After the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and Craftsman Truck Series ran the show last weekend, the NASCAR Cup Series returns to action this Sunday. The 2026 Food City 500 from the high-banked short track at Bristol Motor Speedway is sure to have its share of fireworks.
Chase Elliott found himself in Victory Lane at Martinsville and will look to keep that momentum going at another half-mile circuit. Can the #9 claim another win or will we see a different winner come Sunday?
Let’s dive in.
2026 Food City 500 Entry List
After missing the last four races due to health issues, Alex Bowman will return to his #48 car for Hendrick Motorsports this weekend at Bristol. Now that the NASCAR postseason is entirely based on points instead of allowing drivers to win their way in, Bowman has an extremely tall task if he wants to qualify for the chase. While he isn’t mathematically eliminated, his odds are not great.
A half-mile built for speed. pic.twitter.com/8XyZouVmF7
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) April 10, 2026
The lone non-charter entry for the race this weekend will be Chad Finchum in the #66 for Carl Long’s Garage 66.
Bristol is the second straight half-mile circuit for the Cup Series, but it represents an entirely different challenge than Martinsville. The high banks of Bristol allow for a much quicker pace than the relatively flat Martinsville. However, the tight quarters mean contact is still likely early and often. Passing will once again be a massive challenge, meaning track position will be incredibly important. Keep an eye out for differing strategies as teams hope to improve that track position.
2026 Food City 500 Race Predictions
Kyle Larson absolutely dominated this race in 2025, and I have a hard time believing anyone will be able to challenge the driver of the #5 here at Bristol. However, chaos can strike, and should Larson have any issues on Sunday, it could give another driver an opportunity to capitalize and secure a win.
There's no place quite like @ItsBristolBaby. 🏟️ pic.twitter.com/jVqNTgPWnk
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) April 9, 2026
Among the drivers who have the best chance to win at Bristol is Christopher Bell. Bell won the Fall race at Bristol under the lights last year after Larson had issues. The driver of the #20 has gotten off to a slow start, but a win here at Bristol could be just what is needed to get this team right.
Check out the schedule below so you don’t miss any on-track action this weekend.
Friday 04/10
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Practice – 2:30 p.m. CT on FS2
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Qualifying – 3:35 p.m. CT on FS2
Tennessee Army National Guard 250 (NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series) – 6:30 p.m. CT on FS1
Saturday 04/11
NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Practice – 1:00 p.m. CT on the CW App
NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Qualifying – 2:05 p.m. CT on the CW App
NASCAR Cup Series Practice – 3:30 p.m. CT on Prime
NASCAR Cup Series Qualifying – 4:40 p.m. CT on Prime
Suburban Propane 300 (NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series) – 6:30 p.m. CT on the CW
Sunday 04/12
Food City 500 (NASCAR Cup Series) – 2:00 p.m. CT on FS1 and HBO Max
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