NASCAR Bristol Night Race 2026: Tributes to Kyle Busch and Dolly Parton
Published · Updated
Cited: NASCAR.com, Yahoo Sports, Hendrick Motorsports
TL;DR
NASCAR's Bristol night race on Sept 19, 2026 features tributes to Kyle Busch and Dolly Parton, with Ty Gibbs driving a special M&M's car and pink butterfly decals on all entries. Christopher Bell is the defending winner of the night race, and the Chase playoff standings are tight.
Why now
The race coincides with the third round of the Chase playoffs and carries emotional weight due to the recent deaths of Kyle Busch and Dolly Parton, both deeply tied to Bristol Motor Speedway and the Tennessee region.
Agree / conflict
Some fans argue the new wet‑weather tire procedure is a necessary safety upgrade that adds strategy, while traditionalists believe it undermines the all‑or‑nothing gamble of short‑track racing.
Takeaway
Watch the Bass Pro Shops Night Race on USA Network at 7:30 PM ET; expect poignant pre‑race ceremonies, a special M&M's tribute car for Kyle Busch, and a pivotal Chase battle on one of NASCAR's toughest tracks.
The Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway returns on Saturday, September 19, 2026, for a 500‑lap showdown. This year's race is especially poignant as it honors the late Kyle Busch—who dominated Bristol with 22 wins—and the late Dolly Parton, a Tennessee native. Ty Gibbs will drive a special M&M's tribute car to Busch, and all teams will display pink butterfly decals for Parton. Qualifying was rained out, so Kyle Larson starts on pole. The race is the third in the Chase playoffs, with Denny Hamlin leading the points standings. Christopher Bell won last year's night race, while Gibbs won the spring race. Viewers can catch the action on USA Network starting at 7 PM ET, with streaming available on YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling TV. A new wet‑weather tire procedure will also be in effect.
FAQ
What time does the Bristol Night Race start?
The race begins at 7:30 PM ET on Saturday, September 19, 2026, with pre‑race coverage starting at 7 PM ET on USA Network.
How can I watch the race online?
Stream via YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or Sling TV. HBO Max also offers live in‑car camera feeds. Radio coverage is on PRN.
Who is the defending winner of the Bristol Night Race?
Christopher Bell won the 2025 edition. Ty Gibbs won the spring race at Bristol earlier this season.
What is the tribute to Kyle Busch?
Ty Gibbs drives a No. 54 Toyota with a special M&M's paint scheme that Busch made famous from 2008–2022. The car features a mosaic of photos from Busch's career.
How many laps is the race?
500 laps (266.5 miles) on the 0.533‑mile concrete oval, divided into three stages: 125, 125, and 250 laps.
What is the new wet‑weather tire rule?
If NASCAR starts a race on wet‑weather tires, teams may choose when to switch to slicks under caution. Pit stops under caution on a damp pit road will be non‑competitive (positions frozen).
Sources
Canonical URL: /trend/2026/nascar-bristol-night-race-2026-tributes-to-kyle-busch-and-dolly-parton
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