy. Justin Haley and Ryan Blaney tied for the fastest lap in NASCAR Cup Series practice at Bristol, each laying down a 15.307-second flyer, but the biggest story might be what didn’t happen: the expected tire chaos. Their matching lap times put them atop the chart, with the top 13 drivers just a tenth off, including several playoff contenders. But while eyes were on the stopwatch, ears were tuned to the whispers about Goodyear’s new software tire compound making its Bristol debut. So, how did it play out in Bristol practice?
Well, not quite as advertised. Drivers were able to run 75 lap times without issue, and the fall-off, while present, was moderate, about two-tenths after 10 laps, half a second after 30, and eight-tenths after 75. Notably, Jeff Gluck pointed out that in group A practice, “no one has fallen off more than 0.4 seconds from their five-lap average to their 30-lap average.” He also noted that a half dozen cars have done at least 50 to 60 laps with no problem, with Justin Haley reaching the 75-lap mark with ease. As Gluck bluntly put it: “Not looking like the highway thing will be a factor.”
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So, understanding the tire change, it came in response to two relatively dull races with minimal wear, a stark contrast to the Richmond race and the 2024 Bristol race that saw tires fall off, drivers sliding all over the place, a record 54 lead changes, and widespread praise from fans and drivers alike. That event set a new bar, pushing Goodyear to experiment with soft compounds at other tracks like Richmond, where high tire wear spiced up the show. In those races, tires barely survived 50 laps, lap times dropped off dramatically, and the product on track improved noticeably. However, things look different this year.
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To make things trickier, the PJ1 compound on the bottom groove is beginning to wear off, meaning drivers may have to move up into less rubbered-in lines with less grip, adding another layer of unpredictability. And Dale Jr. had so much confidence behind this experiment, and now it is starting to fall flat. So while the tire story isn’t living up to its high-wear hype just yet, it’s still creating plenty of questions heading into Saturday night. And just say the fans weren’t happy with what they were seeing.
NASCAR fans boo the Bristol tire experiment
Even amid AJ Allmendinger breaking a 13-year-old oval curse at Bristol, fans are lowering their expectations moving ahead to the Bass Pro Shops Night Race. The fan comments after practice were, unsurprisingly, all over the map, from sarcasm to outright exasperation. One fan summed up the dissolution bluntly: “F— it, no tire changes for the entire race.” Another chimed in with a pointed reality check, saying, “This is why you should lower your expectations and not put 100% faith in those who sensationalized the rumblings on the tires.”
The only hype around the right soft tire didn’t seem to live up to what many had hoped, prompting someone to jokingly suggest, “F— it, have them go the opposite direction.” The general vibe was a disappointment, especially in comparison to recent races: “⁠Booooooooo with this next-gen car; the higher tire wear seems to make the short tracks much better racing (Richmond this year). Goodyear came to Bristol with a “softer” right-side-only tire, but that doesn’t always equal more tire deg nowadays, lame.”
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At Richmond in 2025, Goodyear’s soft left-side and optional right-side tires finally delivered the kind of wear fans have been craving, with lap times dropping by more than three seconds over a 40-lap run. The track’s naturally a razor surface, which amplified the effect, creating a real fall of that first team into tough strategy calls and raising concerns about whether the limited tire assortment would be enough. Unlike other short tracks, the Next Gen car’s design tends to blunt degradation.
Richmond stood out this year for producing noticeable tire wear, as well as lead changes and the kind of varied racing many insiders said they had been missing. However, fans had similar expectations coming into Bristol, and now the illusion of soft tires is starting to wear off on them. And perhaps the most theatrical reaction came from a fan who felt completely betrayed by the buildup: “Those b——s lied to me, they promised tire wear to bad it would rip the body panels of the car by lap 2.” And now, as the fans head to the Bristol night race with disappointment, Goodyear’s faith in this new experiment has failed the fans.

