Dawson Sutton to Compete in NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series

Bristol, Tennessee, October 5, 2025

News Summary

Professional racer Dawson Sutton is set to drive the No. 26 truck with a Tennessee theme in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series at Bristol Motor Speedway. This collaboration with the University of Tennessee Athletics and Rackley Roofing comes just days before a key college football game. Sutton, hailing from Lebanon, Tennessee, views this race as a proud representation of his home state. With notable past performances and an exciting theme, Sutton’s participation highlights Tennessee’s passion for both racing and football.

Bristol, Tennessee – Professional racer Dawson Sutton is set to compete in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series at Bristol Motor Speedway on September 11. Sutton will be driving the No. 26 truck, which features a custom Tennessee theme that showcases the iconic orange and white colors along with Volunteer branding.

This race marks a collaboration between Dawson Sutton, the University of Tennessee Athletics, and Rackley Roofing. It is a significant event as it takes place just two days before the Tennessee football team hosts Georgia at Neyland Stadium.

Dawson Sutton expressed his excitement about this opportunity, stating that competing in the Truck Series with a Tennessee-themed truck is a dream come true. Growing up in Lebanon, Tennessee, Sutton has always been a fan of both racing and Tennessee football. His presence in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series is a proud representation of his home state.

Sutton made his debut in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2024, and this season his best performances include finishing ninth at Texas and eleventh at Nashville. He is coming off a 19th-place finish at Darlington on August 30. This particular race at Bristol is part of a NASCAR triple-header event.

Truck Series qualifying for the race is scheduled to begin at 4:10 p.m. ET, following practice starting at 3:05 p.m. ET. The significance of this race extends beyond Sutton’s participation; it continues a tradition of Tennessee-themed race cars that have previously been driven by renowned drivers such as Sterling Marlin and Trevor Bayne.

Alicia Longworth, the Deputy Athletics Director and Chief Marketing Officer at the University of Tennessee, emphasized the importance of this collaboration in elevating the university’s brand at Bristol, which is a legendary venue in the motorsport world.

Dawson Sutton is not the only Tennessee native in the NASCAR scene. Josh Berry, another local racer, recently faced challenging luck in the NASCAR playoffs, being eliminated after Stage 1 in three consecutive races. The excitement in the state also extends to college football, where the Tennessee football team recently experienced a narrow overtime loss to Georgia, marking their ninth consecutive defeat against the Bulldogs.

With Sutton’s participation in the upcoming NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, Tennessee can look forward to a thrilling representation of its athletic spirit in both motorsports and college football.

Key Race Information

• Event: NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series
• Date: September 11, 2024
• Location: Bristol Motor Speedway
• Truck Number: No. 26

Sutton’s Performance Recap

• Best Finish: 9th place at Texas
• Second Best Finish: 11th place at Nashville
• Latest Finish: 19th place at Darlington

Race Schedule

• Practice Start Time: 3:05 p.m. ET
• Qualifying Start Time: 4:10 p.m. ET

Background Context

This event is crucial for showcasing the collaborations between different sectors within Tennessee. The University of Tennessee has a rich history in athletics, and this partnership with Dawson Sutton highlights the continued intersection of sports and community pride. The legacy of Tennessee race cars in NASCAR adds to the enthusiasm surrounding the event.

Key Features Overview

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Upcoming UNOH 250 Race at Bristol Motor Speedway
Dawson Sutton to Race Tennessee-themed Truck at Bristol

Additional Resources

• Knox News
• Wikipedia: NASCAR
• The Tennessean
• Google Search: Dawson Sutton
• WJHL
• Google Scholar: Bristol Motor Speedway
• NASCAR Official Site
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Bristol Motor Speedway
• Fox Sports
• Google News: University of Tennessee

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.