Chase Elliott praised the Chase Elliott Bristol NASCAR Night Race as the ultimate showcase for stock car racing, highlighting its unique energy and atmosphere. As anticipation builds for the Playoff race at Bristol Motor Speedway in September, Elliott and fellow competitors aim to deliver another memorable event under the stadium lights.
Elliott Shares His Enthusiasm for Bristol’s Unique Experience
Chase Elliott, widely regarded as NASCAR’s most popular driver, recently spoke to media members in Nashville, underscoring the special nature of Bristol Motor Speedway. The upcoming Bass Pro Shops Night Race, considered a crown jewel in the Cup Series, holds particular significance for both fans and competitors. With 16 playoff drivers eager to advance and the energy of a nighttime event, the stage is set for an unforgettable racing spectacle.
According to Elliott, the versatility of Bristol as a venue—ranging from hosting college football and Major League Baseball games to sold-out country music concerts—adds to its reputation as an ideal site for NASCAR racing. The stadium’s intense environment, especially under the lights, offers a setting that stands out across the motorsports world.
“People always ask me the best races, the best race track,”
—Chase Elliott, NASCAR Cup Series driver
“It’s hard to beat Bristol, such a great environment, something you don’t get everywhere we go.”
—Chase Elliott, NASCAR Cup Series driver
Bristol’s history is frequently part of discussions among fans, with past races creating lasting memories and driving conversation within the NASCAR community.
Elliott’s Track Record and the Awaited Showdown
Chase Elliott boasts an impressive history at Bristol. While his sole Cup Series win at the track came during the 2020 NASCAR All-Star Race, Elliott has consistently performed well, achieving two second-place finishes in points-paying events—including last year’s Night Race—five top-five finishes, and a total of 11 top-tens, making him a consistent threat on the concrete high banks.
On September 13, Elliott will compete as one of the 16 championship-eligible drivers aiming to secure a spot in the next round of the Playoffs. The fan experience at Bristol is further enhanced with pre-race festivities, including a Trackside Live show with Kenny Wallace and John Roberts, the opportunity for fans to walk the circuit, a pre-race concert by Chris Janson of the Grand Ole Opry, and the signature driver introductions that bring added energy to The Last Great Colosseum.
“Bristol does such a great job of bringing the action of what NASCAR has to offer to the fan in an intimate manner,”
—Chase Elliott, NASCAR Cup Series driver
“Everything is right there close. We don’t get that stadium environment in racing like you get in football and other sports. Bristol has always been the closest thing to that. It’s a lot of fun for us as competitors and the fans feed off that.”
—Chase Elliott, NASCAR Cup Series driver
A Stage Unlike Any Other in NASCAR
Bristol Motor Speedway president and general manager Jerry Caldwell describes the event as a fusion of a county fair, music festival, and NASCAR race, making it one of the most dynamic weekends on the calendar. The Playoff implications add drama, as drivers navigate the challenging 0.5-mile bullring where the average speed exceeds 130 mph and every moment counts for survival and advancement.
“Playoffs produce a lot of excitement,”
—Jerry Caldwell, President and General Manager, Bristol Motor Speedway
“Bristol produces excitement on its own. For that to be part of the playoff just makes a lot of sense, and I think the fans have responded really well. The drivers seem to like it. Some of them love it, some of them hate it, but that’s what we like. That’s what produces excitement.”
—Jerry Caldwell, President and General Manager, Bristol Motor Speedway
The venue’s distinctive concrete layout, combined with the stadium’s imposing design, creates a lasting first impression on fans and drivers alike. Elliott and others maintain that if you want the most authentic introduction to the sport, Bristol is the place to experience it firsthand.
“There is nothing else like Bristol out there,”
—Jerry Caldwell, President and General Manager, Bristol Motor Speedway
“It is the last great Colosseum. It’s a football stadium on steroids. You go into that place and you’ve got 40 cars, running 130 miles an hour right in front of you. And all these people are completely bowled over. It’s an electric environment, and it’s just something that you don’t replicate anywhere else in the country.”
—Jerry Caldwell, President and General Manager, Bristol Motor Speedway
A Full Weekend of High-Stakes Racing
The Chase Elliott Bristol NASCAR Night Race is the headline event of a packed weekend. Saturday night showcases the Round of 16 Playoffs for the Cup Series, with contenders such as Kyle Larson, Denny Hamlin, Christopher Bell, Ryan Blaney, Bubba Wallace, William Byron, and Chase Briscoe joining Elliott as pre-race favorites. Each driver is eager to emerge from the intense competition with their playoff hopes alive.
Friday night brings the Round of 12 Playoff opener in the NASCAR Xfinity Series with the Food City 300. Championship hopefuls including Justin Allgaier, Austin Hill, Sheldon Creed, Brandon Jones, Sammy Smith, and Jesse Love, with Connor Zilisch leading the standings, will fight for crucial victories as their postseason unfolds.
Thursday evening features a doubleheader, starting with the Bush’s Beans 200 ARCA Menards Series race where emerging talents like Lawless Alan, Lavar Scott, Brendan Queen, Brent Crews, Garrett Mitchell—also known as Cleetus McFarland—Logan Misuraca, and Isabella Robusto compete alongside a mix of seasoned veterans and newcomers. The NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series follows with the UNOH 200 presented by Ohio Logistics, starring drivers such as Corey Heim, Ty Majeski, Rajah Caruth, Chandler Smith, and defending winner Layne Riggs as they battle through the second race of their Playoff Round of 10 campaign.
What Makes Bristol Stand Out
Bristol’s combination of a high-energy atmosphere, competitive racing, and immersive fan experiences has cemented its reputation as one of NASCAR’s premier venues. The tight confines of the track demand skill and focus, amplifying the action for spectators in every seat. The Playoff stages heighten the stakes for drivers and keep the energy levels high for fans and competitors alike.
Notable figures such as Ernie Saxton, Layne Riggs, Rajah Caruth, Christopher Bell, Denny Hamlin, Brandon Jones, Lavar Scott, Bubba Wallace, Logan Misuraca, Chandler Smith, Sheldon Creed, Lawless Alan, Jesse Love, Brent Crews, Isabella Robusto, John Roberts, Ryan Blaney, Cleetus McFarland, Chase Briscoe, Kenny Wallace, Ty Majeski, Garrett Mitchell, Corey Heim, Connor Zilisch, Justin Allgaier, Austin Hill, Sammy Smith, Chris Janson, and William Byron contribute to the rich fabric of the weekend, drawing in both seasoned fans and newcomers.
Looking Ahead to Another Classic Night Race
As the days count down to the Bass Pro Shops Night Race, excitement continues to build around the Chase Elliott Bristol NASCAR Night Race. With the promise of dramatic Playoff moments, a unique blend of entertainment, and NASCAR’s top stars converging on one of racing’s most electrifying stages, this event remains a highlight on the sporting calendar. Limited tickets remain available for fans eager to witness the spectacle in person at Bristol Motor Speedway.