“We have no idea what to expect,” Brad Keselowski said ahead of the 2025 Food City 500 race. In the previous iteration of the same race, the RFK Racing driver/owner had been at the forefront. Keselowski clinched third place after tackling a tire management race featuring over 54 lead changes. The tire falloff was unlike anything NASCAR had seen at Bristol. Yet attempts to replicate that phenomenon led to confusion that persists until today.
Brad Keselowski could not crack the playoffs this year, clinching 8 top tens and 4 top fives. The No. 6 Ford driver started poorly but clinched top 20 finishes in the last two races. Ahead of the Bristol race, Keselowski improved his qualifying – yet doubts enshroud the upcoming race.
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Brad Keselowski is tired of the ambiguity
When NASCAR injected the PJ1 track compound into Bristol Motor Speedway’s surface in March 2024, nobody expected much. That move, coupled with the track’s conditions and weather, resulted in a thrilling tire wear race, which Denny Hamlin won. The reception for the race was so stunning that NASCAR immediately appointed Goodyear to work on a replication. Yet in 2024’s Bristol night race, Kyle Larson dominated the race, which had little to no tire falloff. In fact, the Hendrick Motorsports driver led for 873 of 1000 laps in the last two Bristol races, sweeping all three stages in both events. So Brad Keselowski does not know what to expect anymore.
When Bob Pockrass asked Brad Keselowski about the tire falloff in times, the latter replied, “No, nothing significant.” The RFK driver qualified in 18th place, much better than the 32nd and 23rd qualifying spots in the last two weekends. He attributed that to a better tire grip that was a surprise, but nothing is certain anymore in Goodyear’s ‘science experiment.’ Keselowski continued, “The tire held up really, really well today, but surprised by that. We’ll see tomorrow how it holds up. You know, tomorrow’s made different tests as he gets into the night. More cars on the track at one time. So our weekly science experiment continues.”
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Brad Keselowski has a good history at Bristol Motor Speedway. He fetched three wins at the track while driving for Team Penske in 2011, 2012, and 2020. In this year’s April race, Keselowski led the RFK Racing trio of racers and finished in 16th place after overcoming handling challenges and chassis adjustments. Yet his opinion back then matches his opinion at present, and it reeks of confusion. Keselowski said in April, “We tested there last February. We saw the tire wear issues. We came back and had tire wear issues. We had another test there in the summer – same thing. We came back for the fall race, and it was great…It’s something you can’t really explain to people or understand until you see it.”
While Brad Keselowski grapples with his Bristol track troubles, he also grapples with an unfortunate string of events affecting the USA.
Tribulations of the heart
NASCAR drivers often help victims of natural disasters. For instance, Greg Biffle and Cleetus McFarland actively helped people in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina. Now, the man-made tragedies recently rocking the United States have left ripples of unrest among people. Gun violence is a recurrent issue in the country, and recently resurged at Evergreen High School. A student opened fire, wounding three classmates and throwing the campus into chaos. The shooting shocked the quiet Colorado town, triggering an emergency response and drawing in federal authorities. This deeply unsettling incident also drew Brad Keselowski’s heartfelt words.
Witnessing reports of the tragedy flood X, the NASCAR Cup Series champion slipped into fear. Brad Keselowski wrote, “Opening up this app feels like a dangerous game. One day inspiring and the next day heartbreaking. Both just make me want to hug the family.” Among the four students hospitalized was the suspected shooter. Jacki Kelley, a Sheriff’s Office spokesperson, told the media that it was still unclear how the suspect sustained injuries. Yet she also noted she did not “believe law enforcement fired any rounds.” Investigators continue to probe the motive. No details have yet been released about the suspect’s background, potential grievances, or how the firearm was obtained.
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Brad Keselowski concerns himself with issues both on and off the track. Let’s wait and see how far the RFK Racing owner goes to leave a mark in Bristol.

