Bristol, TN, September 9, 2025
News Summary
The Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway is a pivotal event in the NASCAR Cup Championship Playoffs. Scheduled at 7:30 p.m. ET, this race will see four drivers eliminated from contention. With Denny Hamlin leading the pack with five wins and Chase Briscoe aiming to advance further, the pressure is on as drivers compete for their championship spots. The weather seems favorable for the showdown, promising an exciting atmosphere for teams and fans alike.
Bristol, TN – The upcoming Bass Pro Shops Night Race is set to be a crucial event in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Championship Playoffs. Scheduled for Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Bristol Motor Speedway, the race will begin at 7:30 p.m. ET and will be broadcast live on the USA Network. This highly anticipated race marks the third round in the playoffs and the final opportunity for drivers to secure their place, as four competitors will be eliminated from championship contention following this event.
The Bass Pro Shops Night Race is Race 29 of 36 in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season. It holds significant implications as the playoff drivers have had their points reset to a base of 2000, with bonus points awarded based on their performance throughout the regular season. The four drivers who find themselves at the bottom of the points standings among those competing for the championship will be cut from contention after the conclusion of this race.
This season, Denny Hamlin leads the pack with five victories, including a noteworthy win at the recent Enjoy Illinois 300. Alongside Hamlin, Chase Briscoe has also secured automatic advancement into the Round of 12 after winning his playoff race. As the playoffs progress, drivers will face intense pressure to excel as they vie for a chance at the championship.
Shane van Gisbergen enters the race as a long shot, having accumulated only 12 points in his two playoff races thus far. Meanwhile, Kyle Larson will be looking to leverage his successful history at Bristol, including wins in two of the last four years. The previous race held at Bristol earlier this year was also clinched by Larson, further establishing him as a strong contender moving forward.
As the playoffs have unfolded, the competition has intensified. Hamlin and Briscoe are currently the only playoff drivers boasting two top-10 finishes from the initial two playoff races. In terms of points, Ryan Blaney has managed to accumulate 42 points, placing him in the mix, but others like Austin Cindric, who ranks No. 12, have only secured 11 points. Those below the cutoff line include drivers like Austin Dillon (-11), Shane van Gisbergen (-15), Alex Bowman (-35), and Josh Berry (-45).
With race day fast approaching, driver entry lists show that 39 cars are set to compete, including Craftsman Truck Series runner Corey Heim. The official entry list for the Bass Pro Shops Night Race was announced on Thursday night. Notably, the weather is expected to be favorable, with sunny skies and a predicted temperature of 84°F on race day.
Recent tensions were evidenced during the Enjoy Illinois 300, where an incident involving Blaney and Larson saw Larson admitting to a misjudgment that impacted Blaney. Such incidents add to the drama as teams prepare to navigate this high-stakes race.
As the countdown to the Bass Pro Shops Night Race continues, fans and drivers alike are gearing up for an exciting showdown at Bristol Motor Speedway, where the path to the championship will become clearer after the dust settles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When is the Bass Pro Shops Night Race?
The race is scheduled for Saturday, September 13, 2025, starting at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Where will the race be held?
The race will take place at Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, TN.
How many cars will be competing?
A total of 39 cars are expected to compete in the Bass Pro Shops Night Race.
What has been the performance of key drivers this season?
Denny Hamlin leads the season with five wins, while Chase Briscoe has secured advancement to the Round of 12 after winning a playoff race.
Key Race Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | September 13, 2025 |
| Location | Bristol Motor Speedway, Bristol, TN |
| Start Time | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| Broadcast | USA Network |
| Race Number | 29 of 36 |
| Weather Forecast | Sunny, 84°F |
| Elimination | Four drivers will be eliminated after this race |
| Total Cars Entered | 39 |
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Additional Resources
- Heavy: Bass Pro Shops Night Race Entry List
- Wikipedia: Bass Pro Shops Night Race
- Frontstretch: NASCAR Bristol Entry Lists
- Google Search: Bass Pro Shops Night Race 2025
- NASCAR: Craftsman Truck Series Entry List
- Google Scholar: Bass Pro Shops Night Race
- NASCAR: Cup Series Entry List
- Encyclopedia Britannica: NASCAR
- On3: Bass Pro Shops Night Race Betting Lines
- 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.
