A big NASCAR weekend is coming soon. The 2025 race at Bristol Motor Speedway is set to test drivers with fast laps and tight turns. The short track makes every move count. Many top names are expected to compete. One driver will return looking to win again. But the action starts before the main race. A full weekend of events is planned. With so much happening, each day brings something new and exciting to the track.
- The 2025 Food City 500 race takes place at Bristol Motor Speedway on Sunday, April 13.
- The event features 500 laps on a short concrete oval track, offering exhilarating racing action.
- Defending champion Denny Hamlin aims to retain his title in the #11 Toyota.
- A full weekend schedule includes practice, qualifying sessions, and multiple races across NASCAR series.
- Fans can enjoy a packed itinerary, boosting local tourism and community engagement.
Race Overview and Key Details
The 2025 Food City 500 is set to take place on Sunday, April 13, at the Bristol Motor Speedway, marking an important event in the NASCAR Cup Series season.
This race is the ninth points-paying event of the year, broadcast on FS1 and PRN at 3 pm ET. Held on a 0.533-mile short concrete oval track in Bristol, Tennessee, the event displays the Next Gen car for its seventh appearance at this track.
The race consists of 500 laps divided into three stages: Stage 1 ends at lap 125, Stage 2 also covers 125 laps, and the final Stage consists of 250 laps. With 24 to 28 degrees of banking in the turns, the track offers both challenges and excitement.
This year marks the 65th annual Food City 500, with 39 drivers competing over a total distance of 266.5 miles, continuing a tradition that began in 1961.
Practice and Qualifying Information
As the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season heads to Bristol Motor Speedway, attention turns to the practice and qualifying sessions, essential components that set the stage for Sunday’s main event.
Scheduled for Saturday, April 12, the practice session at 2 pm ET will provide teams with important time to fine-tune their vehicles. This session is crucial for drivers to gauge track conditions, test setups, and strategize for ideal performance in the high-pressure environment of Bristol.
Bristol 🤝 @BuschBeer. 🍺 pic.twitter.com/71miceiNYC
— Bristol Motor Speedway (@ItsBristolBaby) April 8, 2025
Following practice, qualifying will commence at 12:35 pm ET, offering each driver a limited window to secure a favorable starting position. The qualifying session is essential, as the tight and challenging layout of Bristol makes track position highly influential during the race.
Teams will focus on achieving the fastest lap times possible, knowing that starting near the front can greatly improve their chances of success in the intense competition on race day.
Defending Winner and Event History
Denny Hamlin, a seasoned driver from Joe Gibbs Racing, returns to Bristol Motor Speedway as the reigning champion of last year’s Food City 500. His victory was marked by an impressive display of skill and strategy, securing his place among the elite competitors of the event.
As he prepares to defend his title, Hamlin stands as a formidable contender, aiming to replicate his past success with his #11 Toyota.
Bristol
ETFri
3:35-FS2-Truck p&q
7:30-FS1-Truck race 65-65-120Sat
11:30-CW App-Xfin p&q
2-Prime-Cup p&q
5-CW-Xfin race 85-85-130Sun
1:30-FS1-NASCAR RaceDay
3-FS1-Cup race 125-125-250— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) April 7, 2025
The Food City 500 boasts a rich history, attracting NASCAR’s finest since its inception. Remarkably, NASCAR Hall of Famer Rusty Wallace holds the record as the event’s most successful driver, claiming six victories.
Following closely are Darrell Waltrip, Dale Earnhardt, and Kyle Busch, each with five wins, showcasing the fierce competition that defines this race.
As the 2025 edition approaches, the legacy of past champions sets a high bar for the current field, promising another thrilling chapter in this storied event.
Full Weekend Schedule
With anticipation building for the upcoming NASCAR weekend, fans and drivers likewise turn their attention to the full schedule at Bristol Motor Speedway. This crucial ninth weekend of the season promises a packed itinerary, ensuring an exhilarating experience for all attendees.
Friday, April 11, 2025, kicks off with the NASCAR Truck Series, beginning with practice at 3:35 pm ET, followed by qualifying at 4:40 pm ET. The day culminates in the Weather Guard Truck Race at 7:30 pm ET.
Saturday’s agenda includes NASCAR Xfinity Series activities, starting with practice at 11:30 am ET and qualifying at 12:35 pm ET. The NASCAR Cup Series then takes over with practice at 2 pm ET and qualifying at 3:05 pm ET, leading up to the SciAps 300 at 5 pm ET.
The weekend reaches its climax on Sunday, April 13, with the highly anticipated Food City 500 at 3 pm ET, showcasing top-tier racing action.
News in Brief: Bristol Motor Speedway NASCAR Weekend
The 2025 Food City 500 weekend promises to deliver an exhilarating experience for NASCAR fans in Bristol. With a packed schedule featuring practice sessions, qualifying rounds, and the main race, attendees have much to anticipate. This event not only highlights the defending champion’s skill but also celebrates the rich history of NASCAR at Bristol. As the weekend unfolds, spectators can expect thrilling competition, improved by the unpredictability of the sport, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all involved.
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