BRISTOL, Tenn. (AP) — AJ Allmendinger upstaged the NASCAR Cup Series playoff drivers at Bristol Motor Speedway, capturing the pole for Saturday night’s first-round cutoff race on the 0.533-mile oval.
The Kaulig Racing driver qualified first for the first time in 10 years, turning a 15.117-second lap (126.930 mph) on Friday in his No. 16 Chevrolet. With his fifth career pole in a Cup race and first since August 2015 at Watkins Glen, the 43-year-old Allmendinger became the oldest driver to win a pole at Bristol since Mark Martin, who was 50 in 2009.
“To get a pole at Bristol, that’s pretty awesome,” said Allmendinger, whose previous pole on an oval was at Kansas in April 2012. “Hopefully, we can do that for 500 laps. I know it’s Friday night qualifying and doesn’t pay any points or money, but it’s small victories like this for our race team that’s continually trying to grow. Days like today are enjoyable and give me confidence because I feel like I can still do it. It proves I can be here.”
Ryan Blaney will start second after missing the pole by 0.003 seconds in his No. 12 Ford, but the Team Penske driver is in solid position to gain the 15 points needed to clinch a spot in the second round from his fourth front-row start this season.
“I think our race car is really good over the long haul and just looking forward to (Saturday) night,” Blaney said. “Overall proud of the effort and to be that close to the pole, it’s a good day.”
Teammate Austin Cindric qualified third, followed by Ty Gibbs and Kyle Larson, who is aiming for his third consecutive victory at Bristol.
Cindric is ranked 12th in the standings and 11 points above the cutline heading into the 500-lap race that will eliminate four of 16 drivers from the playoffs.
“It’s the first box checked, but nothing is guaranteed from here,” Cindric said. “I feel like we’ve done our job for Friday. This sets us up well to try and continue to control our destiny for the end of the race.”
Playoff drivers rounded out the rest of the top 10 in qualifying with Denny Hamlin, William Byron, Bubba Wallace, Josh Berry and Christopher Bell.
The starting positions of the other playoff drivers were: Ross Chastain 13th, Tyler Reddick 14th, Alex Bowman 15th, Chase Elliott 16th, Joey Logano 22nd, Austin Dillon 23rd and Shane van Gisbergen 28th.
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Copyright © 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.

