There are a few things to remember about this all-concrete, high-contact track. First, at .533 miles, it’s the second shortest track on the circuit—but drivers will tell you it's super fast. Why? Well with 36 degree banking in the turns—the most on any cup track—you’re flying around at about 15 seconds a lap.
Remember too, that it’s tough to pass at Bristol—it’s been essentially a one groove racetrack, and we’ve seen guys stay out for over 100 laps at the end of the race—meaning the best place to get by a guy is in the pits. The track has been repaved however, and now features progressive banking and smoother transitions from turn to straight--all in the hopes that a second or even third groove will be there for drivers who need to pass. Of course if you have to, you can always use the old bump and run to gain a position. But paybacks are hell. If you hit a guy, he’ll remember.
Luck always seems to play some kind of role in races at the world’s fastest half-mile. With speeds high in such a confined space, it’s easy to get caught in someone else’s mistake—and when that happens, tempers are sure to flare. Yellow flags seem to come in bunches here. But even though most pit stops will happen under yellow, every race seems to have one long green flag run. If your guy pits under green, just pray that the whole field cycles through.
Bristol Motor Speedway Threads
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