MENCS: Food City 500 Preview - Speedway Digest

The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series rolls into Bristol Motor Speedway for the eighth race of the 2017 season for the Food City 500.

This weekend kicks off a long stretch of races for the drivers. The next off weekend will be after the night race at Bristol.

Rain forced the cancellation of Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series qualifying earlier in the day. Instead of qualifying, NASCAR gave teams a 55 minute practice session. Erik Jones was fastest in that session.

During that first practice session, many of the drivers complained that the track is dirty. As of right now, the track has a groove on the bottom due to the VHF substance Bristol Motor Speedway laid down prior to this weekend’s events.

Kyle Larson will start from the pole position on Sunday due to the field being set per the rule book.

Despite the challenges of Friday, drivers are excited to return to the track after the off weekend.

“Bristol is home. I love racing here. It definitely adds an extra level of excitement knowing that you’re racing at home. We had a really good run here in this race last season and I’m really confident that (crew chief) Matt (Puccia) will give us another solid AdvoCare Ford this weekend and help us continue our streak of consistency to start the season,” said Trevor Bayne.

“Bristol is Bristol and you’re rarely going to beat the house,” said Martin Truex Jr. “The track is known for its wild races and it seems that I have been a magnet for trouble. Our recent record might not show it, but we do have a car that can compete and contend at the Bristol short track. We just need to be patient and stay out of the wrecks.”

“Bristol is a rhythm racetrack, you get in the race and just hit your marks, and get into a groove. To make a pass you have to break that rhythm and then quickly get back into it. The key is doing that and not making a mistake. You’ve got to stay in your groove,” said Paul Menard.

Drivers will have two practice sessions on Saturday morning at 8:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. EST on Fox Sports 1. The Food City 500 will be broadcasted on FOX and Performance Racing Network at 2:00 p.m. EST on Sunday.

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Caleb Whisler

I am 19 years old from Atlanta, GA. I have been following motorsports since I was born. Motorsports has been "passed down" in my family. I am named after NASCAR Hall of Famer, William Caleb Yarborough, also known as Cale. Growing up in the southeast, racing was something that was a Sunday tradition after church. What an honor it is to share that passion with others.