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Bristol Motor Speedway, a cornerstone of NASCAR’s legacy, often produces memorable moments, and this weekend was no exception, despite some disappointment from fans. The much-anticipated triple-header featured dramatic elements, including a notable incident in the Xfinity series and close calls for crew members when a wheel unexpectedly broke loose during the Cup race. However, viewers were left wanting more as the Cup race lacked the thrilling tire wear and frequent lead changes typical of Bristol.
Here’s a detailed overview of the key winners and losers from the weekend’s events at Bristol:
WINNER: Kyle Larson, Dominating Presence
Kyle Larson, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
Photo by: Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images
Kyle Larson came incredibly close to achieving a clean sweep but ultimately fell just short. However, his performance in the two races he did win was nothing short of exceptional. Larson led a remarkable 276 laps in the Xfinity race and followed that up by commanding 411 laps in the Cup race. His victories were especially poignant, as he dedicated them to Jon Edwards, a respected figure in racing communications for Hendrick Motorsports, who sadly passed away prior to the event.
LOSER: Alex Bowman, Engine Misfortune
Alex Bowman, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
Photo by: Sean Gardner / Getty Images
Having had several opportunities to secure a victory this season, Alex Bowman faced yet another setback at Bristol. While he started strong from pole position and led convincingly, mechanical failures ultimately derailed his chances. His late-race engine troubles forced him to retire early, resulting in a disappointing 37th-place finish that didn’t reflect his potential that day.
WINNER: Ross Chastain, A Remarkable Climb
Ross Chastain, Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet
Photo by: Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images
Though Trackhouse Racing has encountered challenges with pace this season, Ross Chastain exhibited remarkable skill and determination. Starting from the back of the field in 35th, he fought hard against the odds and finished in seventh place, marking his third consecutive top-seven result. Chastain’s journey up the ranks demonstrated his ability to navigate a tough race without relying on strategic advantages, gaining 27 positions through sheer perseverance.
LOSER: The Dash 4 Cash Contestants in a Scary Wreck
Brennan Poole, Alpha Prime Racing Chevrolet
Photo by: Sean Gardner / Getty Images
In a frightening turn of events during the NASCAR Xfinity race, Brennan Poole and Sheldon Creed were involved in a significant collision. Both drivers, vying for a chance at the Dash 4 Cash bonus, faced unexpected adversity when Creed’s spun car left Poole with no escape route. The resultant crash resulted in severe damage to Poole’s vehicle and led to a lengthy red flag period for cleanup, overshadowing their hopes for the financial incentive.
WINNER: Chandler Smith, A Career Resurgence
Chandler Smith, Front Row Motorsports Ford
Photo by: Sean Gardner / Getty Images
Chandler Smith, who faced uncertainty about his racing future just months ago, found redemption at Bristol. His victory in the NASCAR Truck Series race came against strong competition, including Larson, and he successfully thwarted Larson’s potential sweep. This accomplishment not only stands out as a personal triumph but also affirms his position within the sport as he outperformed his competitors at a crucial moment.
LOSER: Short Track Package Limitations
Gen-7 Challenges
Photo by: Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images
The current generation of Cup cars continued to show weaknesses, particularly concerning their short track performance. With a lack of tire wear and minimal overtakes during the race, the experience fell short of the dynamic racing fans expect on such iconic tracks. Fans noted the contrast to previous years, when high tire degradation resulted in exciting lead changes. This weekend’s events highlighted the ongoing need for a comprehensive review of the Gen-7 package to enhance competitive racing.
WINNER: Ryan Blaney, A Risk-Taking Strategy
Ryan Blaney, Team Penske Ford
Photo by: Sean Gardner / Getty Images
While many drivers opted for conservative racing strategies at Bristol, Ryan Blaney took a bold approach during the final pit cycle. Running significantly longer than racers like Larson, he gambled on a lack of caution periods to capitalize on fresh tires. Although he ultimately finished fifth after his strategy did not pan out, his willingness to embrace risk was commendable and showcased his competitive spirit.
Source
www.motorsport.com