NASCAR dirt race at Bristol? Some drivers aren’t in favor

Per reports, NASCAR is considering a second dirt race at Bristol Motor Speedway; Many drivers don’t like the idea

NASCAR just concluded a playoff weekend at Bristol Motor Speedway. A lot of talk throughout the weekend was about the possibility of a NASCAR dirt race, at Bristol.

It appears that Speedway Motorsports Inc is looking into the idea for a future event.

Why?

In 2013, Eldora Speedway welcomed the NASCAR Truck Series to Ohio for the first NASCAR dirt race, in forever. That event has been a success since it’s inception. And pretty much from day one, the fans have asked for a second NASCAR dirt track.

Now, Speedway Motorsports Inc is looking into that, per a report from Adam Stern.

Bristol Motor Speedway was previously converted to a dirt track for the World of Outlaws. Yes, that Bristol dirt race in that video game is very real.

In the opening night of testing in 2000, Sammy Swindell shattered the track record at 13.60 seconds. That topped the former track record set by Steve Park at 15.184 seconds.

Swindell said in 2000, “This is certainly the fastest place I’ve ever been to, and I’d love to see it filled up. There’s a lot of new things that will come into play at this track. It’s so wide and there’s so much room to race. And as big as it is, drafting’s going to come into play. I can’t wait for this one.”

The Outlaws rolled into the speedway in 2000 and again in 2001. Sammy Swindell won the feature event for the sprint cars, both years.

However, a NASCAR dirt race at Bristol, hasn’t happened.

Related: Bruton Smith wanted to put a roof over Bristol Motor Speedway

Drivers comment on a Bristol dirt race

Several drivers have commented on the possibility of a future Bristol dirt race for NASCAR:

Ryan Vargas: “I mean, cool, but I’d rather just see NASCAR venture into other dirt tracks across the region. Bristol is fine the way it is. Will I like dirt, of course. But not at the expense of a bad to the bone short track.”

David Ragan: “Bristol is perfect just the way it is. Please don’t put these asphalt Cup cars on dirt. It would look silly. If you want to see a good show on dirt… Watch the World of Outlaws Late Models, or your local street stock feature.

Matt Tifft: “I feel like eldora will always be special, but dirt at Bristol I can’t tell if it is a good idea or not, I think it would be fun for one year but can’t see them doing it with brand new cars in 2022. (I still want a street race before a dirt race)”

Related: Marcus Smith talks Bristol Motor Speedway: Asphalt and dirt racing ideas

Bristol Dirt Race Video
World of Outlaws Late Model Series

Bristol Dirt Race Video
World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series

Links

Bristol Motor Speedway | Speedway Motorsports Inc | NASCAR

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