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A Simple Guide to Understanding Auto Financing Terms

By
SM
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Photo by Vlad Deep pexels.com

Ever looked at a car loan offer and felt like you needed a translator? You are not alone. As car prices climb and interest rates shift with every Federal Reserve decision, understanding auto financing has become less of a nice-to-have and more of a survival skill. This guide breaks down the key terms in plain English so you can make smarter choices and avoid costly mistakes.

Why Auto Financing Feels So Complicated

Auto financing often feels confusing because it blends banking language with big purchases that most people only make a few times in life. Lenders rely on terms like APR, principal, and amortization, which sound technical but affect how much you pay every month and over time. When inflation and supply chain issues push car prices higher, these details matter even more.

The growing trend of longer loan terms, sometimes stretching to seven or even eight years, adds another layer of complexity. People are trying to keep monthly payments manageable, but that often means paying more interest overall. Understanding the basics helps you avoid being locked into a deal that looks affordable now but becomes expensive later.

The Role of Interest Rates and APR

Interest rate is the cost of borrowing money, while APR, or annual percentage rate, includes fees and gives a fuller picture of what you are paying. Many buyers focus only on monthly payments, but the APR tells you how expensive the loan really is over time. In today’s economy, where rates have risen compared to a few years ago, even a small difference can cost hundreds or thousands more.

When reviewing loan documents, you might also come across terms tied to taxes and reporting, including IRS car loan interest reporting, which can affect how lenders document interest payments. While most personal auto loans do not offer tax deductions, the way interest is tracked still matters for compliance and record keeping. Knowing this helps you stay organized and avoid surprises during tax season.

Understanding Principal and Loan Term

The principal is the amount you borrow to buy the car. Your loan term is how long you take to repay it. A shorter term leads to bigger monthly payments but less interest on the whole, while a longer term lowers payments but increases total cost.

Many buyers today choose longer terms because car prices have surged, especially with the rise of electric vehicles and advanced tech features. However, stretching a loan can leave you “underwater,” meaning you owe more than the car is worth. Choosing the right balance between affordability and long-term cost is key.

What Down Payments Really Do

A down payment is the money you pay upfront. It lowers the amount you need to borrow, which reduces your monthly payment and total interest. Financial experts often recommend putting down at least 10 to 20 percent if possible.

In a time when many households are managing tight budgets, skipping a down payment might seem tempting. However, doing so increases your risk of negative equity. If you need to sell or trade in the car early, you could end up owing money instead of receiving it. A solid down payment provides a financial cushion.

Monthly Payments vs Total Cost

It is easy to focus on the monthly payment because that is what hits your bank account each month. Dealerships often highlight low payments to make offers seem attractive. But a lower payment usually means a longer loan or higher interest cost.

Looking at the total cost of the loan gives a clearer picture. This includes the principal, interest, and any fees. In a world where subscription models are becoming common, from streaming to software, it is tempting to treat car payments the same way. But unlike a subscription, this is a long-term financial commitment with lasting impact.

Credit Scores and Loan Approval

Your credit score plays a major role in determining whether you get approved and what interest rate you receive. Higher scores typically mean lower rates, while lower scores can lead to higher costs or even denial.

With more people using buy-now-pay-later services and juggling multiple forms of credit, maintaining a strong credit profile has become more important than ever. Checking your credit report before applying for a loan can help you catch errors and improve your chances of securing better terms. Even a small improvement in your score can make a noticeable difference.

Fees, Add-Ons, and Hidden Costs

Beyond the loan itself, there are additional costs that can sneak into your financing agreement. These may include origination fees, documentation fees, extended warranties, and insurance products. Some of these are optional, but they are often presented in a way that makes them seem necessary.

Being aware of these extras allows you to ask questions and decide what you actually need. In an era where transparency is increasingly demanded by consumers, taking control of these details can help you avoid overpaying. Always review the full breakdown before signing anything.

Leasing vs Financing: Know the Difference

Leasing and financing may seem similar because both involve monthly payments, but they are very different. When you finance, you are working toward owning the car. When you lease, you are essentially renting it for a set period.

Leasing can offer lower monthly payments and access to newer models, which appeals to drivers who value the latest features. However, it comes with mileage limits and no ownership at the end. Financing, while often more expensive upfront, gives you long-term value. Choosing between the two depends on your priorities and driving habits.

Tips for Making Smarter Decisions

Start by setting a realistic budget that includes not just the car payment but also insurance, fuel, and maintenance. Compare offers from multiple lenders instead of relying solely on dealership financing. This gives you more control and often better rates.

Reading the fine print may not be exciting, but it is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself. Ask questions if something is unclear, and do not feel pressured to sign on the spot. In a fast-moving market where prices and rates can change quickly, taking a little extra time can save you a lot of money.

Understanding auto financing terms is not about becoming a financial expert overnight. It is about gaining enough clarity to make confident decisions. With cars becoming more expensive and financing options more complex, that knowledge is no longer optional. It is essential.

5 Tips to Keep Your Japanese Car in Good Shape

By
SM
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Car master auto mechanic repairer service technician checks and repairs the engine condition under the hood of the vehicle service shop

Japanese cars have become familiar to the world for their engineering precision, fuel economy, and long life. From the nimble Toyota Corolla and versatile Honda CR-V to the rugged Nissan Patrol and the performance-driven Subaru WRX, the philosophy you get from a “lean manufacturing” of these cars is built with precision and reliability. But even Japan’s toughest engine, bulletproof as it is, must be carefully handled to ensure reaching the iconic 300,000 miles.

Keeping a Japanese vehicle afloat is less about avoiding breakdowns than about a regular, disciplined approach to doing so. As they tend to be crafted with tight tolerances and certain alloy compositions, the way you treat those vehicles today defines how they will perform ten years into the future.

Essential Maintenance Strategies

For more than 30 years, the mechanical vitals and structural integrity of the car must be concentrated on each other if your vehicle is not to become dependent on another man.

1. Adhere Strictly to the Maintenance Schedule

Japanese automakers like Mazda, Mitsubishi, Suzuki, and others include highly detailed owner’s manuals that serve as a kind of “bible” for your vehicle. These schedules are not just recommendations; rather, they are intervals based on the thermal limits of fluids and wear rates of mechanical components.

So one thing is very important: the timing belt or timing chain. Many older or high-performance Japanese engines are called interference engines. If the timing belt snaps, for that matter, it would put pistons and valves into collision contact with one another, resulting in the catastrophic engine failure of a well-designed system. It’s a common practice to replace a belt at 60,000 to 90,000 miles as a preventive measure to reduce your need for a full engine rebuild. Similarly, testing the valve clearances (found in more common older Hondas) gives one confidence that the engine breathes properly and maintains its characteristic fuel economy.

2. Prioritize High-Quality Fluids and OEM Filters

Japanese engines depend on the chemical composition of the lubricants and coolant mix. As an example, Toyota’s “Super Long Life Coolant” or Honda’s “Type 2” coolant are designed to ensure the seals and gaskets you will find in their water pumps and radiators are protected. For example, a generic “all-makes-all-models” green coolant can leave aluminum heads typical of Japanese designs susceptible to premature corrosion.

In contrast, many of the modern Japanese automobiles also need low-viscosity synthetic oils like 0W-20 for high MPG ratings. These oils slide through tight oil galleries more easily, making sure that each piece of the overhead cam gets grease off and on startup. Good quality oil should always be used with an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) filter. OEM filters usually have a “drain-back” valve that stops oil from draining out of the engine when it is turned off, reducing friction when the next cold start.

3. Monitor the Transmission and Drivetrain

Despite their well-known ruggedness in Japanese manual transmissions, the automatic and Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVTs) require careful attention. Nissan and Subaru, for example, have introduced CVTs that have optimized vehicles as much as possible for efficiency. These systems use a specialized friction fluid that operates the belt-and-pulley system.

