Christopher Bell Wins Tennessee Army National Guard 250 at Bristol

NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race kicks off the weekend at one of NASCAR's most anticipated tracks.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 2:04am

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting the chaotic racing action and clashing drivers at the Tennessee Army National Guard 250 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway.A cubist interpretation of the intense action and high emotions that defined the Tennessee Army National Guard 250 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway.Bristol Today

Christopher Bell took the checkered flag to win the Tennessee Army National Guard 250 from Bristol Motor Speedway, holding off Chandler Smith in second. The race featured several lead changes and dramatic moments, including a late-stage wreck involving multiple contenders.

Why it matters

The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season is still early, with this race marking the sixth event of 25 scheduled for the year. The results will impact the standings and playoff picture as drivers vie for the championship.

The details

Christian Eckes secured the Stage One win after jumping out to an early lead over pole-sitter Kaden Honeycutt. Many of the leaders opted for a one-stop strategy during the stage break. A late Stage Two wreck involving Frankie Muniz brought almost everyone down pit road, leaving just four drivers - including Ben Rhodes and Kyle Busch - on the track. Rhodes used the opportunity to win the stage, despite frustration with the call. Emotions ran high in the final stage, with multiple drivers expressing frustration as Corey Heim and Christian Eckes traded blows and led to a crash involving multiple contenders.

  • The Tennessee Army National Guard 250 took place on Friday, April 11, 2026 at Bristol Motor Speedway.

The players

Christopher Bell

The winner of the Tennessee Army National Guard 250 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway.

Chandler Smith

The runner-up in the Tennessee Army National Guard 250 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway.

Christian Eckes

The driver who secured the Stage One win at the Tennessee Army National Guard 250 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway.

Kaden Honeycutt

The pole-sitter for the Tennessee Army National Guard 250 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway.

Ben Rhodes

The driver who won Stage Two of the Tennessee Army National Guard 250 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway.

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What they’re saying

“We must have had the fastest truck out there. The team gave me an amazing machine and I'm just so thankful to be able to bring it home in Victory Lane.”

— Christopher Bell, Race Winner

“I thought we had a shot at the win there at the end, but Bell just had the better truck. Proud of the effort by my team and we'll look to get them next time.”

— Chandler Smith, Runner-Up

What’s next

The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series will continue its 25-race schedule with the next event on April 25, 2026 at Rockingham Speedway.

The takeaway

Christopher Bell's victory at Bristol further tightens the early-season Craftsman Truck Series championship race, as drivers jockey for position ahead of the 10-driver playoff format that will determine the 2026 title.