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Bristol Today
By the People, for the People
Ryan Blaney Wins Bristol Pole for Sunday's Food City 500
Tyler Reddick to start second as NASCAR Cup Series returns to Bristol after a rare off-week.
Apr. 11, 2026 at 10:53pm
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A cubist interpretation of the intense, high-speed action at Bristol Motor Speedway as the NASCAR Cup Series takes the green flag.Bristol TodayRyan Blaney has won the pole position for Sunday's Food City 500 NASCAR Cup Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway. Tyler Reddick will start alongside Blaney in second place, with Chase Briscoe, Riley Herbst, and Ty Gibbs rounding out the top five starters.
Why it matters
Bristol is one of the most iconic and challenging short tracks on the NASCAR circuit, known for its high-banked concrete surface and intense side-by-side racing. Qualifying well is crucial at Bristol, as passing can be difficult. Blaney and Reddick will have prime starting positions to contend for the win in this eighth race of the 2026 Cup Series season.
The details
Sunday's race will be the eighth event on the 36-race 2026 NASCAR Cup Series schedule. The concrete-surfaced Bristol Motor Speedway measures 0.533 miles and is one of the fastest short tracks on the circuit due to its steep 24-28 degree banking. Darrell Waltrip holds the record for most Cup Series wins at Bristol with 12 victories.
- The Food City 500 at Bristol is scheduled for Sunday, April 13, 2026 at 3 p.m.
- Qualifying for the race took place on Friday, April 11, 2026.
The players
Ryan Blaney
The pole position winner for Sunday's race, driving the No. 12 Team Penske Ford.
Tyler Reddick
The driver who will start alongside Blaney in second place, piloting the No. 45 23XI Racing Toyota.
Bristol Motor Speedway
The 0.533-mile concrete short track in Bristol, Virginia that has hosted NASCAR Cup Series races since its opening in 1961.
Darrell Waltrip
The all-time wins leader at Bristol Motor Speedway with 12 Cup Series victories.
What they’re saying
“Qualifying well at Bristol is so important because it's so hard to pass. I'm really proud of this team for giving me a fast car to start up front.”
— Ryan Blaney, Driver, No. 12 Team Penske Ford
“Bristol is one of my favorite tracks. The high banks and close-quarters racing really suits my driving style. I'm excited to line up next to Ryan on the front row on Sunday.”
— Tyler Reddick, Driver, No. 45 23XI Racing Toyota
What’s next
The green flag for the Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway is scheduled to wave at 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 13, 2026.
The takeaway
With Blaney and Reddick leading the field to the green flag, Sunday's Bristol race is shaping up to be an intense battle between two of NASCAR's rising young stars at one of the sport's most iconic short tracks.