In explaining the cost associated with Repairing Japanese vehicles, most mechanics point out that preventative fluid swaps are less expensive than a complete transmission overhaul. If a CVT fluid change is missed, it can be easily “slipped” or overheated. Unlike classic geared automatics, a CVT doesn’t necessarily give you a warning until the damage is real. Likewise, when you are driving an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicle, such as a Subaru or a Toyota RAV4, the critical aspect is making sure that all four tires are replaced at the same time.

4. Protect the Body and Chassis from Corrosion

Japanese engines may last forever, although their chassis is susceptible to environmental wear, such as rust. Some Japanese steel treatments used to be thinner than their European counterparts in the past to keep weight and cost down. Rust is your car’s biggest enemy if you live in a coastal area with salt air or a part of the country where roads are salted in the winter.

To maintain the health of your car, wash it once a week with special focus on wheel wells and undercarriage. A ceramic coating or a good-quality wax has been shown to protect the paint against UV damage, which often blurs the clear coat of vintage red and blue Japanese cars. It can also be subject to underbody rust proofing. Preventing oxidation of the suspension and brake lines allows the car to continue using a stable structure as it ages.

5. Listen to the “Language” of Your Car

Japanese cars are communicative. They are seldom more than two steps away from failing without a hint or slight signal. A fine “click” when turning the steering wheel might be a signal for a CV axle that is no longer good enough—a normal item of wear on a front-wheel-drive car (such as a Toyota Camry or Nissan Altima). A high-pitched squeal at startup indicates a loose or worn serpentine belt.

Japanese engineering is so regular that anything other than the “normal” sound or feel of the car is generally an indication that that part has reached the end of its service life. Watch the dashboard lights, sure, but trust your instincts. Is there a bit of spongy behavior in the brake pedal? You might have to flush the brake fluid to remove moisture. And is there a vibration at highway speeds? Your tires probably need balancing or an alignment.

Conclusion

The secret to Japanese car longevity may not be a magical additive or a premium fuel; the secret is the consistency of the owner. These people are creatures of habit. When you add that Japanese manufacturing reliability and proactive-maintenance attitude, you won’t just be driving a car; you are managing a long-term asset.

And if you follow these five best practices, staying on schedule, using the appropriate fluids, protecting the transmission, avoiding corrosion, and monitoring for early warning signs, you maintain a reliable vehicle just like when it rolled off the assembly line. No matter whether you travel to work daily or have a weekend project, your Japanese car has been built to serve you for decades if you don’t abuse its engineering. Keep the oil fresh and clean, the filters fresh, the body protected, and if the car stays well-maintained, you’ll likely end up owning it long enough for a future ride that will outlast your drive time.

Choosing the Auto Transport Option That is Right for You

By
SM
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When shipping vehicles across the country, choosing between the two main options is important. You will need to choose between open and enclosed auto transport, each featuring its own advantages, costs, and use cases. There are many service providers, such as Bigfella Auto Express, which offer both options. Whether you’re relocating, ordering a car online, or preparing for a military PCS move, knowing the differences between the two options will help you make the best decision for you.

Open Transport

Open Transport

Open transport is by far the most common shipping method for cars. If you’ve ever seen a train with vehicles or a multi-car carrier trailer on the highway, that’s open transport. With open transport, your vehicle will be secured to a trailer exposed to the elements, typically alongside several other vehicles. Open carriers are designed for as many vehicles as possible, making this method much more cost-effective.

Pros:

  • Cheaper than closed transportation
  • Versatile scheduling
  • Faster booking time and availability

Cons:

  • Exposure to weather, dust, and debris during transport
  • Less protection and security

For most people, open transport is the most reliable and wise choice. Reputable providers like Bigfella Auto Express offer open-carrier services at a reasonable cost.

Enclosed Transport

The more expensive of the two options, closed transportation involves shipping your vehicle in a fully enclosed trailer. This provides an extra layer of security and protection during transportation. Typically, this method is used for high-value, classic, luxury, or specialized vehicles that need additional care.

Pros:

  • Full protection from weather and road conditions
  • Ideal for luxury, antique, or specialty cars
  • Assurance during transport of high-value vehicles

Cons:

  • Much more expensive, expect it to be at least 40% higher in cost
  • Less flexible and reduced availability

If your vehicle is expensive, has sentimental value, or is rare, enclosed transport is well worth the investment.

Cost Analysis

Vehicle transportation is another area where the more complex it is, the more expensive it becomes. Expect to pay significantly more for each thing that needs to be accounted for. If you have a vehicle that needs to stay immaculate, has special equipment, or requires additional security, you may be looking at a cost exceeding 100% of the standard open carrier transport rate.

If you’re looking to save money, especially if you’re military or making a long-distance move, open transport is usually the way to go. You can further reduce costs by taking advantage of promotions like the $75 Military Auto Transport discount, which is perfect for service members.

Which Option is Right for You?

Choosing between open and enclosed auto transport ultimately comes down to what you need done during transportation. Open transport is best if you’re shipping a standard vehicle and want an affordable option. Alternatively, enclosed transport is required if your vehicle needs special care, but you expect to pay more.

For example, military families who need a permanent change of station move regularly prioritize affordability and speed over cost and constrained availability. However, if you’re transporting a vehicle with a specific use, such as a dragster, enclosed transport is necessary.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, both open and enclosed auto transport options are safe ways to transport your car. However, the right choice depends on whether you need a specialized car, the level of protection you require, and how much you’re willing to spend.

Typically, standardized vehicles you commonly see on roadways can be transported via open carriers, and it is a smart decision. If you have to consider weather, debris, or other special considerations, an enclosed option will be better.

Legal Perspectives on Emerging Public Policy Challenges for Businesses

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SM
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Emerging public policy challenges are changing the way businesses operate. Rules are growing stricter for data, the environment, and worker safety. Companies that ignore these rules risk fines and lawsuits.

Understanding these challenges helps businesses stay ahead. Legal advice is important to follow the law. Companies that plan early can avoid problems.

Learn how legal perspectives help businesses handle emerging public policy challenges and act smart.

Regulatory Compliance and Corporate Responsibility

Businesses face more rules from the government on data, labor, and the environment. Following these rules is not optional. Breaking them can lead to fines and legal trouble. Laws change often, so companies must update policies regularly.

Corporate responsibility also means being fair and open in business practices. Legal teams guide companies to follow rules correctly. Companies that invest in compliance protect themselves and gain trust. Planning ahead helps businesses avoid surprises and stay credible.

Environmental Policies and Sustainability Requirements

New environmental laws affect energy use, waste, and product design. Companies must meet these rules or face penalties. Legal advisors explain the rules and help businesses follow them. Laws can differ in different areas, so careful tracking is needed.

Businesses are encouraged to adopt eco-friendly practices. Keeping records shows compliance and protects the company in audits. Following these rules can also bring incentives and grants. Planning for environmental compliance helps businesses grow sustainably.

Labor Laws and Workforce Management

Labor laws affect pay, benefits, and workplace safety. Companies need legal help to follow wage and leave rules. Legal guidance prevents disputes and costly lawsuits. Managers should be trained on rules to enforce them properly. Worker rights are under closer watch today.

Breaking labor laws can damage reputation and cost money. Legal planning ensures fair treatment and reduces risk. Staying updated on laws helps companies adapt smoothly.

Taxation and Financial Compliance

New tax rules are part of emerging public policy challenges. Companies must follow them to avoid fines. Legal and accounting experts work together to ensure correct reporting. Transparent records and documentation are key.

Tax changes can affect deductions, credits, and international deals. Companies must plan to minimize risk while following the law. Legal guidance helps interpret complex tax rules. Watching for updates keeps the business compliant.

