This week, Bristol Motor Speedway is set to be the center of action for NASCAR fans, with high stakes and exciting races lined up across all three national series: Cup, Xfinity, and Truck. For drivers, this is a crucial weekend—especially for those in the playoffs—as eliminations loom and the pressure intensifies.
Playoff Drama Unfolding
In the NASCAR Cup Series, four drivers are on the chopping block as the playoffs continue, meaning the competition is fierce, and every lap will count. Meanwhile, the Xfinity Series is wrapping up its regular season, setting the stage for its own playoffs, and the Truck Series continues its playoff journey at this legendary half-mile track.
With so much at stake, fans will be treated to intense racing as drivers push their limits, hoping to secure their spots in the postseason or keep their championship dreams alive.
Bristol’s Weather Outlook
As with any outdoor event, weather plays a key role, but fortunately for fans and drivers alike, the forecast looks mostly clear for the weekend.
- Thursday kicks off with partly cloudy skies, a high of 72 degrees, and only a minimal 4% chance of rain during the start of the Truck race. Perfect conditions for an action-packed start.
- Friday promises sunshine and a few clouds, with daytime highs reaching 83 degrees. By the time the Xfinity race begins in the evening, it will cool to 73 degrees under clear skies, with just a 3% chance of rain. Ideal racing conditions for drivers to give it their all.
- Saturday, the big day for the Cup playoff race, will also enjoy clear skies, a comfortable high of 74 degrees, and only a 5% chance of rain—setting the stage for an epic race as fans witness who will survive and advance in the playoffs.
Bristol Race Weekend Schedule
Here’s what fans can expect over the three days of thrilling NASCAR action, with times listed in Eastern.
Thursday, September 19
- Garage Open
9 a.m. – ARCA Series
9:30 a.m. – Truck Series - On Track
1 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. – ARCA practice
2 p.m. – 2:20 p.m. – ARCA qualifying
3 p.m. – 3:35 p.m. – Truck practice (FS2)
3:35 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. – Truck qualifying (FS2)
5 p.m. – ARCA Race (200 laps/106.6 miles; FS1, MRN)
8 p.m. – Truck Race (200 laps/106.6 miles; FS1, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)
The ARCA and Truck Series dominate Thursday, with practice, qualifying, and two intense races. By the time the Truck Series race kicks off at 8 p.m., the atmosphere will be electric as the drivers hit the track, hungry for a win.
Friday, September 20
- Garage Open
9 a.m. – Xfinity Series
10:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. – Cup Series - On Track
2 p.m. – 2:35 p.m. – Xfinity practice (USA)
2:40 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. – Xfinity qualifying (USA)
4 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. – Cup practice (USA, PRN)
5:05 p.m. – 6 p.m. – Cup qualifying (USA, PRN)
7:30 p.m. – Xfinity Race (300 laps/159.9 miles; CW Network, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)
Friday is Xfinity’s time to shine. After practice and qualifying sessions earlier in the day, the Xfinity race kicks off at 7:30 p.m., a pivotal moment as the regular season comes to a close, and the playoff field is set. Earlier in the day, Cup Series drivers will also practice and qualify, setting the stage for Saturday’s big race.
Saturday, September 21
- Garage Open
3:30 p.m. – Cup Series - On Track
7:30 p.m. – Cup Race (500 laps/266.5 miles; USA, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)
Saturday is all about the Cup Series. This is the day fans have been waiting for, as the playoffs heat up with drivers fighting to stay alive in the championship hunt. The 500-lap race, starting at 7:30 p.m., will push every driver to the limit, testing their endurance and skills on Bristol’s notoriously tough track.
Conclusion
This Bristol weekend is bound to be thrilling from start to finish. With clear skies and comfortable temperatures, the drivers can focus solely on racing, and the fans will be in for a treat. The playoff eliminations in the Cup Series, the Xfinity regular season finale, and the Truck Series playoff continuation promise edge-of-your-seat excitement. Whether you’re tuning in for the adrenaline-pumping action or cheering for your favorite driver, this is a weekend of NASCAR you won’t want to miss.
