Racing

Bristol Night Race: NASCAR Weekend Schedule, Start Times & TV Broadcast

This upcoming weekend marks a significant event for racing enthusiasts, as Bristol Motor Speedway hosts a full slate of NASCAR events. The action-packed schedule features races across multiple divisions, including the Cup Series, O'Reilly Series, Craftsman Truck Series, and the ARCA Menard's Series, spanning from Thursday to Saturday. Fans can anticipate intense competition and high-octane thrills as drivers battle it out on the track.

Christopher Bell, last year's victor at the Bristol Night Race, returns to defend his title. Ty Gibbs also enters the weekend with momentum, having secured a recent victory in the Cup Series at Bristol. The championship race is heating up, with Denny Hamlin currently leading the standings, holding a narrow nine-point advantage over Kyle Larson and an eighteen-point lead over Bell, as the series progresses into the third of ten Chase races. Additionally, the weekend will include various celebrations honoring the illustrious career of Kyle Busch, who boasts an impressive record of 22 wins on the concrete half-mile track.

Complete Weekend Racing Schedule at Bristol

The Bristol Motor Speedway is set to ignite with a series of exhilarating races across various NASCAR divisions this weekend. Starting on Thursday, September 17th, the ARCA Menards Series kicks off with practice and qualifying sessions at 1:00 PM EST, followed by the NASCAR Truck Series practice at 3:00 PM EST and qualifying at 4:05 PM EST. The evening concludes with the ARCA Menard's Series race at 5:30 PM EST, featuring 200 laps of intense competition, and the NASCAR Truck Series race at 8:00 PM EST, covering 250 laps, both broadcast on FOX SPORTS 1 and FOX SPORTS 2 respectively. Friday, September 18th, continues the excitement with the NASCAR O'Reilly practice at 2:00 PM EST and qualifying at 3:05 PM EST, accessible via CW APP and ESPN UNLIMITED. NASCAR Cup practice and qualifying sessions are scheduled for 4:30 PM EST and 5:35 PM EST, available on TRUTV and HBO MAX. The day culminates with the NASCAR O'Reilly race at 7:30 PM EST, a 300-lap spectacle on THE CW and ESPN UNLIMITED. The main event, the NASCAR Cup Bristol Night Race, is scheduled for Saturday, September 19th, with a pre-race show at 7:00 PM EST on USA, leading into the 500-lap race at 7:30 PM EST, also on USA.

This detailed schedule ensures that fans have ample opportunities to follow their favorite drivers and teams throughout the weekend. Key highlights include the defending champion Christopher Bell's return and the ongoing championship battle between Denny Hamlin, Kyle Larson, and Bell. The array of practice sessions, qualifying rounds, and races across different series offers a comprehensive view of the diverse talent within NASCAR. The inclusion of an open entry, the No. 66 Ford driven by Josh Bilicki, adds another layer of intrigue to the Cup Series race. With races spanning from the developmental ARCA series to the premier Cup series, the Bristol Night Race weekend promises to be a memorable event for all motorsport enthusiasts.

NASCAR Cup Bristol Night Race Competitors and Broadcast Details

The NASCAR Cup Bristol Night Race on Saturday, September 19th, promises an electrifying evening of high-speed action. With a start time of 7:30 PM EST, the race will consist of 500 laps, strategically divided into three stages: 125 laps, 125 laps, and a final intense stage of 250 laps. Teams will have 11 sets of tires at their disposal to manage strategy throughout the event. For viewers in the United States, the race will be broadcast live on USA, while Canadian fans can tune into TSN. International viewing options are also available for a global audience. For those who prefer audio, live radio coverage will be provided by MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, ensuring that no fan misses a moment of the roaring engines and thrilling overtakes.

A total of 37 entries are confirmed for the NASCAR Cup race at Bristol, showcasing a diverse field of talent and formidable teams. Noteworthy participants include Ross Chastain for Trackhouse Racing, Austin Cindric and Ryan Blaney representing Team Penske, and Austin Dillon from Richard Childress Racing. Hendrick Motorsports will feature Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott, William Byron, and Alex Bowman. Joe Gibbs Racing fields Christopher Bell, Denny Hamlin, and Ty Gibbs, among others. Front Row Motorsports will have Noah Gragson and Todd Gilliland, while RFK Racing includes Brad Keselowski and Chris Buescher. Spire Motorsports enters with Daniel Suarez, Michael McDowell, and Carson Hocevar. Legacy Motor Club features John Hunter Nemechek and Erik Jones. Other teams like 23XI Racing (Bubba Wallace, Tyler Reddick, Riley Herbst), Haas Factory Team (Cole Custer), Wood Brothers Racing (Josh Berry), and Rick Ware Racing (Cody Ware) round out the competitive roster. A special mention goes to the open entry, the No. 66 Ford driven by Josh Bilicki for Garage 66, adding an element of unpredictability to the race. This comprehensive lineup ensures a fiercely contested race, with each driver vying for victory under the Bristol night lights.