Technology Regulation and Data Protection

Digital rules now cover privacy, cybersecurity, and online transactions. Businesses must protect customer data and follow laws. Legal advice helps set up proper policies. Breaking these rules can lead to fines or loss of trust.

Watching technology trends helps companies plan ahead. Rules differ by region, which can affect global businesses. A strong legal approach keeps technology use safe and lawful. Hiring a government relations lawyer can help companies handle regulatory matters.

International Trade and Market Access

Global business faces trade rules, tariffs, and import/export laws. Legal insight helps companies follow these rules. Staying aware of changes avoids problems across borders. Breaking trade rules can disrupt supply chains and cause disputes.

Understanding other countries’ laws allows better planning. Legal teams help with contracts and negotiations. Trade compliance protects businesses and supports growth. Tracking policy changes keeps global operations smooth.

Businesses that handle emerging public policy challenges well can grow safely. Legal guidance and careful planning reduce risks and build trust. Knowing rules in different areas allows companies to act confidently.

Using legal expertise early makes decisions safer. Following policy trends helps companies work smarter. Businesses that act now can turn rules into advantages. Preparing today ensures a stable and sustainable future.

Should you wish to read more, you can visit our blog. We’ve got more topics!

How Talaria E-bikes Are Elevating Outdoor Sports Performance

By
SM
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Outdoor sports continue to evolve as technology improves, and one of the biggest changes in recent years has been the rise of electric bikes. Among the top performers in this space, Talaria E-bikes are gaining strong attention from riders who want more power, control, and efficiency during their outdoor adventures.

Whether it’s trail riding, off-road exploration, or competitive outdoor sports, riders are constantly looking for equipment that enhances their performance. Talaria E-bikes are designed specifically to meet these needs, offering a combination of speed, durability, and smooth handling that makes them ideal for demanding environments.

One of the key advantages of Talaria E-bikes is their ability to provide consistent power across different terrains. Riders no longer need to rely only on physical strength when tackling steep hills or rough trails. The motor assistance allows for better endurance and a more enjoyable riding experience, making outdoor sports more accessible to a wider audience.

For riders searching for reliable models, Talaria E-bikes https://talariabikehub.com offer a range of high-performance options suited for both beginners and experienced users. These bikes are built with strong components that can withstand challenging conditions while still delivering a smooth ride.

Another reason why Talaria E-bikes are becoming popular in outdoor sports is their versatility. They can be used for recreational riding, training, or even long-distance exploration. This flexibility makes them a valuable choice for riders who want one bike that can handle multiple types of activities.

In addition to performance, Talaria E-bikes also offer environmental benefits. They produce no emissions during use and operate quietly, allowing riders to enjoy nature without causing disruption. This is especially important in outdoor areas where maintaining a peaceful environment is essential.

Battery performance has improved significantly, making Talaria E-bikes more practical for extended rides. Riders can now travel longer distances without worrying about running out of power. Faster charging times also mean less downtime and more time spent enjoying the sport.

Many outdoor enthusiasts are now choosing platforms like TalariaBikeHub https://talariabikehub.com to explore different models and find the right Talaria E-bikes for their needs. With a variety of options available, it becomes easier to select a bike that matches specific performance goals.

As outdoor sports continue to grow, Talaria E-bikes are playing an important role in shaping the future of riding. They provide a balance of power, efficiency, and control that traditional bikes often lack, giving riders a competitive edge.

In conclusion, Talaria E-bikes are redefining outdoor sports by offering a modern and efficient way to ride. With their strong performance, versatility, and environmental advantages, they are quickly becoming a preferred choice for riders who want to take their outdoor experience to the next level.

Top 6 Most Popular Emojis and Their Meanings

By
SM
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Photo by Pavel Danilyuk on Pexels

Coinciding with the explosive adoption of smartphones, people messaging each other via text has evolved from simple text-based expressions such as “:)” (smiley face) into graphics known as emojis. For many years now, emojis have helped people express humor, tone, and emotions in ways that text normally can’t convey. Whether you’re texting, posting on social media, or writing online content, knowing what emojis mean and their hidden connotations matters.

One example of an emoji that perfectly shows how the meaning can change and evolve over time is the 💀 skull emoji. While it originally meant to represent death, danger, or events like Halloween, it’s now commonly used to mean “I’m dead”, either from embarrassment or laughter. In this article, we will go over the top 6 emojis in 2026 and what they mean today.

1. 😂 Joyous Laughing Face

Still one of the most widely used and recognized emojis during its lifetime. Much like the skull emoji, it represents laughter. This emoji is used when something is extremely funny, often when reacting to jokes, memes, or other hilarious moments.

2. ❤️ Red Heart

This is an emoji that existed before emojis became commonplace. It represents love and affection and is extremely commonly used. Use this for love, appreciation, and positive feelings, as well as for expressing support and gratitude.

3. 🔥 Fire

A new staple across all social media. This is used to indicate that you agree with something or that you generally think the subject is amazing. Use it when you’re hyping something such as outfits, videos, achievements, announcements, etc.

4. 🥺 Pleading Face

This emoji is great for cute and emotional contexts. Typically, you would use this when begging, or feigning vulnerability, or garnering affection.

5. 🤡 Clown Face

This emoji has been completely taken over by the internet and is utilized as an insult. You would use this emoji to call out someone’s bad behavior, actions, or mistakes.

6. 🙏 Folded Hands

This emoji can have multiple meanings depending on context. Traditionally, this emoji is used to represent praying, prayer, and religion. More commonly, however, it is used to express gratitude or “feeling blessed” for something.

Why Emoji Meanings Change

Depending on a variety of factors, typically internet meme-related, emojis can quickly change their meaning. Our earlier example of the skull emoji is perfect, as it went from symbolizing death to becoming a funny reaction emoji.

This typically happens due to the following:

  • Social media trends and memes
  • Younger users redefining meanings and uses
  • Context supersedes original purpose.

How to Use Emojis Effectively

If you want to use emojis in your communications, it’s important to stay up to date on their use. Knowing what your audience likes and their age groups can significantly change which emojis are relevant. Overuse can also come across as cluttered and desperate. The meanings of emojis can shift in a week’s time, so be sure to double-check before you use them.

Conclusion

Emojis have become more than just decorative images in text. They’re the evolution of the ASCII emojis, which were already ingrained in online culture long before they became commonplace. Understanding how popular emojis, such as the skull emoji, are used today can help you sound more natural and relatable in online conversations and chatrooms.

As emojis continue to evolve, staying updated will keep your messages clear and likely a lot more fun.

Hendrick Motorsports Media Advance: Bristol

By
Official Release
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Bristol Motor Speedway
Sunday, April 12
0.533-Mile Oval
3 p.m. ET
Location: Bristol, Tennessee
TV: Fox
Event: NASCAR Cup Series race (8 of 36)
RADIO: SiriusXM

5 KYLE LARSON
Age: 33 (July 31, 1992)
Hometown: Elk Grove, California
Last Race: 9th (Martinsville)
Crew Chief: Cliff Daniels
Standings: T-8th

No. 5 HENDRICKCARS.COM Chevrolet

  • Prior to the NASCAR Cup Series off weekend, Kyle Larson and the No. 5 HENDRICKCARS.COM team finished ninth at Martinsville Speedway, securing their fourth top-10 finish of the season.
  • The 33-year-old enters Bristol Motor Speedway as the event’s defending winner and has won two of the last three races at the 0.533-mile short track. In victories in the fall 2024 and spring 2025 races, Larson led a combined 873 out of 1,000 laps and swept all stages.
  • Larson leads all drivers with seven stage wins at Bristol. His most stage wins at a single track is eight at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
  • The Elk Grove, California, native has led 946 laps at Bristol in the Next Gen car, more than double that of his nearest competitor.
  • The defending Cup Series champion has an average finish of 7.67 at “The Last Great Colosseum” in the Next Gen car, which ranks second best.
  • Larson will be back behind the wheel of the No. 88 HENDRICKCARS.COM Chevrolet for JR Motorsports in Saturday’s NASCAR O’Reilly Series race at Bristol.

