CONCORD, N.C. – It’s time to race under the lights at Bristol Motor Speedway.
Known as The Last Great Colosseum, Bristol is a short track but a huge fan favorite.
Racing at Bristol since 1984, Hendrick Motorsports has taken home 10 wins and 11 poles over the years.
But before the lights turn on and the tires start turning, let’s take a look back three memorable Bristol moments.
March 31, 1996 – Jeff Gordon had captured his first Bristol victory one year before, and now he was back in search of his second. He rolled off the grid eighth and eventually raced his way to the front to lead 148 laps of the race. Although the race ended with a caution, Gordon, wheeling his No. 24 Chevrolet, was the first to cross the finish line and claim the win.
March 25, 2007 – Kyle Busch headed to Bristol in hopes of giving Hendrick Motorsports its 200th win, and he did just that. Although he qualified 20th, that didn’t stop Busch from eventually leading 29 laps and taking the checkered flag. That win marked the only one of his last season driving for Hendrick Motorsports.
August 22, 2009 - Rolling off the grid first at Bristol was something Mark Martin was very familiar with. Martin won the pole at Bristol earlier in the season and he was looking to do it once again. After posting a qualifying speed of over 124 mph, he took the top spot to start the race. Martin and his No. 5 Chevrolet led 240 laps of the 500 lap race but when the checkered flag waved he was less than a second behind the leader, earning him a second place finish.