Aric Almirola pulled off a heart-stopping win at Bristol Motor Speedway in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, taking the checkered flag in the No. 19 Toyota by a mere 0.381 seconds over Sheldon Creed. Starting third, Almirola wasted no time making his presence known, leading 34 laps in total and dominating for 20 laps in the top five and 292 laps in the top 10. With only two pit stops, the last one a full 116 laps before the finish, he combined speed, smarts, and patience to stay in the hunt, posting his fastest lap of 16.179 seconds on lap 224.
From the green flag to the final lap, Almirola was a masterclass in control and aggression. On lap 283, he led the restart from the outside lane, slicing past Carson Kvapil for the lead while Sam Mayer hovered just behind like a shadow. By lap 291, the tension was palpable. Mayer, a whisper away at 0.203 seconds, Creed closing in for third, and Almirola holding the line with nerves of steel. Every lap felt like a chess match at 118 mph, with Aric positioning himself perfectly for fending off relentless challengers.
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Friday night’s NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway was the first of seven Playoff races for the 12 Playoff eligible contenders. While some fared well, such as Sheldon Creed, Sam Mayer and Carson Kvapil. Others fell out of the Round of 8 needed to proceed for a championship.
However, for others the concrete high bank action took a toll on their Playoff positions.
Foul Motor drops Sammy Smith Below Cuttoff Line
Coming into the 300-lap race, Smith and the No. 8 Chevrolet team were sixth with a four-point cushion to the good. On lap 47, the JR Motorsports driver radioed to his crew he felt like the motor was starting to lose power.
Nine laps later, he relayed the engine problems were getting worse as he slowed on the track. On lap 58, he brought his Chevrolet to pit road and, after a looking over by the Phillip Bell-led crew, the car was taken behind the wall and loaded on the hauler.
“It’s just really frustrating,” he said in the garage. “We’ll just have to do our best next week.”
Smith was credited with a 37-place finish and is now 12th in Playoff standings with a 24-point deficit to overcome.
Love Loses Tire and Points
Jess Love and the No. 2 Chevrolet Richard Childress Racing team came into Bristol eight points above the Cutoff Line in fourth place.
He spent much of the race on the lead lap and battling for positions. But, Bristol is going to be Bristol with its tight confines on the .5-mile concrete oval as the checkered flag looms.
That was the case for Love as he got caught up in a two and three-wide battle with less than 27 laps remaining. Contact with another car caused a flat tire as he started to slow down under green while running in 15th place.
A saving grace for Love took place when fellow Playoff driver Sheldon Creed made contact with Jeb Burton on the following lap. Their battle caused Taylor Gray to spin and bring out the caution.
While it could have been worse for Love, he still had to limp his Chevrolet down pit road with the flat. When he returned to action, he was down a lap. When the checkered flag waved on lap 300, Love finished 25th.
As a result, he tumbled below the Cutoff Line by three points and is now in ninth place. Also suffering a rough night was fellow contender Nick Sanchez.
He and the No. 48 Chevrolet team were 7th in points before the race with a one-point cushion. After finishing 13th, he is 10th in points with a deficit of three markers.
Zilisch Keeps Piling it On
On the end of the spectrum was current Playoff point leader Connor Zilisch. He and the No. 88 Chevrolet team started the race with a 59-point lead. The JR Motorsports driver was able to pad his lead to 91 points with a fifth-place finish and Stage 2 victory.
For the record books, this was Zilisch’s 15th-consecutive top five finish and 16th of the season.
“We put ourselves in a good position and had a chance at it (win),” he said. “But, not tonight.”
Moving from below to above the Cutoff Line were Creed with a second-place finish taking him from 10th to fifth and Harris Burton crossed the line in seventh to move from 11th to sixth in points. Joining them above the Cutoff Line was Kvapil who finished fourth, moving him to fourth from ninth.
“I don’t want to say we were irrelevant at times,” Creed said about his finish in the No. 00 Ford. “But. I’m not going to lie, we’ve struggled and we struggled a little bit tonight and just worked on it and rallied.
“To come out with a top-three finish and up on points is all you can ask for in an opening round.”
The next NXS race is at Kansas Speedway on Saturday, Sept. 27.

