The engines will roar soon at Bristol Motor Speedway. Thirty-nine drivers will face the tough half-mile track. Some are champions. Some are just starting out. The challenge is high, and the track is tight. Big names like Denny Hamlin and Kyle Larson are here. New faces like Jesse Love and Shane van Gisbergen join them. The lineup is strong, but the outcome is unclear. What happens next on this short, fast track remains unknown.
Key Highlights
- The Food City 500 features 39 drivers including defending champion Denny Hamlin and rookie Shane van Gisbergen.
- Notable entries include veterans Kyle Busch and Chase Elliott, alongside rising stars Noah Gragson and Ty Gibbs.
- Open entries for the race are Josh Bilicki from Garage 66 and Jesse Love from Richard Childress Racing.
- Corey LaJoie drives for Rick Ware Racing, while Jesse Love races the #33 car in a highly competitive field.
- The race is held at Bristol Motor Speedway, a challenging half-mile oval track known for its tight turns.
Event Overview
As the engines roar to life this weekend in Bristol, Tennessee, the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season continues its thrilling adventure with the much-anticipated Food City 500.
Nestled amidst the rolling hills, the Bristol Motor Speedway invites racing enthusiasts to a spectacle of speed and strategy. This 266.5-mile event, a cherished tradition, marks the ninth race of the season and the 65th annual occurrence at this iconic venue.
With its half-mile oval track, Bristol has earned its reputation as the “Half-Mile Monster,” challenging drivers with its tight turns and short stretches that demand precision and bravery.
As the clock ticks towards the green flag at 3 pm ET, fans across the nation will tune in via FS1 and PRN, enthusiastic to witness the drama unfold over 500 intense laps.
The anticipation is palpable, as history and heritage collide with the fierce competition of NASCAR’s finest.
Driver and Team Highlights
With the excitement of the Food City 500 just around the corner, the spotlight turns to the talented drivers and their formidable teams ready to conquer the Bristol Motor Speedway. A diverse field of 39 drivers, including three open cars, is prepared to face the notorious half-mile track.
- Denny Hamlin, the defending champion from Joe Gibbs Racing, aims for a repeat performance, looking to etch another victory in his already impressive season.
- Jesse Love represents Richard Childress Racing in car #33, one of the few open teams daring to challenge the giants.
- Corey LaJoie of Rick Ware Racing, piloting the #01 car, brings his tenacity and hunger for a breakthrough performance.
- Josh Bilicki, driving for Garage 66, rounds out the open entries, poised to surprise with his skill.
- FOX Sports’ Bob Pockrass has highlighted the entry list, ensuring fans are well-informed of the competition’s intensity.
The stage is set for a riveting plunge.
Our turn. 😤#FoodCity500 | #ItsBristolBaby pic.twitter.com/XY9z5KVt20
— Bristol Motor Speedway (@ItsBristolBaby) April 6, 2025
Full Entry List
The anticipation swells as the 2025 NASCAR Food City 500 approaches, bringing together a compelling assembly of racing talent ready to tackle the legendary Bristol Motor Speedway. A total of 39 drivers, each etched with ambition and resolve, prepare to conquer the intimidating half-mile track known for its exhilarating challenges.
| No | Car # | Driver Name |
| 1 | 1 | Corey LaJoie |
| 2 | 1 | Ross Chastain |
| 3 | 2 | Austin Cindric |
| 4 | 3 | Austin Dillon |
| 5 | 4 | Noah Gragson |
| 6 | 5 | Kyle Larson |
| 7 | 6 | Brad Keselowski |
| 8 | 7 | Justin Haley |
| 9 | 8 | Kyle Busch |
| 10 | 9 | Chase Elliott |
| 11 | 10 | Ty Dillon |
| 12 | 11 | Denny Hamlin |
| 13 | 12 | Ryan Blaney |
| 14 | 16 | A. J. Allmendinger |
| 15 | 17 | Chris Buescher |
| 16 | 19 | Chase Briscoe |
| 17 | 20 | Christopher Bell |
| 18 | 21 | Josh Berry |
| 19 | 22 | Joey Logano |
| 20 | 23 | Bubba Wallace |
| 21 | 24 | William Byron |
| 22 | 33 | Jesse Love (i) |
| 23 | 34 | Todd Gilliland |
| 24 | 35 | Riley Herbst (R) |
| 25 | 38 | Zane Smith |
| 26 | 41 | Cole Custer |
| 27 | 42 | |
| 28 | 43 | Erik Jones |
| 29 | 45 | Tyler Reddick |
| 30 | 47 | |
| 31 | 48 | Alex Bowman |
| 32 | 51 | Cody Ware |
| 33 | 54 | Ty Gibbs |
| 34 | 60 | Ryan Preece |
| 35 | 66 | Josh Bilicki |
| 36 | 71 | |
| 37 | 77 | Carson Hocevar |
| 38 | 88 | Shane van Gisbergen (R) |
| 39 | 99 | Daniel Suárez |
Veterans like Kyle Busch (#8) and Denny Hamlin (#11) will navigate alongside rising stars such as Noah Gragson (#4) and Ty Gibbs (#54), crafting a narrative rich with potential drama and excitement.
39 entries for Cup at Bristol. Open cars: 01-LaJoie 33-Love 66-Bilicki @NASCARONFOX pic.twitter.com/Wuup5EbTQM
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) April 7, 2025
Fans will keenly watch as Chase Elliott (#9) and Kyle Larson (#5) harness their skill, while Joey Logano (#22) and Ryan Blaney (#12) aim to etch their names in Bristol’s storied history.
Intriguing entries like Shane van Gisbergen (#88), a rookie, add an extra layer of unpredictability. This diverse lineup promises a classic showdown, echoing the sport’s vibrant legacy and thrilling its ardent followers with high-speed action.
Broadcast Information
Amidst the echo of roaring engines and nostalgic cheers of devoted fans, the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series at Bristol Motor Speedway promises to be a broadcast event not to be missed.
With the anticipation of high-speed drama, FS1 will immerse viewers in the action-packed weekend from April 12 to 13.
For those who cherish the art of radio, the Performance Racing Network (PRN) and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio will envelop listeners in the symphony of revving engines and tire screeches.
For aficionados of speed and tactics, this broadcast offers a front-row seat to the spectacle that is NASCAR.
News in Brief: Food City 500 Race Lineup
As the sun dips below the horizon, casting a golden hue over the historic half-mile track, anticipation crackles in the air. The stage is set for the Food City 500, where 39 determined drivers prepare to etch their names into the annals of racing lore. Engines roar to life, echoing the enduring passion that fuels this storied event. Fans, old and new, gather to witness the exhilarating chaos, a tribute to the enduring spirit of motorsport.
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