Bass Pro Shops Night Race 2024 Qualifying Order: As the anticipation builds for the 64th Bass Pro Shops Night Race, the qualifying order has set the stage for a fierce competition at Bristol Motor Speedway. Kaz Grala leads Group A, clocking an impressive 35.200 moments, while Kyle Busch dominates Group B with a remarkable 27.250 moments. With heavyweights like Justin Haley and Austin Dillon close behind, the dynamics of this race are shaping up to be particularly compelling. The question remains: which driver will harness this momentum and translate it into victory when the lights go out?
Key Highlights
- Kaz Grala leads Group A with a time of 35.200 seconds in the qualifying rounds.
- Justin Haley closely follows Grala with a time of 30.350 seconds.
- Austin Dillon and Erik Jones are strong contenders in Group A, clocking in at 29.450 and 27.500 seconds, respectively.
- In Group B, Josh Bilicki records a time of 42.400 seconds, while Kyle Busch tops the group at 27.250 seconds.
- Established drivers like William Byron and Tyler Reddick highlight the competitive nature of Group B.
Event Overview
The 2024 Bristol Night Race marks the 64th edition of the iconic Bass Pro Shops Night Race, a vital event in the NASCAR Cup Series calendar. This race stands out not only for its storied heritage but also for its intense competition and unique track characteristics. Scheduled to take place on Saturday, September 21, at 7:30 p.m. ET, this event represents the tertiary playoff race of the season and serves as the final showdown of the Round of 16.
It's intense. It's electric. It's Bristol, Baby! #NASCARPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/0phRdjisja
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) September 17, 2024
Bristol Motor Speedway, renowned for being one of the series’ shortest tracks at just 0.5 miles, provides a distinctive racing experience characterized by its steep banking. With turns that feature 26 to 30 degrees of banking and straightaways inclined at 6 to 10 degrees, drivers must navigate with precision and strategy. Such an environment not only tests the skill of the competitors but also heightens the excitement for fans, drawing them into a spectacle of speed and tactics under the lights.
The Bass Pro Shops Night Race has been a staple of the NASCAR calendar since its inaugural event in 1961, cementing its status as a fan favorite. With a total distance of 266.5 miles, the race promises action-packed laps where every position gained can prove significant.
Race Weekend Details
As excitement builds for the Bass Pro Shops Night Race, the race weekend promises a packed schedule filled with competition. Set against the iconic backdrop of Bristol Motor Speedway, this event marks a notable highlight in the NASCAR calendar, not only as the third race of the playoffs but also as the second appearance of the year at this legendary short track.
Fans and teams similarly are gearing up for an exhilarating weekend, showcasing talent across multiple series.
The race weekend kicks off with crucial practice and qualifying sessions on Friday, September 20, which will be broadcasted on USA Network. These sessions are vital for drivers to fine-tune their setups and secure favorable starting positions for the main event.
The weekend will feature:
- ARCA Menards Series: Young talents will compete, showcasing their skills on a national stage.
- Xfinity Series: A battleground for aspiring NASCAR stars, providing a stepping stone to the Cup Series.
- Truck Series: Known for its unpredictability, the Truck Series will bring a unique flavor to the weekend.
- NASCAR Cup Series: With 37 drivers vying for glory, the Night Race is set to deliver intense action under the lights.
As each series unfolds, the atmosphere at Bristol will be charged with energy and passion, setting the stage for memorable moments and fierce competition.
Qualifying Order for the Bass Pro Shops Night Race
A total of 37 drivers will compete for ideal starting positions in the qualifying rounds for the 2024 Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway. The qualifying order has been carefully established, reflecting the drivers’ performances and strategies leading up to this critical event.
In Group A, the order highlights several prominent names. Kaz Grala leads with a time of 35.200 seconds, followed closely by Justin Haley at 30.350 seconds. As the times progress, Austin Dillon (29.450) and Erik Jones (27.500) display strong potential.
Group A
| Driver | Time (seconds) |
| Kaz Grala | 35.2 |
| Justin Haley | 30.35 |
| Austin Dillon | 29.45 |
| Erik Jones | 27.5 |
| John Hunter Nemechek | 26.45 |
| Todd Gilliland | 19.9 |
| Ryan Preece | 17.25 |
| Noah Gragson | 16.5 |
| Michael McDowell | 13.65 |
| Ross Chastain | 8.25 |
| Ryan Blaney | 27.5 |
| Harrison Burton | 22.1 |
| Denny Hamlin | 20.85 |
| Martin Truex, Jr. | 18.25 |
| Chase Elliott | 13.3 |
| Joey Logano | 11.7 |
| Kyle Larson | 8.85 |
| Christopher Bell | 8.25 |
Significantly, Ryan Blaney and Chase Elliott also feature prominently in this group, with both drivers aiming to capitalize on their competitive edge.
Group B provides a contrasting dynamic, with Josh Bilicki clocking in at 42.400 seconds, revealing the variability in driver performance. Remarkable contenders like Kyle Busch (27.250) and Chris Buescher (7.250) are positioned to challenge for favorable starting positions.
Group B
| Driver | Time (seconds) |
| Josh Bilicki | 42.4 |
| Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. | 33.15 |
| Daniel Hemric | 29.95 |
| AJ Allmendinger | 29.15 |
| Kyle Busch | 27.25 |
| Josh Berry | 24.65 |
| Bubba Wallace | 19.5 |
| Zane Smith | 16.6 |
| Corey LaJoie | 15.2 |
| Carson Hocevar | 9.45 |
| Chris Buescher | 7.25 |
| William Byron | 23.35 |
| Brad Keselowski | 21.8 |
| Tyler Reddick | 19.35 |
| Ty Gibbs | 17.15 |
| Alex Bowman | 12.2 |
| Daniel Suarez | 9.9 |
| Chase Briscoe | 8.35 |
| Austin Cindric | 8.1 |
The presence of established drivers such as William Byron and Tyler Reddick further emphasizes the competitive nature of this group.
As the qualifying rounds unfold, fans and analysts similarly will be keenly observing which drivers can harness the track’s unique characteristics to secure their preferred starting spots.
Qualifying orders for Bristol: pic.twitter.com/m6J5kCFVWi
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) September 18, 2024
The outcomes of these qualifying sessions will certainly set the stage for an exhilarating night race filled with significant stakes and fierce competition. Tune in to NBC Sports and USA Network for live coverage of this highly anticipated event.
News in Brief: Bass Pro Shops Night Race 2024 Qualifying Order
The upcoming Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway promises an exhilarating competition, showing by a diverse group of skilled drivers. With Kaz Grala, Kyle Busch, and other seasoned racers setting the pace during qualifying, the event is poised to deliver intense action and tactical battles. As 37 competitors vie for supremacy, the stage is set for a memorable race weekend that demonstrates the resilience and talent inherent in the sport of NASCAR.
ALSO READ: Bass Pro Shops Night Race Weekend Schedule: Key Times and Events You Can’t Miss