9 CHASE ELLIOTT
Age: 30 (Nov. 28, 1995)
Hometown: Dawsonville, Georgia
Last Race: 1st (Martinsville)
Crew Chief: Alan Gustafson
Standings: 4th

No. 9 NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet

  • Chase Elliott heads to Bristol Motor Speedway this weekend as the most recent NASCAR Cup Series winner, having captured the victory at Martinsville Speedway two weeks ago.
  • Elliott led 84 laps en route to his Martinsville win, which put him over the threshold of 6,000 career laps led in the Cup Series (6,083).
  • The 30-year-old’s average finish of ninth is his best through seven events since 2017 (eighth). He’s one of only four drivers to finish on the lead lap in every race this season.
  • Elliott has four finishes of eighth or better in the last six Bristol Cup Series races including two runner-up results.
  • His 444 laps led in points-paying races at “The Last Great Colosseum” are his most at a track without a win.
  • At Bristol in the Next Gen era, Elliott has the sixth-best average finish (12th) among active drivers with multiple starts.
  • Elliott has one non-points-paying victory at the Tennessee short track, winning the 2020 NASCAR All-Star Race in the only time it was held there.
  • In the last 14 Cup Series short track events, the Dawsonville, Georgia, native has 10 top-10 finishes, including his triumph at Martinsville.

24 WILLIAM BYRON
Age: 28 (Nov. 29, 1997)
Hometown: Charlotte, North Carolina
Last Race: 5th (Martinsville)
Crew Chief: Rudy Fugle
Standings: 5th

No. 24 Valvoline Chevrolet

  • Before the NASCAR Cup Series off weekend, William Byron qualified second at Martinsville Speedway, ultimately collecting a fifth-place finish.
  • Byron is on a streak of four consecutive top-10 finishes in the 2026 season, second longest in the field.
  • Through seven races, the 28-year-old has run the most laps in the top 10 (1,431) and collected the fourth-most stage points (55). He has also finished better than 13th in all but one event giving him the fifth-best average finish at 10.9.
  • In the Next Gen era on short tracks, Byron has four wins, tied for the second most. In the last five such races, the Charlotte, North Carolina, native has two wins (Iowa Speedway and Martinsville 2025) and three top-five finishes.
  • Byron has 13 starts at Bristol Motor Speedway with two top-five finishes and five top 10s. He has a career-best finish of third, coming in back-to-back fall races (2021 and 2022).

48 ALEX BOWMAN
Age: 32 (April 25, 1993)
Hometown: Tucson, Arizona
Last Race: 36th (COTA)
Crew Chief: Blake Harris
Standings: 36th

No. 48 Ally Chevrolet

  • Alex Bowman will return as driver of the No. 48 Ally Chevrolet at Bristol Motor Speedway this weekend after missing the last four NASCAR Cup Series events while recovering from vertigo.
  • The Tucson, Arizona, native is scheduled to make his 365th series start on Sunday.
  • At Bristol Motor Speedway, Bowman has earned two pole awards (2024 and 2025), three top fives and six top-10 finishes. He has led 81 laps at the track and has a career-best finish of fourth.
  • On short tracks, Bowman has earned two wins in the Cup Series (Martinsville and Richmond 2021), accomplishing both with Hendrick Motorsports.

17 COREY DAY
Age: 20 (November 28, 2005)
Hometown: Clovis, California
Last Race: 10th (Rockingham)
Crew Chief: Adam Wall

Standings: 5th

  • Last week, Corey Day extended his NASCAR O’Reilly Series top-10 streak to seven races with a 10th-place finish at Rockingham Speedway. It remains the longest active streak in the series.
  • Over Rockingham weekend, Day earned his first career NOAPS pole, led 118 laps and swept both stages.
  • The driver of the No. 17 HENDRICKCARS.COM Chevrolet will make his second NOAPS start at Bristol Motor Speedway this weekend after recording a 17th-place finish in his debut there last fall.
  • Last spring, Hendrick Motorsports captured a NOAPS victory at Bristol with Kyle Larson driving the No. 17.
  • Hendrick Motorsports enters this weekend’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway as the facility’s all-time leader in top fives (72), top 10s (127) and laps led (7,382). The team’s drivers have won two of the last three poles (both by Alex Bowman), two of the last three races (both by Kyle Larson) and four of the last six stages (all by Larson) at the historic 0.533-mile oval.
  • The organization has combined to win four of the last six races at short tracks including Chase Elliott’s victory at Martinsville Speedway two weeks ago.
  • The Hendrick Motorsports engine department enters the weekend with 561 victories across all three national NASCAR touring series including six of eight events in the NASCAR O’Reilly Series this year.
  • Hendrick Motorsports remains the premier series’ all-time standard bearer in wins (321), poles (259), top-five finishes (1,328), top 10s (2,272), laps led (85,641) and championships (15).
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  • Kyle Larson, driver of the No. 5 Chevrolet, on returning to Bristol Motor Speedway: “I think it [Bristol] suits my driving style. It’s a fast-paced corner, and you don’t have to slow down much. You catch traffic quickly, and I feel like I’ve gotten good at maneuvering through it there. When you lead laps and get comfortable navigating, you just keep learning and improving. I’ve had a lot of experience leading laps, so I think that has helped me maintain the lead and avoid getting stuck in traffic. I look forward to this weekend. I love Bristol and get excited to go there. Hopefully, it’s a good weekend, and we can get our season pointed in the right direction and maintain that momentum.”

Chase Elliott, driver of the No. 9 Chevrolet, on Bristol Motor Speedway: “I look forward to going [to Bristol]. It’s been a good track, and we’ve had some good runs throughout the course of time. No points wins. We won the All-Star Race up there the year they had it. Outside of that, I feel like it’s just been a lot of close calls, a lot of seconds and a lot of thirds, it seems like. Some really solid races but nothing that’s really been dominate where we’ve gotten over that hump throughout the entire 500 laps. So, I hope this trip is a little different. I think we’ve learned a lot of good stuff throughout the course of this season that we can apply there.”

William Byron, driver of the No. 24 Chevrolet, on Bristol Motor Speedway: “It’s just really fast paced. The way you kind of load up into the banking with the concrete is very unique and just really hurts the tires if you’re a little bit off. So, I think just finding a good rhythm there, where you can make speed but not damage your tires. It really depends on the weather on how much tire wear we’re going to have. So, if it’s 70 degrees and sunny, it’s no big deal, you’re going to be able to run the top of the racetrack. If it’s 60 degrees or below and cloudy, it’s probably going to be a high-tire wear race.”

Alex Bowman, driver of the No. 48 Chevrolet, on returning to the track this week at Bristol Motor Speedway: “I’m excited to be back at the track with my No. 48 team. We’re headed into the weekend focused on building consistency and continuing to move forward with the season as a group. Bristol has been a good track for us in the past and we’re ready to get to work in the Ally Chevrolet.”

Corey Day, driver of the No. 17 Chevrolet, on Bristol Motor Speedway: “I love Bristol, it’s a lot of fun for sure. For a dirt guy, I really enjoy how high pace the race is and how much the track changes. It’s one that’s closer to what I’m used to. Definitely looking forward to heading back this weekend, especially after getting more lap time in my No. 17 HENDRICKCARS.COM Chevrolet this season.”

What’s Rocking with the Rock?

By
Logan Allen
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Rockingham Speedway
Photo by Logan Allen of Speedway Media

The NASCAR O’Reilly Series, Craftsman Truck Series, and ARCA Series returned to Rockingham Speedway on April 3rd and 4th. This comes after a successful return to The Rock in 2025.

