In the run-up to the Bristol Motor Speedway event, the Kaulig Racing team is channeling energy not just into racing, but also into community-driven initiatives that highlight their dedication off the track. As part of September’s Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, Daniel Dye distributed “Race to Stop Suicide” bracelets at World Wide Technology Raceway, continuing a mission started in 2018 to foster dialogue about mental health and provide critical resources to those in need. Throughout the month, both Dye and Kaulig Racing are leading efforts to destigmatize mental health challenges within the racing community and beyond, ensuring that support is accessible for fans and peers alike.
Partnerships Drive Support for Children’s Health and Well-being
The team’s impact also extends to supporting children battling illness, as demonstrated during the ninth annual Speedy Bear Brigade on National Teddy Bear Day in Akron, Ohio. Team owner Matt Kaulig, president Chris Rice, and Cup Series drivers AJ Allmendinger and Ty Dillon visited Akron Children’s Hospital, bringing comfort in the form of plush Speedy Bears to young patients. On September 11, Daniel Dye and Christian Eckes continued this tradition at Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte, North Carolina. With a long-term commitment, Kaulig Racing donated $25,000 to the brigade this year, contributing to a milestone: over 20,000 bears delivered to hospitals across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Each $25 gift brings cheer to a child in need during uncertain times.
Kaulig Racing’s Track Record at Bristol Motor Speedway
As anticipation grows for the upcoming race weekend at Bristol, Kaulig Racing brings considerable experience and competitive results to the famed half-mile oval. In the NASCAR Cup Series, the team has participated in 10 races at Bristol Motor Speedway, achieving two top-10 finishes. Their performance in the NASCAR Xfinity Series is even more impressive, with one victory, four top-five placements, and 13 top-10 finishes, reflecting steady progress at one of the sport’s most revered tracks.
Strong Partners and Crew Leaders Supporting Kaulig Drivers
This weekend, several sponsors join forces with Kaulig Racing in support of their drivers. For Ty Dillon’s No. 10 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, Grizzly Nicotine Pouches returns as the primary partner, offering a tobacco leaf-free product available nationwide wherever permitted. Dillon’s 10 Team is led by crew chief Andrew Dickeson, who will look to help the seasoned driver make a strong impact in Bristol’s high-intensity environment. Meanwhile, the 16 Team, piloted by AJ Allmendinger, also benefits from Grizzly Nicotine Pouches backing, with guidance from crew chief Trent Owens during the challenging Bristol race weekend.
Ty Dillon Looks to Rebound at the Last Great Colosseum
Ty Dillon will hit a significant milestone at Bristol, making his 29th start at the track across NASCAR’s top three national series. In 12 Cup Series starts, Dillon’s best result is 15th, achieved in both 2017 and 2019. His Xfinity Series record features 11 starts, highlighted by four top-five and eight top-10 finishes, with fourth place as his best result—achieved in 2014, 2015, and 2017. Dillon’s versatility also extends to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, where he posted one top-10, finishing sixth in 2013.
Fans will have multiple opportunities to meet Ty Dillon on Saturday, September 13. Appearances include the Food City Stage in the Fan Zone at 2:15 p.m. ET, a signing at the Chevrolet Merchandise Hauler at 2:35 p.m. ET, and a stop at the Sugarlands display at 3:10 p.m. ET, where those age 21 and up can sample the latest Field & Stream Moonshine product.
“I’m very excited. Bristol is probably the greatest track on our schedule. I always tell people who ask what race they should attend; I always say Bristol. It is the most properly named race track, ‘The Last Great Colosseum.’ We’re racing around a half-mile track with three stories of banking in under 14 seconds a lap for 500 laps and it is super intense, but it is one of my favorite race tracks. I love going there. We have a really cool Grizzly Nicotine Puches Camaro. The paint scheme looks awesome. It’s super cool so I’m ready to roll that thing out there. I’m ready to turn the page. We’ve had some rough luck ever since the last race of the In-Season Challenge, it’s like we cannot get the bad luck bug out of our system. We’re looking to turn it around at Bristol and hopefully end the season strong.”
—Ty Dillon, Driver
AJ Allmendinger Brings Enthusiasm for Night Racing in Bristol
AJ Allmendinger, driving the No. 16 Grizzly Nicotine Pouches Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for the Bass Pro Shops Night Race, has established a strong connection with Bristol’s fanbase. Allmendinger has posted three top-10 finishes at the track in the Cup Series, with one of those coming earlier this season for Kaulig Racing and a seventh-place performance—the team’s best—during their Cup debut at Bristol in 2022. Guided by crew chief Trent Owens, Allmendinger is eager to improve upon these results under the bright lights of the Saturday night event.
