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2d ago

Lightning Cancels Bristol Qualifying and Kyle Larson Is Awarded the Pole

NASCAR used its rule‑book metric to set the grid, a move that shifts track‑position advantage to top Chase contenders and alters team strategy for tonight’s 500‑lap short‑track race.

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Sep 18, 2026; Bristol, Tennessee, USA; Hendrick Motorsports driver Kyle Larson (5) will start from the pole after qualifying was cancelled for the Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images

Overview

  • A lightning delay on Friday forced NASCAR to cancel qualifying at Bristol Motor Speedway and apply the rule‑book metric to set the starting lineup.
  • The metric placed Kyle Larson on the pole and put Chase drivers in the first five starting spots, concentrating early advantage among title contenders.
  • Larson enters the race carrying momentum from a recent win at Gateway and sits nine points behind Chase leader Denny Hamlin in the postseason standings.
  • The Bass Pro Shops Night Race is scheduled to start around 6:40 p.m. CT (7:30 p.m. ET) on USA Network with in‑car streaming on HBO MAX.
  • Weather remains a factor and NASCAR updated weekend procedures to allow teams to change to wet tires after a race starts; Daniel Suarez is on baby watch with Justin Allgaier listed as a potential relief driver.