Around 26,000 fans attended across the three series in 2025, and all 45 corporate suites were sold as well. This marks a huge success for Rockingham Speedway and Richmond County, NC.

One question begs to be answered… What is the future of Rockingham Speedway? We know of the series in 2026, but what about 2027 and beyond? With the fans packing the stands in 2025, it was amazing and fun to watch, though was it because there hasn’t been a major racing series at the Rock in 21 now 22 years? Will the hype hold up and keep bringing fans back?

My experience

Craftsman Truck Series
Photo by Logan Allen of Speedway Media

As for me, I decided to stay at the track’s campground this year. I am able to get a first-hand experience of what it’s like to stay at the Rock. Thursday, during check-in, was already busy with people ready for Rockingham to return. One of the earlier campers to arrive, someone who likes to be called “Bud,” said that he had been waiting to check in since 7:30 am. Check-in didn’t start till a hair before noon. After Bud, there was a long line of others who were ready to get in. From those that are in the dry lots (No electricity or water, just a place to set up), to those that are camping in the infield.

Everyone that I talked to was excited to hear the engines fire up for the second time at the Rock in just as many years. For some, it will be their first time, and others have been attending their 10th to 20th race alone at Rockingham Speedway.

Being apart of the media for Rockingham Speedway has given a chance to ask questions to those that are able to provide answers besides generic responses. I spoke with Jim Tretow last year about the chance of Rockingham returning, although he didn’t give me a solid answer. It was an answer that was going to be expected. He mentioned that a return was possible and that it was looking good. As we know, 2026 Rock has returned. What puzzled him was, once the sale occurred, what was going to happen with the track? Was it going to continue, or would it fall apart?

Looking at 311 Speedway. It was a local dirt track in Mayodan, NC. A huge dirt track that everyone wanted to win at, which was eventually sold to another party. Unfortunately, the new owners didn’t want racing and, in effect, turned it into a ghost track with cars parked everywhere.

So… What’s next?

This year, Mr. Tretow didn’t return, and his place, if you will, was Matt Klug, who works with Spire Sports. The same question is being asked once again. What is the outlook for Rockingham Speedway in 2027 and beyond? Will there be more NASCAR races, or will it fall once again?

During the Craftsman Truck race on Friday night, spectators heard over the loudspeakers that racing would return in 2027. Then, in a post-race interview with the winner Corey Heim, he mentioned that if Cup cars were to come to the Rock, it would still take a few years to see how the track reacts with the cars.

Additionally, on Saturday evening after the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series at Rockingham, it was announced that Rockingham could potentially return to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. It won’t be known for sure until NASCAR announces its schedule, but there is hope that we will see racing back at Rockingham Speedway

RCR Race Preview: Bristol Motor Speedway

By
Official Release
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Richard Childress Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series at Bristol Motor Speedway… In 195 NASCAR Cup Series starts at Bristol Motor Speedway, drivers in Richard Childress Racing-prepared Chevrolets have earned nine wins, 35 top-five and 72 top-10 finishes, completed 93.6% of the laps contested (90,718 of 96,887) and led 3,685 laps. Seven of those victories were scored by Dale Earnhardt: both races in 1985 and 1987, plus victories in 1988 (fall), 1994 (spring), and 1999 (spring). Kevin Harvick won the spring 2005 event while Jeff Burton won the spring 2008 race. One year ago, RCR fielded three entries in the spring Bristol race with Austin Dillon leading the contingent with a strong 10th-place finish in the No. 3 Chevrolet.

Richard Childress Racing in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series at Bristol Motor Speedway… Richard Childress Racing has nine NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series victories at Bristol Motor Speedway, led by Kevin Harvick’s four wins (2000, 2001, 2003, and 2005). Other drivers who have posted wins at the Tennessee short track include Jeff Green (2002), Clint Bowyer (2008), Elliott Sadler (2012), Austin Dillon (2016), and Tyler Reddick (2019). The Welcome, N.C., organization has racked up 39 top-five and 66 top-10 finishes at the high-banked oval.

Did You Know? Richard Childress raced at Bristol Motor Speedway during the height of his driving career in the 1970s and early 1980s. While he didn’t win at “The Last Great Colosseum”, Childress did secure several top-10 finishes between 1977- 1980 driving the famed No. 3, showing he could hold his own on the high-banked, bullring-style track.

Congratulations, Richard Childress… This week, the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc, a nonprofit that honors leaders who have overcome adversity and support young people in furthering their education, officially presented Childress with the prestigious Horatio Alger Award and named him a lifetime member of the organization. Childress joins 10 other exceptional corporate, civic, and cultural leaders from across the country in the 2025 class of honorees. Childress was nominated for the honor by Marcia G. Taylor, president and CEO of Bennett International Group LLC, a 2017 Horatio Alger Award recipient.

Catch Saturday’s Action… The O’Reilly Auto Parts Series’ Suburban Propane 300 at Bristol Motor Speedway will be televised live on Saturday, April 11 at 7:30 p.m. ET on The CW. The live radio broadcast can be heard on the Performance Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90. Saturday afternoon’s practice and qualifying sessions will be shown for free on The CW App beginning at 2 p.m. ET.

Catch Us On FS1… The Cup Series’ Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway will be televised live on Sunday, April 12 at 3 p.m. ET on FS1. The live radio broadcast can be heard on the Performance Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90. Saturday afternoon’s practice and qualifying sessions will be shown for free on air live on Prime Video beginning at 4:30 p.m. ET. Ride shotgun all season long with live, in-car camera feeds and scanner audio with a paid subscription to Max as part of their NASCAR driver cam experience during the race. 

Austin Dillon and the No. 3 Bass Pro Shops/Winchester Long Beard XR Chevrolet at Bristol Motor Speedway… Austin Dillon has one top-five and four top-10 finishes in 21 NASCAR Cup Series starts at Bristol Motor Speedway, including a 10th-place result last spring. Dillon is a former winner in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series at Bristol Motor Speedway (2016) and owns four top-five and five top-10 finishes in that series. He has also made two NASCAR Truck Series starts at the track.

Winner, Winner… Dillon has won at Bristol Motor Speedway on both the paved and dirt configurations. In addition to winning an O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race at the Tennessee track in August 2016, the Welcome, N.C. native was among the first drivers to compete on the track’s dirt surface in 2021. The veteran racer won two features and a heat race in a 604 Crate Late Model for Corey Hedgecock Racing.

About Bass Pro Shops… Bass Pro Shops, North America’s premier outdoor and conservation company, was founded in 1972 when avid young angler Johnny Morris started selling tackle out of his father’s liquor store in Springfield, Missouri. That was the company’s sole location for the first 13 years, and it has since grown to nearly 200 retail locations throughout North America. Today the company provides customers with unmatched offerings spanning premier destination retail, outdoor equipment manufacturing, world-class resort destinations and more. In 2017 Bass Pro Shops united with Cabela’s to create a “best-of-the-best” experience with superior products, dynamic locations and outstanding customer service. Bass Pro Shops also operates White River Marine Group, offering an unsurpassed collection of industry-leading boat brands, and Big Cedar Lodge, America’s Premier Wilderness Resort. Under the visionary conservation leadership of Johnny Morris, Bass Pro Shops is a national leader in protecting habitat and introducing families to the outdoors and has been named by Newsweek as “America’s Best Outdoor Retailer” for four consecutive years and “America’s Most Trusted Retailer for Outdoor Gear.”