He will appear at the Food City Fan Zone stage on Friday, September 12, at 1:45 p.m. ET to engage with fans and answer questions about the upcoming race.
“At Bristol in the spring, we had a really good car and earned a solid top-10 finish. I’m looking forward to going back there and working to build off that. The night race is always different; it has a lot more hype and is always a fun atmosphere. As we keep saying, our team is focused on getting better. Our goal this weekend is to take what we’ve had in the past and make it a little bit better so we can have another solid run.”
—AJ Allmendinger, Driver
Daniel Dye’s Focus on Growth and Progress
Daniel Dye, competing in the Xfinity Series with the No. 10 Champion Container Chevrolet, is backed by a family-owned leader in industrial packaging solutions. His team is led by crew chief Kevin Walter. Dye has a single Xfinity Series start at Bristol, and his experience is bolstered by three previous Truck Series starts and two ARCA Menards Series races at the track, giving him valuable familiarity with Bristol’s unique racing demands.
“Historically, Bristol hasn’t been one of my best tracks, but it’s one that I’ve raced at the most. I’m hoping we can take what we learned from our first trip to Bristol earlier this year and make some improvements with our No. 10 Champion Container Chevy.”
—Daniel Dye, Driver
Dye continues to be visible in the community, offering fans and media members Race to Stop Suicide bracelets and keeping the spotlight on mental health support throughout the September events.
Brenden Queen’s Memorable Debut in Kaulig Colors
Brenden Queen will make his debut in the NASCAR Xfinity Series with Kaulig Racing, driving the No. 11 Action Industries Chevrolet. Partnering with Action Industries, Queen enters a pivotal week as he tackles his first Xfinity appearance at Bristol following a run in the Bush’s Beans 200 with the ARCA Menards Series. His efforts are guided by crew chief Eddie Pardue, and Queen arrives as ARCA’s points leader, determined to make the most of this high-profile opportunity.
“It’s a super special week for me, because I never knew if I’d make it to this level, or even get the opportunity. I’m thankful to Matt Kaulig, Chris Rice, and everybody at Kaulig Racing for making this happen, because it means a lot to me and my family. I’m just going to try to take it all in and make the most of the opportunity. I know the car will be fast, and I just have to limit my mistakes, get the seat time, and learn.”
—Brenden Queen, Driver
Christian Eckes Eyes Another Bristol Victory
Driving the No. 16 Celsius Chevrolet in the Xfinity Series, Christian Eckes is paired with crew chief Alex Yontz. Backed by Celsius, a brand known for zero-sugar energy and hydration products, Eckes brings momentum from past success at Bristol, including a win and two pole positions in the Truck Series. In the Xfinity Series, he has one prior start at Bristol, and his experience could prove invaluable as he seeks another victory at the track.
Fans can meet Eckes on Friday, September 12, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. ET at Food City on Bristol Highway in Piney Flats, Tennessee, where he will greet fans, sign autographs, and sample Celsius products.
“I’ve always enjoyed racing at Bristol. I was fortunate enough to get a sword there back in 2024 and would love nothing more than to get a twin this Friday night. There’s something special about racing at Bristol under the lights, and I’m really looking forward to the race with my No. 16 team.”
—Christian Eckes, Driver
Fan Engagement Highlights Race Weekend
Across the Bristol Motor Speedway festivities, Kaulig Racing drivers are prioritizing direct interaction with the racing community. Fan sessions are set throughout the weekend at various locations, including the Food City Fan Zone and stage, Chevrolet Merchandise Hauler, and Food City in Piney Flats. These events provide unique access to Ty Dillon, AJ Allmendinger, and Christian Eckes, as well as opportunities to collect autographs and sample products from sponsors like Celsius and Sugarlands.
Outlook and Anticipation for Kaulig Racing
As Kaulig Racing heads into Bristol, the team continues to build its legacy both on the racetrack and through meaningful outreach in the broader community. With experienced drivers like Ty Dillon and AJ Allmendinger eager to improve past performances, and emerging talents such as Daniel Dye, Brenden Queen, and Christian Eckes driven by new opportunities and prior victories, the organization enters the Bristol event with optimism. Their collective presence in the Xfinity and Cup Series, bolstered by strong partnerships and significant charitable initiatives, sets the stage for a weekend marked by speed, fan connection, and positive impact throughout the paddock and beyond.
