Bristol, September 16, 2025
News Summary
In a thrilling race at Bristol Motor Speedway, Brad Keselowski finished second in the Bass Pro Shops Night Race, narrowly missing his team’s first victory of the season. Starting from the 18th position, Keselowski led 33 laps and showcased his skill through strategic moves, ultimately finishing just 0.343 seconds behind race winner Christopher Bell. The event also marked the conclusion of the Round of 16 in the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs, with several drivers advancing and others eliminated, setting the stage for the next race at New Hampshire.
Bristol, Tennessee
Brad Keselowski finished second in the Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway on September 13, 2025, narrowly missing RFK Racing’s first victory of the season. Capping off a thrilling night of racing, Keselowski demonstrated exceptional skills after starting the race from the 18th position and led a total of 33 laps.
Throughout the race, Keselowski maintained competitive positions, finishing eighth in Stage One and fourth in Stage Two. A critical caution on lap 357 presented Keselowski with opportunities to make strategic moves that positioned him favorably heading into the crucial final segment. At one point, he regained the lead on lap 475, but ultimately lost it to Christopher Bell before a caution with 13 laps left to race.
On the final restart, Keselowski chose to take only right-side tires, which allowed him to start fourth with just 10 laps remaining. Despite making a strong effort to close the gap, he finished 0.343 seconds behind the race winner, Bell. Post-race, Keselowski expressed frustration over the last restart, highlighting how well the car performed and the strategic decisions made during the race.
Chris Buescher finished the race in 11th place after demonstrating top-five speed and running near the front for significant portions of the event. Buescher started from the 21st position and climbed as high as second in the later stages before being shuffled back due to late-race pit cycles and cautions. He ended the first and second stages in sixth and seventh respectively, showcasing his consistency throughout the night.
Ryan Preece faced significant challenges and finished 21st after recovering from early setbacks. Preece fell two laps down early in the race but mounted a comeback to finish 17th in both Stage One and Stage Two. Although he briefly reached as high as sixth during the race, late cautions and pit stops cost him valuable track position. Despite a disappointing result, Preece demonstrated notable speed and resilience in the demanding race.
The Bass Pro Shops Night Race marked the conclusion of the Round of 16 in the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs. Christopher Bell, driving for Joe Gibbs Racing, secured the race victory and his fourth win of the 2025 season. This win enabled Bell to join his teammates Chase Briscoe and Denny Hamlin in advancing to the next playoff round, the Round of 12. Meanwhile, four drivers, including Alex Bowman and Austin Dillon, were eliminated from championship contention following the race.
The next event on the NASCAR Cup Series calendar is scheduled for September 21, 2025, at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
Race Highlights
- Winner: Christopher Bell (Joe Gibbs Racing)
- Brad Keselowski: Finished 2nd, led 33 laps, started 18th
- Chris Buescher: Finished 11th, climbed to 2nd early, started 21st
- Ryan Preece: Finished 21st, fell two laps down early
Playoff Context
This race concluded the Round of 16, with several notable contenders advancing while others were eliminated. The upcoming race at New Hampshire promises to be crucial for drivers still vying for the championship title.
FAQ Section
What was the outcome of the Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway?
Brad Keselowski finished second, and Christopher Bell won the race, marking his fourth victory of the season.
How did the playoff standings change after this race?
The race concluded the Round of 16 in the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs, with Christopher Bell advancing along with two other teammates, while several drivers including Alex Bowman and Austin Dillon were eliminated.
When is the next NASCAR Cup Series race scheduled?
The next race will take place at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on September 21, 2025.
Key Features of the Post
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Race Date | September 13, 2025 |
| Location | Bristol Motor Speedway |
| Key Finishers | 1. Christopher Bell, 2. Brad Keselowski, 3. Unspecified |
| Playoff Impact | Christopher Bell and teammates advance; four drivers eliminated |
| Next Race | New Hampshire Motor Speedway on September 21, 2025 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway
Additional Resources
- NASCAR Post Race Reactions
- Wikipedia: Bristol Motor Speedway
- Racing America
- Google Search: Brad Keselowski Bristol Race 2025
- Speedway Media
- Google Scholar: Bass Pro Shops Night Race
- USA Today
- Encyclopedia Britannica: NASCAR Cup Series
- The Tennessean
- Google News: Bass Pro Shops Night Race 2025
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.
