The 2024 NASCAR Cup Series Bass Pro Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway will determine which drivers advance in the high-stakes playoffs, as only twelve of the sixteen will move forward after Saturday night’s contest. The outcome of this pivotal race could dramatically alter the playoff landscape for contenders and fan favorites alike, with the focus keyword, NASCAR Cup Series Bass Pro Night Race, taking center stage.
Playoff Picture Ahead of the Bristol Night Showdown
Competition for playoff survival is particularly tense as drivers prepare for Bristol, also known as The Last Great Colosseum. Denny Hamlin has already secured a position in the Round of 12 following his recent win at World Wide Technology Raceway, and his Joe Gibbs Racing teammate, Chase Briscoe, has joined him. The unique atmosphere at Bristol is expected to introduce unpredictability and challenge even for experienced drivers, emphasizing the high stakes of this race weekend.
The pressure is especially high for Campbell, Berry, Bowman, and others hovering near or below the cut line, as several drivers are facing a must-win situation to keep their championship hopes alive. Throughout the field, the sense of urgency is palpable as teams and fans alike prepare for the dramatic conclusion of this playoff round.
Next. Below the Cutline. BELOW THE CUTLINE: Bowman, Berry Likely in Must-Win Situation. dark
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Event Schedule and Where to Watch
The Bass Pro Shops Night Race is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, September 13. Coverage for this decisive race will be broadcast live on USA Network, one of the networks carrying the final stretch of the Cup Series season. Only four remaining Cup races will air on NBC, with USA Network showcasing the remainder of this year’s pivotal events.
Fans can tune in to the pre-race action on Friday, September 12, when both practice and qualifying sessions for the NASCAR Cup Series occur. Coverage of practice starts at 4:30 p.m. ET, immediately followed by qualifying, and both will be available via truTV. These sessions could be especially telling, given Bristol’s notorious difficulty and the pressure on drivers to perform.
Comprehensive Weekend Race Events at Bristol Motor Speedway
Beyond the main event, Bristol will be home to a stacked lineup of races and sessions. The action begins Thursday, September 11, featuring a doubleheader. The day starts with NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series practice at 3:05 p.m. ET, followed by qualifying at 4:10 p.m. ET. Later, the ARCA Menards Series Bush’s Beans 200 is set for 5:30 p.m. ET, broadcast on FS1, and the night concludes with the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series UNOH 200 presented by Ohio Logistics at 8 p.m. ET.
Friday, September 12, continues the momentum, beginning with NASCAR Xfinity Series practice at 2 p.m. ET, followed by Xfinity Series qualifying at 3:05 p.m. ET, both accessible through the CW App. Cup Series competitors get their own practice slot at 4:30 p.m. ET and qualifying at 5:40 p.m. ET, both televised on truTV. The evening’s marquee event, the NASCAR Xfinity Series Food City 300, is slated for 7:30 p.m. ET on The CW Network.
If you need local station information for The CW Network, viewers can access the network’s station guide by entering their zip code to ensure they do not miss any of the action.
Saturday’s Main Event: The Bass Pro Shops Night Race
The centerpiece of the weekend arrives Saturday, September 13, with the green flag set to wave for the NASCAR Cup Series Bass Pro Shops Night Race at 7:30 p.m. ET. The intensity is at its peak as drivers battle under the lights at Bristol, seeking to secure their spot in the next playoff round. The USA Network will provide live coverage, ensuring fans nationwide are able to follow every twist and turn as the playoff cut looms.
The Stakes and What Lies Ahead
The conclusion of the NASCAR Cup Series Bass Pro Night Race will finalize the list of twelve drivers who continue their pursuit of championship glory. For those hovering near the elimination line, including key figures such as Berry and Bowman, the pressure to deliver is immense at this critical juncture. As the field narrows and the schedule transitions to future Cup Series venues—including upcoming races on NBC and USA Network—the playoff tension is likely to intensify.
As The Last Great Colosseum hosts these high-octane showdowns across ARCA, Craftsman Truck, Xfinity, and Cup Series events, each participant and team will be striving to etch their name in Bristol’s storied legacy. The outcome of the Bass Pro Shops Night Race may not only determine which drivers proceed, but could also play a major role in shaping the drama and storylines leading into the heart of the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs.