Lando Norris's Ferrari F40 Returns to London Streets After Crash

Following a previous incident, Formula 1 sensation Lando Norris has been observed navigating the streets of London in his distinguished Ferrari F40. This sighting confirms the supercar's successful restoration and return to active use after it was involved in an unfortunate collision earlier in 2025.

The F40, a highly coveted automobile, sustained damage during an incident in Monaco when a friend of Norris was at the wheel. The car's reappearance has generated considerable excitement among enthusiasts, especially coming shortly after Norris's impressive third-place performance at the recent Spanish Grand Prix. This classic vehicle holds a special place in automotive history as one of only 1311 units ever produced, making its return to public view a noteworthy event.

The F40's Resilient Return to the Road

Lando Norris's Ferrari F40 has made a remarkable comeback, having been spotted driving through London. This iconic supercar was previously involved in an accident in Monaco during early 2025 while Norris was away, with a friend at the wheel. The vehicle, a rare specimen, was among just 1,311 units manufactured between 1987 and 1992 and held the distinction of being the first street-legal car to surpass 200 mph. Its return to the roads has delighted fans, with many expressing their pleasure at seeing the meticulously restored automobile back in action, particularly after its significant repair following the incident.

The Ferrari F40, a symbol of automotive engineering and design, holds a unique position in the history of supercars. Its brief absence from the public eye following the accident prompted significant discussion, highlighting its iconic status. Norris, who acquired the F40 in late 2024, expressed his displeasure at the time of the crash, emphasizing the emotional connection owners often have with such extraordinary vehicles. The recent sighting in London, after its third-place achievement at the Spanish Grand Prix, not only reaffirms the car's restored condition but also underscores Norris's passion for unique and high-performance automobiles.

Norris's Expanding and Prestigious Automotive Collection

Beyond the celebrated Ferrari F40, Lando Norris boasts an impressive array of luxury and performance vehicles. His collection showcases a diverse taste, encompassing various McLaren models such as the 765LT Spider, P1, Senna, 720S, 570S Spider, and GT, reflecting his strong ties to the brand through his Formula 1 career. This extensive personal garage highlights his appreciation for both modern supercars and classic automotive masterpieces, making him a notable figure in the world of high-end car collectors.

Norris's passion for automobiles extends beyond his professional racing endeavors, as evidenced by his eclectic car collection. In addition to his McLarens and the Ferrari F40, his garage is also reported to include a Lamborghini Miura P400, a Porsche Carrera GT, a Liberty Walk Nissan Skyline GT-R R32, and a Shelby Cobra, among others. The acquisition of these vehicles, alongside more contemporary models like a Lamborghini Aventador, Jaguar F-type Roadster, Rolls-Royce Wraith, and Lamborghini Urus Performante, illustrates a deep-seated enthusiasm for automotive excellence, spanning different eras and styles. This curated selection further cements his status as a connoisseur of fine cars.

See More

Mercedes is Open to Re-evaluating F1's ADUO System Amid Discussions with FIA President on Honda's Performance and Fernando Alonso's Concerns

Mercedes Formula 1 chief Toto Wolff has expressed an openness to re-evaluate the Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO) system within the sport. This consideration arises from conversations between two-time world champion Fernando Alonso and FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem regarding the competitive struggles of Honda, Aston Martin's engine supplier. Honda's initial foray into the 2026 power unit regulations has been marked by a lack of performance and reliability, prompting the FIA to grant them special development allowances. Despite these provisions, Alonso and his teammate Lance Stroll continue to face significant challenges at the rear of the grid, raising questions about the effectiveness and fairness of the current ADUO framework.

Ben Sulayem's direct engagement with Alonso underscores the seriousness of the situation, with the FIA president emphasizing that a champion of Alonso's caliber should not be compelled to leave the sport due to uncompetitive machinery. The ADUO system, designed to help manufacturers catch up in development, is already slated for review due to concerns about its application, particularly given that some leading manufacturers like Mercedes have also benefited from upgrade opportunities, while others, such as Red Bull-Ford Powertrains, have been excluded. This disparity has led to calls for a more equitable approach to engine development regulations.

Both Toto Wolff and Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies have voiced support for re-examining the ADUO regulations. They acknowledge the need for a mechanism to assist less competitive manufacturers while ensuring overall fairness within the sport. This collaborative spirit among teams and the FIA reflects a commitment to maintaining a competitive and engaging Formula 1, where all participants have a genuine chance to succeed. The ongoing dialogue suggests that adjustments to the regulations are likely, aiming to foster greater parity and innovation in engine development for the future of F1.

The collective desire to support struggling manufacturers and ensure competitive balance reflects a commendable aspect of sportsmanship. By proactively addressing the challenges faced by teams like Aston Martin and Honda, Formula 1 can reinforce its commitment to fair competition and technological advancement, ultimately enriching the sport for both participants and fans alike.

See More