Denny Hamlin Suggests NASCAR Schedule Bristol Spring Race at Night

The debate over optimal race times continues as Hamlin floats the idea of a primetime Bristol event.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 3:24pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a NASCAR race at Bristol Motor Speedway, with the track, cars, and spectators broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color and shape, conveying the high-intensity action of short-track racing.Hamlin's suggestion to move the Bristol spring race to primetime sparks debate over optimizing NASCAR's schedule for maximum viewership and fan excitement.Bristol Today

NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin suggested that the Bristol spring race would be better suited for a night time slot, rather than its current daytime window. Hamlin believes the night race would draw better ratings, especially coming after the Masters golf tournament. However, he acknowledged the logistical challenges of a Sunday night race, such as school schedules. Hamlin's comments highlight the ongoing debate within NASCAR about maximizing viewership for marquee events.

Why it matters

Bristol Motor Speedway is known for producing some of NASCAR's most exciting and memorable moments, often under the lights. Hamlin's suggestion taps into a long-running conversation about optimizing the schedule and race times to boost viewership and fan engagement.

The details

Hamlin floated the idea of moving the Bristol spring race to a primetime Sunday night slot, believing it would draw better ratings coming after the Masters golf tournament. He noted that night races at Bristol often produce a more energetic crowd and better racing conditions. However, Hamlin acknowledged the logistical challenges of a Sunday night race, such as school schedules. The debate over NASCAR's schedule and optimal race times is an ongoing discussion, with tracks like Bristol often at the center of the conversation due to their reputation for thrilling short-track action.

  • The Bristol spring race is currently held in the daytime.

The players

Denny Hamlin

A NASCAR driver who suggested moving the Bristol spring race to a primetime Sunday night slot.

Ty Gibbs

Hamlin's teammate who recently captured his first career Cup Series victory at Bristol.

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What they’re saying

“We should have raced at night. I think the only way we could have, or should have, is if we were on Prime.”

— Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver

“I was thinking about it, too. Like, man, after the Masters, I'm sure the ratings would've been better. It would have been one that was nice on an old Sunday night.”

— Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver

“You know, kids got school and stuff like that. There's just so much that plays into it.”

— Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver

“You know what? Just be really, really good at your sport and the people will come.”

— Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver

“For the last five-six weeks, he's been someone that's been in the top five to eight. ... Running as good or better than that. Shouldn't have been really a shock to anyone.”

— Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver

What’s next

NASCAR officials will likely evaluate Hamlin's suggestion and consider the potential benefits and drawbacks of moving the Bristol spring race to a primetime Sunday night slot. Factors such as fan attendance, television ratings, and logistical challenges will all be taken into account as they determine the optimal schedule for the 2027 season and beyond.

The takeaway

Denny Hamlin's proposal to move the Bristol spring race to a primetime Sunday night slot highlights the ongoing debate within NASCAR about maximizing viewership and fan engagement for marquee events. While night races at Bristol are often thrilling, the logistical challenges of a Sunday evening timeslot must also be carefully considered.