As the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series playoffs heat up, the chatter off the track is almost as loud as the engines. Rumor has it that NASCAR is considering shaking things up with a new playoff format for 2026. A 3-3-4 setup instead of the usual 3-3-3-1. That would mean two rounds of three races each before a four-race championship battle, a big shift from the win-or-go-home one-race finale we’ve all come to expect.
Fans are divided. Some love the idea of a longer, fairer fight; others think the drama of the one-race showdown is what makes the sport so thrilling. And right in the middle of it all? NASCAR drivers themselves. And among them is Bubba Wallace, who isn’t shy about sharing how he really feels about racing, pressure, and what truly matters.
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Bubba Wallace’s honest take on the rumored NASCAR playoff format
Bubba Wallace sounded especially measured when asked about looming changes to the NASCAR playoff format. He said plainly: “You can leave me out of the format talks. If I have a contract and have a car and have a team all this stuff, I’m going to go race whatever it is and try to be the best of that.” But behind that calm exterior lies real concern. Not just about formats, but about the future of his seat and 23XI Racing itself.
Bubba Wallace’s confidence isn’t unfounded. In 2025, he’s currently fourth in the playoff standings with a +50 point cushion heading into the final race of the Round of 16. Performance-wise, he has one win (the Brickyard 400), 12 top-ten finishes, and four top-fives this season. But the bigger worry is the legal battle surrounding the charter system.
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Jordan Bianchi has said that Wallace (and Tyler Reddick) lie in uncertainty amid the ongoing legal battle. “23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports made clear in their most recent filings what would happen if the teams lose their charters. They said they would be ‘out of business following the 2025 Cup Series season,” Bianchi said.
Still, Wallace stayed focused on what he can control. “It doesn’t matter what format it is. You were the best of that current format, so whatever format comes our way, just try to be the best at it.” That mindset is deeply rooted in his journey of over a decade in NASCAR. 2025 is only his second season making the playoffs (the first one being in 2023). Still, he knows the ceiling he’s capable of reaching. If you remember, Wallace finished 10th in the 2023 season. This year, he is determined to finish better.
“We’re paid to be the best, beat the rest, right? And once you do that, you become champion,” Wallace explained. So while Wallace may seem unshaken by playoff format debates, the forces around him are shifting. Between the legal risk to his team’s charter and the pressure that comes with racing for a title, this could be one of his hardest years yet. Even if he never says so.
NASCAR community shares its opinion of the playoff format
While Bubba Wallace isn’t interested in debating playoff formats, plenty of others in the garage certainly are. And they aren’t holding back. Some believe the current 3-3-3-1 setup overemphasizes a single race and undermines season-long performance. Others argue it creates the kind of drama that keeps fans glued to their screens. But mostly, the NASCAR community is welcoming the change.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. has been one of the most vocal critics of the current format and has asked for a change. On a recent episode of the Dale Jr. Download, he said, “This format is more about being great on one singular day, the rest of the season be damned.” His point was aimed squarely at drivers like Joey Logano, who have been able to advance despite underwhelming regular-season results. Dale Jr.’s comments reignited the debate on whether one race should carry so much weight in crowning a champion.
Speaking of the new format, Chase Elliott sees merit in the rumored 3-3-4 change. “I think it would be better than what we have,” Elliott said during media availability at Bristol Motor Speedway. “You just have a larger amount of races to decide (the champion).” Elliott’s argument focuses on giving drivers a bigger sample size to prove themselves when the stakes are at their highest.
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Chase Briscoe added his voice to the conversation, suggesting that a four-race finale would force drivers to be more well-rounded. “Whereas if it’s a three or four-race format, it’s not harder to win but you have to be more consistent and elevate your game for four weeks in a row,” Briscoe said. He noted that it would reduce the chances of one team benefiting disproportionately from Phoenix’s or Homestead-Miami’s layout.
As the chatter continues, NASCAR faces a key question. Should the playoffs reward consistent season-long excellence or continue to put everything on the line in a one-race winner-take-all showdown? Fans and drivers alike will be watching closely to see if this rumored change becomes reality.

