NASCAR Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series

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Is the “Old” Bristol Experiencing a Rebirth?

Kyle Busch, driver of the #18 M&M’s Toyota, stands in the garage area during practice for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway on April 22, 2017 in Bristol, Tennessee. Photo – Matt Sullivan/Getty Images

As it turned out, Kyle Busch was prophetic when he talked about the changing character of Bristol Motor Speedway.

“I’m sure (Kyle) Larson’s thrilled and he’ll have to rubber in the top himself while the rest of us are rooting and gouging for the bottom,” was Busch’s tongue-in-cheek assessment of the racing characteristics of the 0.533-mile short track, where Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series drivers will compete in the Food City 500 on Sunday (2 pm  ET on FOX).

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Jimmie Johnson’s Victory Celebration Comes with a Price

Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Lowe’s Chevrolet, sits in his car during practice for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway on April 22, 2017 in Bristol, Tennessee Photo – Jared C Tilton/Getty Images

After his victory two weeks ago at Texas Motor Speedway, Jimmie Johnson was late for his post-race press conference – and with good reason.

Because of a malfunction with his fluid delivery system, Johnson was dehydrated by the end of the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race. Consequently, a trip to the infield care center for IV fluids delayed his appearance in the media center.

During the NASCAR off week over Easter, Johnson took on very different sorts of fluids, in Mexico no less. After all, what good is a well-earned vacation if you can’t celebrate your most recent victory? Continue reading

Changing Track has Made Bristol Tougher on Kurt Busch

Kurt Busch, driver of the #41 Haas Automation/Monster Energy Ford, looks on during practice for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway on April 22, 2017 in Bristol, Tennessee. Photo – Sean Gardner/Getty Images

Kurt Busch is tied with his brother Kyle for most victories among active drivers at Bristol Motor Speedway.

Only one problem: that’s ancient history. Busch earned four of his five Bristol victories during a five-race stretch from spring 2002 through spring 2004. His last win at the 0.533-mile high-banked short track came in the spring of 2006, his first season with team owner Roger Penske. Continue reading