The NASCAR 2025 Bass Pro Shops Night Race will take place on Saturday, September 13, at Bristol Motor Speedway in Tennessee, marking the third event in the Cup Series playoffs and the pivotal Round of 16 elimination race. Scheduled for a 7:30 p.m. ET start, the highly anticipated event will be broadcast live on NBC Sports and USA Network for fans nationwide.
Bristol Motor Speedway gets set to welcome drivers and fans for one of the season’s most critical events, with the Next Gen car returning to NASCAR’s famous 0.533-mile oval for the eighth time. This 500-lap contest, stretching over 266.5 miles, will be structured across three stages: the opening segment wrapping up at 125 laps, the second also at 125 laps, and a long 250-lap final stage. As the elimination race, only those advancing from the Round of 16 will continue their bid for the Cup championship.
Track Features and Historical Notes
Bristol Motor Speedway’s unique short track design features a concrete racing surface and steep banking from 26-30 degrees in the turns and 6-10 degrees on the straightaways. Since its first event in 1961, which saw Jack Smith claim victory, Bristol has become a staple venue known for its intense racing and passionate fans. The 2025 race will be the 65th annual Bass Pro Shops Night Race, continuing a long-standing tradition at this iconic Tennessee track.
This year, 39 drivers are slated to compete in the main event, all aiming for a chance to progress further in the Cup Series Playoffs. The cutthroat race format and Bristol’s challenging layout are expected to deliver high drama throughout the event weekend.
Defending Champion and Outlook
Reigning event winner Kyle Larson, representing Hendrick Motorsports, is set to defend his title after triumphing in last year’s closely contested Bristol playoff race. With strong competition in the field, Larson will seek to repeat his success and secure another playoff advancement. The Cup Series field, including experienced drivers and emerging talents, will use the practice and qualifying sessions to fine-tune their cars and strategies ahead of the high-stakes Saturday night showdown.
Complete Event Schedule for Bristol Playoff Weekend
The Bristol Motor Speedway will host a packed schedule featuring multiple series over three days leading up to the main NASCAR 2025 Bass Pro Shops Night Race. The weekend begins with ARCA Menards and NASCAR Truck Series action and builds up to the marquee playoff race on Saturday night.
Thursday, September 11, 2025
1:00 p.m. ET – ARCA Menards Series practice
2:00 p.m. ET – ARCA Menards Series qualifying
3:05 p.m. ET – NASCAR Truck Series practice
4:10 p.m. ET – NASCAR Truck Series qualifying
5:30 p.m. ET – Bush’s Beans 200
8:00 p.m. ET – UNOH 200 presented by Ohio Logistics
Friday, September 12, 2025
2:00 p.m. ET – NASCAR Xfinity Series practice
3:05 p.m. ET – NASCAR Xfinity Series qualifying
4:30 p.m. ET – NASCAR Cup Series practice
5:40 p.m. ET – NASCAR Cup Series qualifying
7:30 p.m. ET – Food City 300
Saturday, September 13, 2025
7:30 p.m. ET – Bass Pro Shops Night Race
What to Expect from the 2025 Bristol Playoff Race
The NASCAR 2025 Bass Pro Shops Night Race is set to attract a wide array of fans and teams, eager to watch key events unfold at Bristol Motor Speedway. With the elimination nature of the race, every lap will carry significant weight for drivers on the bubble of advancing to the next playoff round. Major NASCAR names, including drivers from organizations like Hendrick Motorsports and partnerships such as Bush’s Beans and Ohio Logistics, will play critical roles throughout the weekend.
Spectators can expect a thrilling showcase as the Cup, Xfinity, and Truck Series descend on Bristol from September 11 to 13. As the playoff schedule intensifies, the outcomes here will shape the championship narrative for the remainder of the 2025 NASCAR season, keeping fans and teams closely watching every turn on the concrete oval.
