Bristol, Tennessee, September 11, 2025
News Summary
The NASCAR Cup Series is set to host the Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway, aiming to draw attention with its unique race structure and significant total purse. As excitement builds for this pivotal event, driver Alex Bowman is revamping his pit crew strategy to improve performance after recent setbacks. Scheduled to commence at 7:30 p.m. ET, the race boasts a thrilling format that includes 500 laps and the challenging 0.533-mile oval, promising viewers an action-packed experience.
Bristol, Tennessee – The NASCAR Cup Series is gearing up for the Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway on September 13th. This highly anticipated event is set to begin at 7:30 p.m. ET and will be broadcast across multiple platforms, including USA Network, HBO Max, PRN Radio, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, and the NBC Sports App. The total purse for the race stands at a remarkable $10,447,135.
Bristol Motor Speedway is known for its unique challenges, featuring a 0.533-mile concrete oval that hosts a total of 500 laps. This race is divided into three stages: Stage 1 concludes on Lap 125, Stage 2 wraps up on Lap 250, and the final stage comes to an end on Lap 500. This structure not only adds excitement but also allows for strategic planning throughout the race.
Driver Alex Bowman, who races the No. 48 Chevrolet, is implementing a new pit-crew strategy heading into this pivotal race. Following a series of poor pit-stop performances that have undermined his results in recent weeks, Bowman will now incorporate team members from the No. 77 Spire Motorsports crew. This decision comes on the heels of his disappointing finishes, which saw him struggle due to pit-stop execution failures.
Recently, Bowman’s team faced significant setbacks that impacted their standings. During the playoff opener at Darlington Raceway, he experienced a 40-second pit stop due to disconnected air hoses and ultimately placed 31st. His struggles continued at the World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway, where a jack dropped during a critical moment, further contributing to a lackluster finish of 26th. As a result, Bowman currently ranks 15th among the 16 drivers eligible for the Cup Series title and is confronted with a 35-point deficit as he heads into the Bristol race.
The new pit-crew setup for Bowman’s team includes key members such as Daniel Bach (front changer), Rod Cox (rear changer), Jarius Morehead (tire carrier), Cody French (jack), and Jacob Conley (fueler). Meanwhile, the No. 77 Chevrolet will maintain its own dedicated crew, featuring personnel like Donnie Tasser (front changer).
This weekend’s racing schedule is packed with various practice sessions and qualifying events in the days leading up to the main race, adding to the high-stakes excitement of this playoff event. The Bass Pro Shops Night Race marks the third playoff race of the season, where the competition will further intensify as the format includes the elimination of four drivers from contention for the championship.
As the teams prepare for this unique challenge, all eyes will be on Bowman and his revamped pit crew, as well as the dynamic competition at one of NASCAR’s most iconic tracks.
FAQ
When is the Bass Pro Shops Night Race?
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Key Features of the Bass Pro Shops Night Race
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Race Date | September 13th |
| Start Time | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| Total Purse | $10,447,135 |
| Track Length | 0.533 miles |
| Total Laps | 500 laps |
| Stage 1 Ends | Lap 125 |
| Stage 2 Ends | Lap 250 |
| Final Stage Ends | Lap 500 |
| Bowman’s Pit Crew Members | 5 members from No. 77 Spire Motorsports |
| Playoff Race Number | Third playoff race |
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Additional Resources
- NASCAR News: Cup Series Playoffs Bristol
- Wikipedia: NASCAR Cup Series
- Jayski: NASCAR Xfinity Series News Bristol
- Google Search: NASCAR Bristol
- NASCAR: Paint Scheme Preview Bristol
- Google Scholar: NASCAR Bristol
- Jayski: Weekend Preview Bristol Motor Speedway
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bristol Motor Speedway
- On3: Kevin Harvick Predicts Bristol Race Winner
- 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.