Winchester Ammunition and The National Wild Turkey Federation are Committed to Conservation… Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) has invested over half a billion dollars into wildlife conservation and has conserved or enhanced 22 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The organization continues to drive wildlife conservation, forest resiliency, and robust recreational opportunities throughout the U.S.. Winchester has been committed to conservation for 160 years and as the NWTF’s first million-dollar sponsor, Winchester has contributed over $2 million to the organization’s mission, earning the prestigious Corporate Achievement Award and Pinnacle Partner Status. Winchester is the leader in turkey hunting shotshell ammunition with Long Beard® XR® and Long Beard® Tungsten that deliver unmatched performance for turkey hunters. Long Beard® XR® features ground-breaking Shot-Lok ® technology that produces incredibly dense, hard-hitting patterns that are lethal far beyond 40 yards. For those seeking the ultimate edge in the turkey woods, Long Beard Tungsten combines ultra-high-density tungsten shot with precision engineering to deliver the tightest, hard-hitting patterns of any turkey hunting shotshell. Learn more about Winchester products by visiting Winchester.com.

Pickleball for a Cause… Calling all pickleball players! In advance of next week’s race weekend at Kansas Speedway, Dillon is scheduled to host a pickleball tournament benefitting charities dedicated to supporting in-need children. The Austin Dillon Charity Pickleball Tournament benefitting Titan Community Outreach and Pit Stops for Hope will take place on Friday, April 17 at 6 p.m. CT at Chicken-N-Pickle’s South Overland Park, Kansas location (901 W 135th St., Overland Park, Kansas 66223).

The tournament features a grand prize of $5,000. Enter your two-person team by clicking here.

Meet Dillon… Dillon is scheduled to make several public-facing appearances this weekend, beginning with a stop at Bass Pro Shops (1 Bass Pro Drive, Bristol, Tenn, 37620) on Saturday, April 11 beginning at 12 Noon ET for an autograph session with fans. The driver of the No. 3 Chevrolet is also scheduled to sign autographs at the RCR Merchandise Hauler in the Bristol Motor Speedway Fan Midway on Sunday, April 12 at 11:45 a.m. ET. Stop by to meet Dillon and get new RCR gear.

AUSTIN DILLON QUOTES:

What does Bristol Motor Speedway mean to you?

“When you come to Bristol Motor Speedway, this place is like the eighth wonder of the world. You walk into this place and it’s like a gladiator dome. It’s always a privilege to come race here and be a part of the big races that they’ve had. I had the opportunity to drive up to Victory Lane once, and we’d like to do it again.”

Bristol Motor Speedway can be unpredictable – sometimes Dr. Jekyll shows up, and sometimes we get Mr. Hyde. Which do you prefer?

“I just want to be prepared for whichever one shows up. I was not prepared for the Dr. Jekyll thing during the fall race a few years ago. That was our last shot for the Playoffs, and we were in a good spot. We just had to keep our tires on the car, but we were the first ones that hit pit road. We were literally the first. There was maybe one other car that hit pit road before we did in that race, and there was nothing we could do. The track just chewed through our tires no matter what we did. No brake, touching the throttle as easy as possible, we were just killing tires. The day before, we could go 60-70 laps and not show any cords. I thought we ran over something when I hit pit road the first time because I was thinking there’s no way we could have a flat tire already. It was a right-front going down. I was assuming I had run over something and that we would have to climb back from it. About 10 laps later, everybody was pitting and I knew we were in trouble. Our car was wearing faster than everyone else. There was nothing we could do in that moment.”

What is your favorite RCR win at Bristol Motor Speedway? 

“It’s really hard to choose, but my NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series win at Bristol Motor Speedway was pretty special to me, personally.” 

What is your favorite Bass Pro Shops paint scheme?

“Oh man, it’s hard to choose a favorite Bass Pro Shops paint scheme. We’ve had so many patriotic paint schemes, and those ones mean a lot. I love the Bass Pro Shops/Winchester Long Beard XR paint scheme that we are running this weekend, too.”

Kyle Busch and the No. 8 Bank OZK Chevrolet at Bristol Motor Speedway… Sunday’s Food City 500 will mark Kyle Busch’s 39th career NASCAR Cup Series start on concrete at Bristol Motor Speedway. Busch leads all active drivers in multiple categories: most victories (eight) – 2007 (spring), 2009 (both races), 2010 (fall), 2011 (spring), 2017 (fall), 2018 (spring) and 2019 (spring), most top-five finishes (14) and most laps led (2,598). Busch’s eight wins on the track are fifth all-time. Additionally, the driver of the Bank OZK Chevrolet has earned two Cup Series pole positions at the Tennessee short track – 2013 (spring) and 2018 (spring).

The NASCAR Hat Trick, Twice… In 2010, Busch made history at Bristol Motor Speedway, becoming the first driver to win all three NASCAR national series races in the same weekend. Seven years later, in 2017, the Las Vegas native repeated the accomplishment at “The Last Great Colosseum” when he secured victories in the Truck, O’Reilly Auto Parts, and Cup Series races.

A Place of Firsts… Busch’s first win at Bristol came on March 25, 2007, a date forever etched in NASCAR history. Driving the No. 5 Chevrolet, the two-time series champion earned the honor of becoming the first winner in “The Car of Tomorrow.” He was able to hold off RCR’s Jeff Burton in a side-by-side overtime finish. The victory also secured his place as the youngest winner in Bristol history at the age of 21 years, 10 months, and 23 days old.

Wins Not Limited to Concrete… Busch won the 2022 dirt race at Bristol Motor Speedway from a distant third place when, in the late stages, second-place Chase Briscoe slid up the high-banked dirt track and into the Chevrolet of leader Tyler Reddick in the final corner, getting both cars out of shape. Busch’s momentum coming off Turn 4 carried him past Reddick by 0.330 seconds to claim victory.

Checkered Flags Galore… Along with Busch’s eight Cup Series wins on concrete, and his premier series victory on the dirt surface in 2022 in Bristol, the Las Vegas native has nine O’Reilly Series wins and five Truck Series victories, marking 23 checkered flags at The World’s Fastest Half-Mile” across all three NASCAR national series and surface configurations.

Double Duty… In addition to his driving duties in Sunday’s Cup Series race, Busch will pilot the No. 7 Chevrolet Silverado for Spire Motorsports in Friday’s Truck Series race.

About Bank OZK… Bank OZK (Nasdaq: OZK) is a regional bank providing innovative financial solutions delivered by expert bankers with a relentless pursuit of excellence. Established in 1903, Bank OZK conducts banking operations in 268 offices in nine states including Arkansas, Georgia, Florida, Texas, North Carolina, Tennessee, New York, California and Mississippi and had $40.8 billion in total assets as of December 31, 2025. For more information, visit ozk.com.

Meet Busch… Race fans will have two opportunities to meet Busch this weekend at Bristol Motor Speedway. Busch is scheduled to visit the Richard Childress Racing Merchandise Hauler on Saturday, April 11 at 1:10 p.m. Local Time for an autograph signing. Fans are encouraged to stop by and get new No. 8 gear before the Cup Series cars hit the track. On Sunday, April 12, Busch is scheduled to stop by the Food City Fan Zone Stage at 12:30 p.m. Local Time for a question-and-answer session.

KYLE BUSCH QUOTES:

Bristol Motor Speedway is a little bit Dr. Jekyll, being the normal, and Mr. Hyde, being the crazy with the tire wear. Which do you prefer?

“I don’t mind the crazy. I feel like it lends itself into some unexpected results or things that may happen out of the ordinary. Guys that get flat tires because they chew up their tires quicker than others don’t benefit well from those races, so it can lend itself a little bit to guys that know what they are doing.”

What makes Bristol Motor Speedway so special for you?

“I always love going there, it’s one of my favorite places to race. I grew up racing on the local short tracks across the country and racing in the tight confines of Bristol reminds me of my earlier days racing late models. There’s always action going from the bottom to the middle and the top of the racetrack. 500 laps at Bristol seems like a long time, but it goes by really fast. It’s a fun place to race.”

