NASCAR Cup Series Preview: Food City 500

The NASCAR Cup Series Food City 500 is set to deliver high-speed thrills at the legendary Bristol Motor Speedway.

Race Overview

• Event: Food City 500
• Date: Sunday, April 13, 2025
• Time: 3:00 PM ET
• Location: Bristol Motor Speedway, Bristol, Tennessee
• Track: A 0.533-mile short concrete oval with 24 to 28 degrees of banking in the turns and 4 to 8 degrees on the straightaways.
• Distance: 500 laps, totaling 266.5 miles
• Broadcast: Live on FS1, with radio coverage on PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

This marks the ninth race of the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season and is part of the Food City 500 NASCAR weekend. Known as “The Last Great Colosseum,” Bristol Motor Speedway is renowned for its steep banking and close-quarters racing, making it a favorite among drivers and fans alike.

Key Storylines

1. Denny Hamlin’s Momentum: Denny Hamlin enters the Food City 500 as the defending champion and is fresh off back-to-back victories at Martinsville and Darlington. Hamlin is aiming to become the first driver to win three consecutive races this season and the first back-to-back Food City 500 winner since Kyle Busch in 2018 and 2019.
2. Kyle Larson’s Consistency: Kyle Larson, a two-time Bristol winner, is among the top contenders. Larson has been a consistent performer at Bristol, with multiple runner-up finishes since 2018. His adaptability and skill on short tracks make him a strong favorite.
3. William Byron’s Standings Lead: William Byron currently leads the NASCAR Cup Series standings and is looking to extend his advantage. Byron has shown strong form this season and will be a driver to watch.
4. Short Track Specialists: Bristol’s unique layout favors drivers with short-track expertise. Kyle Busch, with eight career wins at Bristol, and Ryan Blaney, who has shown promise on short tracks, are expected to be competitive.
5. Dark Horse Contenders: Drivers like Chris Buescher and Austin Dillon, who have recent short-track wins, could surprise the field with strong performances.

Drivers to Watch

• Denny Hamlin: The defending champion and current favorite, Hamlin’s recent form makes him a top contender.
• Kyle Larson: A consistent performer at Bristol with two wins and multiple podium finishes.
• William Byron: The current points leader, Byron is aiming to solidify his position at the top.
• Kyle Busch: With eight career wins at Bristol, Busch’s aggressive driving style suits the track’s demands.
• Chase Elliott: Known for his consistency, Elliott has finished in the top eight in six of his last seven runs at Bristol.

Race Dynamics

The Food City 500 is expected to be a high-intensity race, with 39 drivers competing for victory. Qualifying positions will play a crucial role, as starting near the front can provide a significant advantage on Bristol’s tight and challenging track. The race will test drivers’ endurance, strategy, and ability to navigate close-quarters racing.

2025 Food City 500 Odds

DRIVERS                                                                               ODDS

Kyle Larson                                                                         + 400

Denny Hamlin                                                                   + 450

Christopher Bell                                                               + 600

Ryan Blaney                                                                       + 700

Chase Elliot                                                                        + 800

William Byron                                                                   + 1100

Chase Briscoe                                                                    + 1600

Brad Keselowski                                                              + 1800

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, April 12, 2025