Official Release

Briscoe on Bristol “Bristol is always a special place, there is so much history there and it’s such a cool atmosphere. On top of all that, getting to run under the lights there is always cool. Hopefully, we can stay out of the chaos and end the night up front.”

NASCAR icon Dale Earnhardt Jr. will drive the 2018 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Pace Car to lead the field to the start of the 25th Running of the Big Machine Vodka 400 at the Brickyard Powered by Florida Georgia Line on Sunday, Sept. 9 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Ryan Reed was poised to earn his career best finish at Bristol Motor Speedway before a tire went flat on his No. 16 Drive Down A1C Lilly Diabetes Ford with only 12 laps remaining. Bristol has been Reed’s nemesis, but he was able to earn his best qualifying effort at the .0533-mile track of 12th and had a top-10 finish in his sights.

Still reaping the benefits of their strong NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) performance in June at Gateway (Ill.) Motorsports Park, Chad Finley and his Chad Finley Racing (CFR) head to Bristol Motor Speedway (BMS) hoping to produce back-to-back top-10 finishes in Thursday night’s UNOH 200.

Fontaine on Racing at Bristol: “It’s going to be an exciting race,” said Fontaine. “You’re going to have a lot of drivers on different agendas. From those focused on making it into the Playoffs, to those who are having an opportunity to showcase their ability and for us, it’s a chance for us to get some momentum on our side – while also looking at opportunities to pull off an upset.

Self on Racing at Bristol: “I feel really good heading to Bristol,” said Self. “Over the last couple of weeks, I think everyone at the track has seen dramatic improvements from our Niece Motorsports team. And I don’t expect anything less this week at Bristol.

Following his strong run at Mid-Ohio, Elliott Sadler returned to second in the NASCAR Xfinity Series point standings – just 17 markers outside of first.

Perennial NASCAR Xfinity Series contender Elliott Sadler said he is ending his run as a full-time driver after the 2018 season. The veteran of more than 800 races in NASCAR’s national series and driver for JR Motorsports posted a statement on his website, ElliottSadler.com, on Wednesday announcing his decision.

News and notes: The NASCAR Xfinity Series will take a break from the road course racing action as it makes its way to Thunder Valley for some short track racing. This will be Boyd's second trip to The World's Fastest Half-Mile. In his previous trip, Boyd scored a 25th place finish. "I'm stoked to be coming back to Bristol this weekend," says Boyd. "I've always wanted to race here under the lights, so that's going to be very special. The atmosphere at Bristol is unlike any other. It's so loud and the fans are a lot of fun. Hopefully we can come out of here with a great finish."

Chastain on Racing at Bristol: “I’m excited about getting back in a Truck this week at Bristol,” said Chastain. “I’ve had the opportunity to run a few Truck races this year, which is always a good time. I’ve been to the shop with Cody and the Niece Motorsports team, and I am really looking forward to Thursday’s race. I think we will have a great chance at a strong performance.”