Jesse Love and the No. 2 Whelen Chevrolet at Bristol Motor Speedway… Jesse Love has made three career NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series starts at Bristol Motor Speedway, earning a fourth-place result in 2024 and a sixth-place result last season. The Menlo Park, California native has also competed in three career ARCA Menards Series events (2021-2023) at the “World’s Fastest Half-Mile”, where Love started inside the top-five for all three races and recorded a best finish of second-place in 2023.

Cup Debut Last Year… Love made his Cup Series debut at Bristol Motor Speedway last year piloting the No. 33 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing. In his premier series debut, the young gun qualified 19th, posting his best career Cup qualifying position to-date, before ultimately earning a 31st-place finish in the race.

Consistency Continues… Love’s average finish of 9.0 is fifth best among full time drivers in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.

Still Streaking… Love currently holds the longest active streak of running at the finish of races, as the defending series champion has 21 straight events without a DNF.

Get to the Points… Love remains second in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series driver championship point standings, 126 points behind current leader Justin Allgaier and five points ahead of third-place Sheldon Creed.

About Whelen Engineering… Whelen Engineering is a family-owned company with a pioneering spirit and a passion to protect the lives of those who protect and serve others. The company mission is to provide industry-defining safety solutions around the world, while creating a community of problem-solvers who are inspired to push boundaries and continue our legacy of delivering ground-breaking innovation. As a global leader in the emergency warning industry, Whelen has been trusted to perform since 1952, when George Whelen III invented the first rotating aviation beacon. Whelen now encompasses two state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Connecticut and New Hampshire with over 750,000 square feet of engineering and manufacturing space and the largest design staff in the industry. Every part of every Whelen product is proudly designed and manufactured in America. We embrace quality as our foundation, and we celebrate innovative engineering in every product we produce.

Meet Love… On Saturday, April 11 at 4:50 p.m. Local Time, Love is scheduled to sign autographs at the RCR Merchandise Hauler located in the Fan Midway at Bristol Motor Speedway. Stop by to meet Love and purchase No. 2 gear.

JESSE LOVE QUOTES:

What are your thoughts going into this weekend’s night race at Bristol Motor Speedway?

“Bristol should be exciting. The track’s going to be interesting because we’re going to practice during the day and then race at night. Night races always pose a different challenge, and depending on temperature and what not, it can change the flow of the race and what lanes you want to run. But I feel pretty confident in our car and in our package that I will be able to move around and make some speed.”

There are once again a few Cup Series drivers set to run in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race. What are your thoughts on that?

“It’s always cool to have some of those guys in the field like Kyle Larson and Connor Zilisch to race against, and I always enjoy those races in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. I am just excited and I know that we have run really well at Bristol in the past and also haven’t run well at Bristol in the past, so I feel like we know what works and what doesn’t.”

Austin Hill and the No. 21 Global Industrial Chevrolet at Bristol Motor Speedway… Austin Hill has made five career NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series starts at Bristol Motor Speedway, earning a best finish of third in 2022. The Winston, Georgia native has also driven in six NASCAR Truck Series events with best finish of 10th and three ARCA Menards Series East races with best finish of fifth at “The Last Great Colosseum.”

Cup Experience at Bristol… Hill made his Cup Series short track debut in last year’s Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway, piloting the No. 33 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet. The 31-year-old started from 33rd-place and overcame tire wear curveballs, to record a top-25 finish. The effort was highlighted by Hill unlapping himself under green, as the field navigated varying tire strategies.

Get to the Points… Following an 11th-place result at Rockingham Speedway, Hill remains fourth in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series driver championship point standings. The 15-time Series winner is 145 points behind leader Justin Allgaier and only 14 points behind third-place Sheldon Creed.

About Global Industrial… Global Industrial Company (NYSE:GIC) is a leading distributor of high-quality, industrial-strength equipment and supplies, serving organizations of all sizes across a wide range of industries. With more than 75 years of experience, customers rely on Global Industrial for its broad portfolio of national and private brands, trusted service, and focus on value. We help customers keep their operations running by delivering the right products when they need them, because We Can Supply That™. Visit Globalindustrial.com, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Meet Hill… Fans have two opportunities to meet Hill in the Bristol Motor Speedway Fan Midway prior to the green flag waving. On Saturday, April 11 at 4:45 p.m. ET, Hill is scheduled to appear on the Food City Stage for a question-and-answer session. Immediately following at 5:05 p.m. ET, the veteran racer is scheduled to sign autographs at the RCR Merchandise Hauler. Stop by to meet Hill and purchase No. 21 gear.

AUSTIN HILL QUOTE:

What is it like to be in the car for 300 laps at Bristol Motor Speedway, with “The Last Great Colosseum” feel that has grandstands all around?

“Running 300 laps at Bristol Motor Speedway is unlike anything else we do all season. It is so easy to not realize if you’re in Turns 1 and 2 or in Turns 3 and 4. Laps happen super-fast there. You need a Chevrolet that can run both the bottom and the top and be able to move around throughout the race. When the caution comes out, you’re seeing The Last Great Colosseum all around you with the grandstands, and you are kind of caved in there. It’s a great place to race at and I really enjoy it.”

WITH HORSEPOWER INCREASE TO 750, CUP SERIES TEAMS READY TO RUMBLE AT TRADITION-RICH FOOD CITY 500 ON FABLED BRISTOL CONCRETE HIGH BANKS

By
Official Release
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Kyle Larson has had some dominating runs around Bristol in his No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevy as two of his wins he led more than 400 laps en route to Victory Lane.

BRISTOL, Tenn. (April 9, 2026) — With recent equipment package changes from NASCAR and Goodyear for its Cup Series short track and road course races, the Food City 500 should have somewhat of a new identity when the green flag drops Sunday afternoon on the tradition-rich race. Drivers, teams, fans and others in the industry can’t wait to see what the new product will look like as 40 cars battle around the high-banks at legendary Bristol Motor Speedway.

NASCAR has increased the horsepower to a maximum of 750 for all cars in the Food City 500. Goodyear says it will deliver a softer tire for the race as well. The combination of the two is expected to provide more thrilling racing at the important regular season race.

Justin Fantozzi, Goodyear Director of Racing for the Americas, said they conducted a couple of tire tests in the off-season in the process of selecting the tire for this weekend.

“The objective at our Bristol tire test in November was to develop a setup that is less temperature dependent at laying rubber down,” Fantozzi said. “We heard loudly from the teams about variations in weather between practice and race conditions, and the need for a tire solution to address this. The track took rubber in November under rather cold temperatures, and again at the March OEM Wheel Force test. Our development team did a great job, and we are very pleased to be heading into the weekend with this new package.”

No matter what all of the variables produce, the fact is that a host of seasoned competitors are looking to get back to their “favorite track” and get down to business.

In recent seasons it’s been a Kyle Larson show as the driver of the No. 5 Chevy for Hendrick Motorsports has left his rivals in the dust and earned multiple victories with more than 400 laps led in each contest. Last year Larson won the Food City 500 and Christopher Bell rallied to win the 2025 Night Race.

Those two, along with Denny Hamlin, who also has a pair of Bristol victories in recent years, will be three of the drivers that are considered pre-race favorites.

“We’ve had a couple of really good races there and those were a lot of fun,” Larson said. “Hopefully we can go there and have the same sort of dominance like we’ve had in the past. I want to get back to leading a bunch of laps, winning stages and challenging for race wins. No better place to do that than Bristol. Hopefully we can put a whole weekend together like we’ve done in the past.”

Bell won America’s Night Race in September and feels comfortable and confident with whatever version of Bristol the teams get this weekend.

“Bristol is always one that we have circled on our calendar and know that we are going to be a contender there,” Bell said. “Bristol’s been throwing the sink at everybody. Now we get the package change, the engine change and tire change all at once. It’s definitely one of the trickiest races to prepare for these days. There are a lot of unknowns going into this weekend, but that feels normal.”

