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The annual Bristol Night Race holds a cherished tradition where each NASCAR competitor makes their entrance accompanied by a song of their choosing, setting a distinctive tone for the 500-lap event. This custom has historically provided both amusement and memorable moments, such as Brad Keselowski's notable 2010 entrance with AC/DC's 'For Those About To Rock', famously followed by a candid remark about Kyle Busch.

This year's lineup promises similar intrigue, with Denny Hamlin's selection of the 'Law & Order' theme song standing out, a choice that resonates with the ongoing legal dispute between his team and NASCAR during the championship playoffs. Meanwhile, Austin Cindric adds a touch of whimsy with the 'Goofy Goober' song from the 2004 SpongeBob SquarePants movie. These diverse musical choices not only reflect the drivers' individual characters but also enhance the pre-race atmosphere, making the introductions a highlight for fans.

The Musical Showcase at Bristol Night Race

The Bristol Night Race is renowned for its unique driver introduction ceremony, where participants personally select their walk-out music. This tradition consistently injects humor and memorable incidents into the pre-race activities, capturing the essence of each driver's personality. From bold rock anthems to playful cartoon themes, the chosen songs add a layer of personal expression and entertainment, setting the stage for the intense competition that follows. Fans eagerly anticipate these musical revelations, which often spark conversations and become iconic moments in the race's history. The blend of serious competition and lighthearted self-expression is a hallmark of this event.

Historically, these musical selections have created viral moments, influencing fan engagement and shaping the narrative of the race. For instance, Brad Keselowski's 2010 entrance, punctuated by a direct jab at a rival, perfectly encapsulated the competitive spirit of NASCAR, amplified by his choice of AC/DC. This year's selections continue that legacy, with Hamlin's choice subtly highlighting his team's legal challenges, while Cindric's pick offers a refreshing, unexpected twist. The full list of tracks provides a fascinating glimpse into the minds of these athletes, transforming a standard introduction into a captivating spectacle that celebrates the individuality within the high-octane world of NASCAR.

Behind the Tracks: Stories and Personalities

Each song chosen by a NASCAR driver for their Bristol Night Race introduction carries a story, reflecting their personality, current state, or even a subtle message to competitors. This tradition allows drivers to connect with fans on a more personal level, offering a peek behind the helmet. The variety of genres and artists, from classic rock to contemporary pop, ensures that there's something for every fan, making the driver introductions an integral and highly anticipated part of the race weekend. These musical choices often become talking points, adding an extra dimension to the fan experience beyond the thrill of the race itself.

Denny Hamlin's decision to use the 'Law & Order' theme song, given his team's ongoing lawsuit with NASCAR, exemplifies how drivers leverage this tradition to make statements. This choice is more than just a song; it's a commentary, a nod to current events that adds depth to his public persona. Similarly, Austin Cindric's light-hearted 'Goofy Goober' theme showcases a different side, emphasizing fun and a connection to popular culture. These selections are deliberate, carefully chosen to leave an impression, entertain the crowd, and sometimes, to convey a message without words, further solidifying the unique charm of the Bristol Night Race driver introductions.

In a captivating display of automotive skill and competitive determination, racing veteran Tom Kristensen clinched a sensational victory at the renowned Goodwood Revival. This prestigious event, featuring the St Mary's Trophy for historic touring cars, brought together an extraordinary assembly of motorsport luminaries, including former Formula 1 stars, a celebrated NASCAR champion, and decorated IndyCar winners. Kristensen's triumph, achieved in the final moments of a fiercely contested race, underscored his legendary status in the racing world.

Kristensen's Dramatic Win at Goodwood St Mary's Trophy

On September 13, 2025, at the historic Goodwood circuit, a field of pre-1960 touring cars roared to life for the first St Mary’s Trophy race. The event drew an impressive roster of driving talent, ensuring a thrilling spectacle for all in attendance. Among the distinguished competitors were Le Mans icon Tom Kristensen, British Touring Car champions Gordon Shedden and Andrew Jordan, former Formula 1 world champion Jenson Button, seven-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson, and IndyCar champions Dario Franchitti and Scott Dixon.

Starting from pole position, Steve Soper in his Ford Fairlane initially led the pack. However, Kristensen, piloting his powerful Ford Thunderbird, steadily advanced through the field. After falling to fourth at the start, Soper skillfully navigated his way past less potent machinery, seizing the lead from Shedden's Jaguar Mk1 on the fourth lap of the 16-lap contest. Soper maintained a seemingly unassailable lead, but Kristensen was relentless in his pursuit. The Danish maestro overtook a struggling Shedden for second place just before the halfway point and soon closed the gap to Soper.

With only two minutes remaining in the race, Kristensen executed a masterful maneuver. Leveraging a superior exit from Fordwater, he plunged his Thunderbird down the inside of Soper's car as they approached the St Mary's corner. A momentary loss of control by Soper amidst traffic on the very last lap allowed Kristensen to pull away, securing a decisive 2.3-second victory. Reflecting on his win, Kristensen humorously remarked, “I made a promise to my son I wouldn’t touch another car and I’ve known Steve a long time.”

Meanwhile, Shedden's performance waned, dropping him to ninth. A fierce battle for third place unfolded between Jordan in his Austin A40 and current BTCC points leader Tom Ingram, also in an A40. Jordan ultimately held off Ingram by a mere 0.2 seconds to claim the final podium spot. Jordan commended his competitor, stating, “It’s good racing someone like Tom, who is world-class and absolutely on top of his game at the moment. He even helped bump-draft me past Shedden!”

Reigning BTCC champion Jake Hill, also driving an A40, narrowly outpaced Jenson Button's Alfa Romeo Giulietta Ti for fifth place after another intense duel. The star-studded grid also saw Jimmie Johnson finish 14th in an Austin A105 Westminster, while Karun Chandhok secured 15th position, leading the 848cc Mini contingent.

The ultimate champion of the St Mary’s Trophy will be determined by combining the results of this race with the performance of the car owners in Sunday's second race.

This event at Goodwood serves as a vibrant reminder of the enduring appeal of historic motorsport and the timeless rivalry that defines competitive racing. Witnessing legends from different eras and disciplines come together to battle it out in classic machinery provides a unique and inspiring experience. It underscores that passion, skill, and strategic driving remain paramount, regardless of the vehicle or the period. Such races offer a bridge between past and present, captivating both seasoned enthusiasts and new generations, and reinforcing the idea that true racing talent transcends time.