In the ongoing NASCAR lawsuit, U.S. District Judge Kenneth Bell, in his hearing on August 28, cautioned that “everybody is going to get hurt if this thing goes a certain way,” highlighting the high stakes for the industry’s future. As the playoffs enter the final race of the Round of 16, the on-track drama isn’t the only thing keeping team owners and fans on edge.
Behind closed doors, one of the most pivotal legal battles in modern NASCAR history is quietly gaining steam. At its core, the case could redefine how teams negotiate their place in the sport and how much control NASCAR itself can hold over the money and the system that fuels it. Now, one powerhouse ownership group is taking an aggressive next step. Here’s the latest update on the NASCAR antitrust lawsuit.
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Michael Jordan and Co. demand summary judgment
NASCAR’s ongoing legal battle with 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports recently took a significant turn when the teams filed a motion for summary judgment against NASCAR’s counterclaim. NASCAR had accused the two teams of illegal collusion, alleging they coordinated with drivers and sponsors to pressure NASCAR for better charter terms. This counterclaim alleges anti-competitive behavior aimed at manipulating negotiations for charter agreements.
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Their argument is clear. NASCAR’s claim doesn’t have enough weight to move forward, and there’s no need to spend more time, money, or resources litigating it. If the judge doesn’t grant this summary judgment, the teams have made another request. That this counterclaim be split into its own separate trial, set for 2026. That would allow the main NASCAR lawsuit, scheduled for December, to proceed without getting bogged down by what they view as a distraction.
According to the filing, 23XI and FRM point out that NASCAR voluntarily agreed to joint negotiations with the teams and that there was no boycott or restriction on individual talks. In other words, they argue that there was no illegal restraint of trade, the very backbone of NASCAR’s counterclaim.
This filing adds yet another layer to the NASCAR lawsuit that has the potential to reshape the sport’s business model. With NASCAR’s response due on October 3, all eyes will be on whether the court grants the request or sets the stage for two separate trials. Either way, the legal battle is far from over, and the outcome could redefine how teams and the sanctioning body share power and revenue in the years to come. But amidst this, the co-owner has decided not to let it affect the current season.
Tunnel vision for Denny Hamlin, no distractions
Even Denny Hamlin’s crew chief, Chris Gayle, has made his point crystal clear. Hamlin isn’t letting anything, not even a multi-million-dollar lawsuit with NASCAR, interfere with his pursuit of a title. The court battle might be headline news in the garage, but inside the No. 11 team’s camp, it’s business as usual.
“He knows what he wants out of this last part of his career and he’s very focused on not letting these other things that could be distractions for others be a distraction for him,” Gayle explained. “I spend a little more time with him and I watch him come in here for competition meetings and for our simulator sessions, and I don’t hear anything about the lawsuit, what’s going on at home.”
That clarity of purpose is paying off. Hamlin’s win at St. Louis locked him into the next round of the playoffs, giving him a rare chance to approach Bristol with a little less pressure. Instead of survival mode, the team can focus on pure speed, using this race as a chance to experiment, test setups, and prepare for the bigger battles ahead.
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Gayle also hinted that Hamlin’s level of preparation right now is some of the best he’s seen in years. Five wins already this season are proof of that, but the crew chief believes the driver’s mental state is equally crucial. “It’s totally focused on the race car, on the 11 car and what we need to do to make it better,” Gayle said.
For Hamlin, this might be the final shot at putting together a full, clean postseason run before retirement talk becomes impossible to ignore. And if his current approach is any indication, nothing short of a championship will satisfy him. Lawsuits, distractions, and outside noise be damned.

