Bristol, Tennessee, September 12, 2025
News Summary
Bristol Motor Speedway is gearing up for an action-packed NASCAR weekend, featuring a series of thrilling races from Thursday to Saturday. The events kick off with a doubleheader of ARCA and Truck Series races, followed by the Xfinity Series race, and culminating in the highly anticipated Bass Pro Shops Night Race. Due to the expected large turnout, officials plan to implement traffic management strategies, including contraflow lanes and reduced speed limits, to facilitate smooth travel for fans. Meanwhile, local businesses anticipate a significant boost in economic activity throughout the weekend.
Bristol, Tennessee – NASCAR weekend at Bristol Motor Speedway is set to draw thousands of fans starting on Thursday, with four exciting races taking place from evening until night across three days. The events commence with a doubleheader featuring races from the ARCA and Truck Series on Thursday, followed by the Food City 300 Xfinity Series race on Friday, culminating in the Bass Pro Shops Night Race on Saturday, which is expected to be particularly crowded as it marks the conclusion of the opening round of the NASCAR playoffs.
The first event kicks off on Thursday at 5:30 p.m., featuring both the ARCA and Truck Series. Racing action will continue on Friday night, with the Xfinity Series event scheduled to start at around 7:30 p.m. The much-anticipated Bass Pro Shops Night Race takes place on Saturday evening, also slated for approximately 7:30 p.m.
With an influx of attendees expected each night, particularly for Saturday’s race, area roadways are likely to experience significant congestion. To manage the expected high volume of traffic, officials are implementing plans similar to those from previous years, which include potential traffic holds on highways 11E and 394 following races. In addition, contraflow lanes will be established to facilitate smoother traffic flow post-events.
Motorists planning to visit the speedway should be mindful of traffic conditions and follow signage and guidance from public safety officials. Anticipated congestion is mainly directed towards primary routes leading into the speedway, which include Volunteer Parkway, state Route 394, and specific exits from Interstate 81. In light of higher traffic volumes, speed limits on Highway 11E around the Bristol Motor Speedway will be temporarily reduced from 45 mph to 35 mph during the race weekend.
To further assist with traffic management, nine designated routes are being established to help guide vehicles away from the speedway after events. Local businesses in Bristol are expected to reap benefits from the influx of race fans during the weekend, as attendance boosts economic activity in the area.
In addition to racing, fans can enjoy various entertainment options throughout the weekend. The Food City Fan Zone at Bristol will host numerous driver and celebrity appearances, alongside live auctions organized by Speedway Children’s Charities on both Friday and Saturday afternoons. Special events include a foam party on Thursday night hosted by DJ Sterl the Pearl and a performance by country singer Tim Dugger on Friday night.
This year, the event may attract an increased turnout due to popular YouTube star Cleetus McFarland, known for his car-related content, promoting the festivities on social media. For those planning to make the trip, fuel prices in Bristol are currently favorable, averaging about $2.76 per gallon in the greater Bristol-Kingsport metro area — lower than the state average — and $2.94 in nearby Virginia border communities.
As for the weather, attendees can expect pleasant conditions with clear skies and daytime temperatures ranging from 78 to 81 degrees, dropping to a cooler 50-55 degrees at night.
Key Event Details:
- Thursday: ARCA and Truck Series doubleheader starting at 5:30 p.m.
- Friday: Food City 300 Xfinity Series at approximately 7:30 p.m.
- Saturday: Bass Pro Shops Night Race at about 7:30 p.m.
- Traffic: Congestion expected; watch for contraflow lanes and reduced speed limits.
- Entertainment: Driver appearances, live auctions, foam party, Tim Dugger concert.
- Weather: Clear skies with temperatures between 78-81°F during the day and 50-55°F at night.
Important Notes:
- Motorists should adhere to traffic advisories from public safety personnel.
- Nine routes established for traffic diversion after races.
- Local businesses benefit significantly from race attendance.
FAQ Section
- What races are taking place during NASCAR weekend?
- The ARCA and Truck Series on Thursday, Xfinity Series on Friday, and Cup Series on Saturday.
- What time do the races start?
- Thursday’s races begin at 5:30 p.m., Friday’s at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday’s at 7:30 p.m.
- Will there be traffic congestion?
- Yes, heavy traffic is expected, particularly on Saturday. Be prepared for delays.
- What entertainment will be available?
- Events include driver appearances, live auctions, a foam party, and a concert by Tim Dugger.
| Event | Date | Time | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| ARCA and Truck Series | Thursday | 5:30 PM | Doubleheader |
| Food City 300 Xfinity Series | Friday | 7:30 PM | Live Auctions, Driver Appearances |
| Bass Pro Shops Night Race | Saturday | 7:30 PM | Final Playoff Race, Contraflow Traffic |
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Additional Resources
- NASCAR: Cup Series Clinching Scenarios for Bristol
- Wikipedia: NASCAR
- Jayski: Weekend Preview for Bristol Motor Speedway
- Google Search: Bristol Motor Speedway
- NASCAR: Paint Scheme Preview for Bristol
- Google Scholar: NASCAR Bristol Race
- NY Times: NASCAR Bristol Tires Playoffs Elimination Race
- Encyclopedia Britannica: NASCAR
- Beyond the Flag: 23XI Racing Lineup Change
- Google News: NASCAR Bristol
Author: STAFF HERE BRISTOL WRITTER
The BRISTOL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBristol.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bristol, Sullivan County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, NASCAR races at Bristol Motor Speedway, Border Bash concert series, and the Hot Bristol Night Car Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, Believe in Bristol, and the Birthplace of Country Music, plus leading businesses in healthcare, manufacturing, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Ballad Health, Strongwell, and Bristol Motor Speedway. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