Once you are past the first three favorites, then the flood gates open. More than 10 drivers are in the lineup of those who are hungry to win at Bristol and have the skillset to get the job done. Those drivers include red-hot Tyler Reddick, driver of the No. 45 Toyota for 23XI Racing, who has jumped out to a blistering start to the season by winning four of the first seven races. After going winless last year, he has posted victories at Daytona, Atlanta, COTA and Darlington in his 2026 outburst.

Reddick has run well at Bristol in the past and nearly claimed a Bristol win on dirt in 2022 before he and Chase Briscoe tangled on the final lap coming out of turn four. Their skirmish opened the door for Kyle Busch to claim his ninth Bristol Cup victory.

Reddick also ran well at Bristol during his Truck and O’Reilly Series days and his driving style works well around Bristol’s unique configuration, which is a short track that races like a superspeedway.

“I mean, it’s just a matter of the tracks that I’m really strong at and our cars are really strong at,” Reddick said. “We’ve just this year been capitalizing on it and getting the wins. If we can keep this up, who knows? I’m just going to take it one week at a time.”

The murderer’s row of top challengers continues with recent Martinsville winner Chase Elliott, who won the 2020 NASCAR All-Star Race at Bristol, and Ryan Blaney, Chris Buescher, Chase Briscoe, Joey Logano, NASCAR Clash winner Ryan Preece, Bubba Wallace and Brad Keselowski. All of these drivers have won a Bristol race in some form or fashion.

Elliott has a ton of fans at Bristol Motor Speedway so he would like to make them all happy by bringing some of his recent Martinsville magic into the Tennessee hills.

“It was definitely a team effort,’’ said Elliott, of his recent Martinsville victory. “We’ve never had a win this early in the season. Just a really great team effort. So proud of [crew chief] Alan [Gustafson] the crew really did a great job. We took a gamble and were going to two-stop that last stage and honestly believe it was going to work out either way. Just so proud. It sure is a lot of fun when days like this work out…To win these races is just so tough. Really grateful for the opportunity as always. I never take it for granted.’’

Another driver to watch is Trackhouse Racing’s Ross Chastain. He drives the No. 1 Chevrolet and is among a large contingent of Cup drivers this weekend who are doing a little moonlighting. Chastain is also racing in the Tennessee Army National Guard 250 Craftsman Truck Series race on Friday night.

“I love racing at Bristol which is why I always try and run more than one series there,” Chastain said. “It’s so fun to be on the track which is kind of down in a bowl with all of the fans right next to you. The atmosphere at Bristol is just so cool. Walking across the track down into the infield at the crossover gate is a neat experience. You get to feel how steep the banking is.”

The rising stars list has at least five drivers who despite their lack of long-term experience are still near the top of the list of those who could win the Food City 500.

That list starts with Ty Gibbs at Bristol. The driver of the No. 54 Joe Gibbs Racing machine has led laps and looked super comfortable in his limited Cup starts on the high banks and has been tagged by media and racing historians as someone who could be the next “first time Cup winner at Bristol” on the track’s all-star list that includes Dale Earnhardt Sr., Rusty Wallace, Kurt Busch and Ernie Irvan, among others.

Carson Hocevar is also proving that he has no fear in the sport and it would not be a surprise to see the driver of the No. 77 Chevy for Spire Motorsports standing in Bristol’s victory lane. Hocevar has received many compliments for his driving style and has even been compared to Dale Earnhardt Sr. for his take no prisoners and make no friends approach behind the wheel.

“We’ve been fast at Bristol ever since my first Cup race there in 2023,” Hocevar said. “We have just been very successful there. I really enjoy running there, and it is one of Luke’s (Lambert, crew chief) favorite tracks. He has a lot of experience there and won races at every level. We are close, we just need everything to come together.”

Hocevar says the speed around the iconic bullring is what brings out the best in him. He is also one of the Cup regulars who are competing in Friday’s truck race under the lights.

“Bristol is super-fast and I think that suits me,” Hocevar said. “You carry a lot of speed around there and you have to make decisions very quickly and pick between the top and bottom lanes depending on where the lap traffic is. It is almost like running on a dirt track.”

The Wood Brothers’ Josh Berry was at one time deemed a short track specialist and has been in contention at times at Bristol and the Tennessee native would love to grab a victory at his home state short track. This year’s top Cup rookie Connor Zilisch, who is driving the No. 88 for Trackhouse Racing, is also a driver that has shown great potential and will likely win a race in his first Cup season. This weekend he is pulling double-duty racing in both the Cup and O’Reilly Series races.

Local favorite Chad Finchum is entered in the race, driving the No. 66 Dark Horse Ford Mustang for Carl Long and the 66 Garage Team. Finchum, from Knoxville, is a past ARCA Winner at Bristol (2016) and recently posted a career-best finish in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race at Atlanta driving a car for Joey Gase Motorsports.

The race weekend kicks off with the Craftsman Trucks on the Bristol high banks on the evening of April 10 for the Tennessee Army National Guard 250 Truck Race (7:30 p.m., FS1, PRN Radio, SiriusXM Radio); On Saturday, April 11, it will be action-packed with the Suburban Propane 300 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race (7:30 p.m., The CW, PRN Radio, Sirius XM Radio) and Bush’s Beans Qualifying for both the Cup Series and O’Reilly Auto Parts Series; The tradition-rich Food City 500 NASCAR Cup Series race will thrill fans on Sunday afternoon, April 12 (3 p.m., FS1, PRN Radio, Sirius XM Radio) and bring the fun weekend to a triumphant finish.

In addition to cheering on their favorite drivers on the track, fans at Bristol Motor Speedway will want to take advantage of so many activities to make a complete weekend of family fun. There will be great video entertainment provided by Colossus TV, the world’s largest center-hung video screen, plenty of music throughout the event including two post-race concerts on Friday and Saturday and a pre-race concert on Sunday just before driver introductions, premium VIP experiences, tailgating, on-site camping, a pre-race track walk on the legendary oval, and other entertainment at the Food City Fan Zone Stage headlined by Trackside Live with Kenny Wallace and John Roberts, great food and beverages in the concession stands throughout the property, and so much more.

Fans can purchase tickets to the Food City 500 weekend of races or any events at Bristol Motor Speedway, please visit the track’s website or call the BMS Ticket Sales Center at (866) 415-4158. You can also purchase tickets at any neighborhood Food City store while supplies lasts.

About Bristol Motor Speedway
Bristol Motor Speedway, known as The Last Great Colosseum, sits in the mountains of Northeast Tennessee near the Virginia state line. The 0.533-mile concrete oval, with 28-degree banking, hosts two major NASCAR Cup Series weekends each year, the tradition-rich Food City 500 and the crown jewel Bass Pro Shops Night Race. The venue has staged iconic moments such as the 2016 Pilot Flying J Battle at Bristol football game between the University of Tennessee and Virginia Tech (NCAA-record 156,990 fans), the 2025 MLB Speedway Classic between the Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds (MLB regular-season record crowd of 91,032), the 2020 NASCAR All-Star Race, the rebirth of NASCAR Cup Series racing on dirt from 2021–2023 and sold-out concerts for Morgan Wallen and Kenny Chesney. Fans enjoy Colossus TV, the world’s largest outdoor center-hung four-sided screen video board. The adjacent Bristol Dragway is the home to the NHRA Super Grip Thunder Valley Nationals, and the dragway can transform into the Thunder Valley Amphitheatre for music concerts. Opened in 1961 and acquired by Speedway Motorsports in 1996, Bristol remains one of America’s most unique and versatile sports and entertainment destinations. For more information, please visit www.bristolmotorspeedway.com.

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