NASCAR Bristol Playoff Race: TV Schedule & Preview
The NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs heat up at Bristol Motor Speedway. Four drivers will be eliminated after Saturday night’s race. This guide provides the complete TV schedule and a preview.
Bristol Motor Speedway, also known as “The Last Great Colosseum,” is a .533-mile high-banked oval notorious for its intense, short-track racing. The concrete surface and tight corners often lead to dramatic crashes and close finishes. Split pit roads add another layer of strategy for teams.
Hendrick Motorsports boasts a strong record at Bristol, with 12 Cup Series wins. Kyle Larson won the 2021 night race, highlighting the team’s recent success. All four Hendrick drivers—Larson, Chase Elliott, William Byron, and Alex Bowman—are currently above the playoff cutline, but their positions remain precarious.
This weekend’s NASCAR race at Bristol Motor Speedway starts at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, September 21st. The race will be broadcast on USA Network.
The weekend schedule includes practice and qualifying sessions on Friday, September 20th. Practice airs on USA Network at 4 p.m. ET, followed by qualifying at 5:05 p.m. ET, also on USA Network. Larson and Elliott will be in Group A for qualifying, while Byron and Bowman are in Group B.
The race is divided into three stages: Stage 1 ends on Lap 125, Stage 2 on Lap 250, and the final stage concludes on Lap 500. Stage points are critical for playoff drivers, impacting their overall standings and advancement hopes.
Besides television coverage on USA Network, the race will be broadcast on PRN Radio and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Channel 90). For live streaming, download the NBC Sports App. Live updates and highlights will be available on social media, including the official Hendrick Motorsports Twitter account (@TeamHendrick).
Each Hendrick Motorsports driver has a unique history at Bristol. Larson boasts a strong average finish and consistent top-10 runs. Elliott, despite lacking a points-paying win, secured a memorable All-Star Race victory at Bristol. Byron has excelled in the Next Gen car, accumulating significant laps within the top five and ten. Bowman’s strength lies in maximizing stage points.
Hendrick Motorsports consistently places multiple drivers in the top 10 at Bristol, showcasing the team’s strength. All four drivers aim for strong finishes to advance in the playoffs. Tune in to USA Network at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday for the thrilling Bristol night race.
