NASCAR Returns to Bristol for Food City 500 Weekend

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. comments on Tennessee's new motorsports program ahead of the big race.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 11:17am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the overlapping planes and perspectives of a NASCAR race, with cars and track elements broken down into sharp, angular shapes and forms.A cubist interpretation of the high-speed action and competitive intensity of a NASCAR race at the iconic Bristol Motor Speedway.Rocky Top Today

NASCAR is headed back to Bristol Motor Speedway for its spring race weekend, highlighted by the Food City 500 Cup Series event. Ahead of the big race, NASCAR driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr. commented on the new motorsports program at the University of Tennessee, called Rocky Top Racing.

Why it matters

Bristol Motor Speedway is one of the most iconic and challenging tracks on the NASCAR circuit, known for its high-speed, high-banked oval that produces thrilling, edge-of-your-seat racing. The Food City 500 is a marquee event that draws massive crowds and national attention to the region.

The details

The full race weekend at Bristol includes several support series events in addition to the main Food City 500 Cup Series race. Stenhouse, who drives for a top NASCAR team, praised the new motorsports program at the University of Tennessee, saying it will help develop future talent for the sport.

  • The Food City 500 NASCAR Cup Series race will take place on Sunday, April 13, 2026.
  • The full race weekend at Bristol Motor Speedway runs from Friday, April 11 through Sunday, April 13, 2026.

The players

Ricky Stenhouse Jr.

A NASCAR Cup Series driver who competes for a top team in the sport.

Rocky Top Racing

The new motorsports program at the University of Tennessee that aims to develop future NASCAR talent.

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What they’re saying

“Tennessee's new motorsports program is going to be great for developing the next generation of NASCAR talent. I'm excited to see what they can do.”

— Ricky Stenhouse Jr., NASCAR Cup Series Driver

What’s next

Fans can purchase tickets now for the full NASCAR race weekend at Bristol Motor Speedway, including the marquee Food City 500 Cup Series event on Sunday, April 13.

The takeaway

The return of NASCAR to Bristol Motor Speedway is always a highly anticipated event, and this year's Food City 500 will be even more special with the University of Tennessee's new motorsports program poised to play a role in developing future stars of the sport.