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Bristol Today
By the People, for the People
NASCAR Cup Series at Bristol: Starting Lineup Revealed
The 2026 Food City 500 race kicks off today at Bristol Motor Speedway.
Apr. 12, 2026 at 10:05am
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The starting grid for the NASCAR Cup Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway sets the stage for an intense and unpredictable short-track battle.Bristol TodayThe 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season continues with the Food City 500 race at Bristol Motor Speedway on Sunday, April 12. Ryan Blaney will start on the pole position after posting the fastest qualifying time, just edging out Tyler Reddick. William Byron struggled in qualifying and will start 34th in the 37-car field.
Why it matters
Bristol Motor Speedway is one of the most iconic short tracks on the NASCAR circuit, known for its high-intensity, close-quarters racing. The starting lineup can have a major impact on how the race unfolds, with track position being critical at the tight Bristol oval.
The details
Ryan Blaney's lap of 15.101 seconds was just 0.02 seconds faster than Tyler Reddick in qualifying. William Byron, who has been strong this season, will have to work his way up from the 34th starting position.
- The Food City 500 NASCAR Cup Series race is scheduled for Sunday, April 12, 2026.
The players
Ryan Blaney
NASCAR driver who will start on the pole position for the Food City 500 at Bristol.
Tyler Reddick
NASCAR driver who qualified second for the Food City 500 at Bristol.
William Byron
NASCAR driver who struggled in qualifying and will start 34th in the 37-car field for the Food City 500 at Bristol.
What’s next
The green flag for the Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway is scheduled to wave at 1:00 PM ET on Sunday, April 12, 2026.
The takeaway
The starting lineup for the 2026 Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway is set, with Ryan Blaney on the pole and several top drivers like William Byron having work to do from deeper in the field. The intense short-track racing at Bristol is sure to produce plenty of excitement and drama throughout the 500-lap event.