Ryan Blaney’s father, Dave Blaney, has a NASCAR story filled with grit, underdog triumphs, and a deep-rooted love for short-track racing. Known as the “Buckeye Bullet,” Dave built a loyal fanbase thanks to his relentless work ethic, natural speed on dirt and pavement, and his willingness to do things the hard way. The man was often seen racing for smaller teams against the sport’s biggest names. But behind the stats and trophy runs, the heart of Dave Blaney’s career has always been about the genuine connections he forged in the NASCAR garage.
A few key figures became more than just bosses or sponsors; they became cherished friends to the entire Blaney family. In recent days, the sport’s tight-knit community was reminded how much these bonds matter, as Ryan Blaney reflected on one of his father’s most significant NASCAR allies. A man who shaped careers, built lifelong memories, and quietly left an indelible mark on everyone he met.
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Ryan Blaney’s family’s enduring bond with Bill Davis
“That was tough,” Ryan Blaney reflected solemnly on the loss of Bill Davis, the respected NASCAR team owner who died at age 74. Davis’ passing shook many in the NASCAR community, especially the Blaneys, who considered Bill and his wife, Gail, a central part of their lives.
“Gail and Bill were a big part of my family’s lives, have a lot of great memories with them up in their property, just getting to know them,” Ryan Blaney said, painting a picture of warmth, hospitality, and years of connection beyond the racetrack. For Dave Blaney, Bill wasn’t just a boss but a genuine friend, instrumental in shaping both his career and personal journey.
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Bill Davis and Dave Blaney shared a significant NASCAR partnership that helped shape Blaney’s Cup Series career. Davis first hired Blaney to drive for Bill Davis Racing in the No. 93 Amoco-sponsored car in 1998, where Blaney earned multiple top-10 finishes and a career-best seventh in points.
Over the next decade, Blaney returned to Davis’ team for select stints, including driving the No. 22 Toyota starting in 2006. Under Davis’s ownership, Blaney achieved milestones, including securing Toyota’s first Cup Series pole at Loudon in 2007 and several top-10 finishes.
Bill Davis leaves behind a storied legacy as a tireless supporter of NASCAR’s future stars and behind-the-scenes crew members. “Bill was a huge part of a lot of driver careers, a lot of crew members’ careers, and they were just at the end of the day, just amazing people,” Ryan Blaney emphasized. Davis’ teams, Bill Davis Racing, launched the careers of legends like Jeff Gordon, Bobby Labonte, Ward Burton, and Johnny Benson Jr., delivering wins in the Daytona 500, Southern 500, and a Craftsman Truck Series championship with Johnny Benson Jr.
More than a racing magnate, Bill’s generosity was felt through his willingness to believe in people, unite a team, and provide career-saving opportunities to countless mechanics, engineers, and aspiring drivers. Later, the 31-year-old’s thoughts settled on Gail, who, like Bill, formed lasting bonds with families throughout the sport.
“I hope Gail’s doing the best,” he said, wishing strength for her and gratitude for the memories shared. In the end, Bill Davis’ story isn’t just about checkered flags but about the family spirit, kindness, and deep network of relationships that keep the NASCAR community stronger. On and off the track.
Bill Davis’ lasting legacy resonates across the garage
The NASCAR community deeply mourned the passing of Bill Davis. NASCAR’s statement on Bill Davis’ passing struck a deep chord throughout the garage, calling him “a championship-winning leader and owner [who] made a lasting mark on our sport through his passion and unwavering belief in the people around him. Bill was more than a competitor. He was a friend to all in the garage, respected for his kindness, generosity, and genuine love for racing.”
Tommy Baldwin Jr., who worked for Davis on the No. 22 team in 2002, tweeted via the Tommy Baldwin Racing account, “Thank you Bill Davis for giving a kid from Long Island a shot & giving us the reins to make some magic. We had a great group of guys back in the day and didn’t realize how good we all had it… You will be missed. Rest in peace, BD.” Broadcasters and longtime friends, including Mike Joy of FOX Sports, also shared memories of Davis as a generous mentor whose doors were always open for those chasing dreams.
Bill Davis’ journey to NASCAR stardom began far from the racetrack, rooted in the trucking business of his Arkansas upbringing. Growing up watching his father sell big-rig trucks, Davis eventually founded his own successful trucking and logistics company in Batesville, Arkansas.
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This entrepreneurial spirit fueled his leap into motorsports. Davis was first a motocross racer before turning his attention to stock car racing. In 1988, leveraging his business acumen and passion for racing, he launched Bill Davis Racing, starting with part-time NASCAR Busch Series entries. For several talents, Davis’ support was instrumental in breaking new ground for diversity within the sport. Even after selling his team, Davis remained connected, supporting former crew, drivers, and their families.
Ultimately, NASCAR’s reflection and the many personal stories affirm that Bill Davis’ impact wasn’t measured solely by trophies, but by the culture of camaraderie and opportunity he fostered. His example sets a standard for what genuine leadership and friendship can mean in motorsports.

For more than a decade, Rodney Childers stood atop the NASCAR Cup Series. He was one of its most successful crew chiefs, guiding Kevin Harvick to the 2014 championship and collecting 40 career Cup wins along the way. Childers’ reputation as a meticul… [5327 chars]

Former NASCAR driver, broadcaster, and JR Motorsports team owner Dale Earnhardt Jr. has not ruled out a potential one-off Craftsman Truck Series entry in the future. Following his Cup Series retirement in 2017, Dale Jr. makes one Xfinity Series appea… [2458 chars]

In the ever-evolving world of NASCAR, whispers of change have begun to echo through the garages and pit boxes. As the 2025 Cup Series playoffs unfold, discussion about potential alterations to the playoff format is gaining momentum. NASCAR officials … [6529 chars]

NASCAR fans have been waiting forever for a console game that truly captures the roar of stock cars, the strategy of pit stops, and the nail-biting drama of a late-race battle. When NASCAR 25 was announced, it felt like the answer to those prayers.
D… [6664 chars]

