Bristol Motor Speedway, September 11, 2025
News Summary
Dawson Sutton, a 19-year-old racer from Lebanon, is ready to compete in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series at Bristol Motor Speedway. He will drive truck No. 26, featuring a Tennessee-themed design that celebrates the University of Tennessee’s colors. The race occurs right before the Volunteers face Georgia in football, presenting a special connection between racing and college sports in Tennessee. Sutton’s growing skills in NASCAR are backed by a partnership with Rackley Roofing, enhancing the link between his racing and Tennessee athletics.
Lebanon, Tennessee – Dawson Sutton, a 19-year-old professional racer from Lebanon, is set to make his mark in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series on September 11 at the Bristol Motor Speedway. He will be driving a specially designed Tennessee-themed truck, No. 26, that showcases the University of Tennessee’s (UT) iconic orange and white colors along with Volunteer branding. This event not only highlights Sutton’s aspirations in racing but also symbolizes a celebration of Tennessee football, which he considers a personal dream to represent on such a significant platform.
The upcoming race, known as the UNOH 250, will commence at 8 p.m. ET and is part of a NASCAR triple-header weekend. The excitement builds as truck qualifying is scheduled to start at 4:10 p.m. ET, following a practice session that kicks off at 3:05 p.m. ET. This event is particularly notable as it takes place just two days before the Tennessee Volunteers football team faces off against Georgia at Neyland Stadium, further intertwining the two beloved Tennessee sports.
Sutton’s custom truck features the Power T logo prominently displayed on the hood, a nod to his affiliation with UT. In preparation for this race, Sutton’s team has partnered with Rackley Roofing, which serves as the official roofing partner of the Volunteer athletics program, enhancing the collaboration between racing and college sports.
Before this upcoming race, Sutton made his NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series debut in 2024. His recent performance includes a 19th place finish at Darlington on August 30, with his best results in the ongoing season being a ninth-place finish at Texas and an eleventh at Nashville. This escalating trajectory indicates Sutton’s growth in the competitive world of NASCAR.
The UT-themed truck marks a continuation of a rich tradition in NASCAR, where previous drivers such as Sterling Marlin and Trevor Bayne have also showcased designs inspired by Tennessee. Sutton’s participation aims not only to bring attention to his individual racing career but also to promote the spirit of Tennessee athletics, resonating with fans across the region.
Alicia Longworth, the Deputy Athletics Director and Chief Marketing Officer, highlighted the excitement surrounding the collaboration between the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and the University of Tennessee. This partnership aims to enhance the visibility of both brands during the pivotal race at Bristol, linking the thrills of motorsports with the fervor of collegiate football.
As the event approaches, anticipation builds among fans, marking a unique convergence of two major sports in Tennessee, and positioning Dawson Sutton as a representative of both racing and the University of Tennessee.
Key Features of Dawson Sutton’s Racing Appearance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Date | September 11 |
| Location | Bristol Motor Speedway |
| Truck Number | No. 26 |
| Truck Design | UT-themed with orange and white colors |
| Race Start Time | 8 p.m. ET |
| Qualifying Time | 4:10 p.m. ET |
| Practice Time | 3:05 p.m. ET |
| Recent Finishes | 19th at Darlington, 9th at Texas, 11th at Nashville |
FAQ
What truck number will Dawson Sutton be racing?
Dawson Sutton will race truck number 26.
When is the race scheduled to take place?
The race is scheduled for September 11 at Bristol Motor Speedway.
What is the significance of the truck’s design?
The truck features the University of Tennessee’s iconic orange and white colors and branding, highlighting Sutton’s connection to both racing and Tennessee football.
What are Dawson Sutton’s recent racing results?
He finished 19th at Darlington and had his best finishes of the season being ninth at Texas and eleventh at Nashville.
Who is sponsoring Dawson Sutton’s truck for this event?
Sutton’s race team has partnered with Rackley Roofing, the official roofer of the Vols, for this event.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WSMV News4 Nashville
- Google Search: Dawson Sutton NASCAR Bristol
- Jayski’s NASCAR Silly Season Site
- Wikipedia: Bristol Motor Speedway
- Sports Illustrated
- Google Scholar: NASCAR Truck Series
- WCYB News 5
- Encyclopedia Britannica: NASCAR
- Knoxville News Sentinel
- Google News: Tennessee NASCAR
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.