NASCAR has warned all teams not to allow their drivers to drive on the dirt or grass during the cool down lap in an attempt to increase the car’s weight. The warning comes after Trackhouse Racing’s Ross Chastain and Shane Van Gisbergen were noted by … [2382 chars]

The long-running Taste of Chicago food festival will move back to July in 2026 after being booted from the mid-summer Downtown lineup for several years in favor of NASCAR.
That’s according to the head of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special… [2338 chars]

The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Playoffs Round of 10 continues with a night race at the Bristol Motor Speedway on Thursday, September 11 (9/11/2025) at 8 p.m. ET.
The NASCAR Truck Series Playoffs at Bristol will air on FS1, and streams live on Dire… [2358 chars]

In tribute to those lost on September 11, the Petty Enterprises Museum has unveiled a John Andretti 2000 #43 diecast recovered from Ground Zero. Once part of Andretti’s 2000 NASCAR collection, the model now symbolizes resilience, remembrance, and the… [5121 chars]

NASCAR’s always been about larger-than-life characters, and nobody embodied that more than Dale Earnhardt Sr. As Kenny Wallace put it, Earnhardt was “bigger than NASCAR,” a guy who’d spark a frenzy just walking from his motorhome to the garage. Fans … [4532 chars]

Bristol Motor Speedway is NASCAR’s electric cathedral, a half-mile coliseum where the Night Race’s thunder has drawn sellout crowds for decades, 55 straight from 1982 to 2010. But lately, the buzz isn’t just about the racing; it’s about the price to … [5067 chars]

With the playoffs in full swing for the top three national series, Bristol Motor Speedway will welcome the ARCA, Truck, Xfinity and Cup series for three consecutive nights of racing on the 0.533-mile oval.
Thursday will feature roughly nine hours of … [2406 chars]

The ongoing debate over NASCAR playoff system heated up again this week, as Denny Hamlin fired back at Joey Logano’s defense of the format.
On his podcast, Denny Hamlin dismissed Logano’s reasoning as “fundamentally flawed,” leaning on support from D… [3515 chars]

NASCAR Hall of Famer Mark Martin has never been shy about his dislike of the NASCAR playoffs. The former driver clashed with journalist Jordan Bianchi over the “win and you’re in” system, questioning why the media continues to push a format that many… [2969 chars]

On a recent episode of Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour, the 2014 NASCAR Cup Series champion turned commentator reignited an old debate: should NASCAR keep racing on Saturday nights?
“Why do we ever race on a Saturday night? It makes no sense. Makes zero s… [3530 chars]

(All times Eastern)
Schedule subject to change and/or blackouts
Thursday, Sept. 11
AUSTRALIAN RULES FOOTBALL (MEN’S)
5:30 a.m. (Friday)
FS2 — AFL Playoffs: Hawthorn at Adelaide, Semifinal
AUTO RACING
3:05 p.m.
FS2 — NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series: Pra… [2079 chars]

The orange and white No. 26 truck is a collaboration between Tennessee athletics, Rackley Roofing, and the Learfield/Vol Network.
Sutton, a 19-year-old from Lebanon and a Vols fan, made his NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series debut in 2024.
The race is par… [1778 chars]

NASCAR is ready to compete in the 2025 Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway, and there is a lot on the line. On Saturday night, four drivers will be eliminated in the Round of 16 finale; however, a win at The Last Great Colosseum would… [2413 chars]

NASCAR fans and insiders have noted growing tension surrounding the sport’s scheduling strategy. This is particularly concerning Saturday night races. Viewership numbers consistently point toward a performance dip when events air on Saturday nights. … [4868 chars]

NASCAR arrives back at the Bristol Motor Speedway this weekend, for four action-packed races culminating in the Bass Pro Shops Night Race on Saturday, September 13. It’s the final race in the Cup Series Playoffs Round of 16, which means four drivers … [3666 chars]

NASCAR informed teams in a memo Tuesday that the actions Trackhouse Racing drivers Ross Chastain and Shane van Gisbergen took after last weekend’s race could be subject to penalties, including disqualification, moving forward.
Both playoff drivers tu… [2454 chars]