Chase Briscoe has been a standout performer in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs, making waves from the outset by clinching victory in the first race of the postseason. Following up with a second-place finish last weekend, Briscoe is now setting his sights on the Bristol Night Race, a track where he has yet to secure a victory.
Bristol Motor Speedway has seen its share of champions, and notably, Denny Hamlin has triumphed at this venue three times, with his most recent victory coming in 2023. Meanwhile, Kyle Larson claimed the title last year, marking his second win at this particular race. These achievements make Hamlin and Larson the top contenders as the September 13 race approaches.
Scheduled to take place at the iconic 0.533-mile oval in Bristol, Tennessee, the 2025 Bass Pro Shops Night Race is set to captivate NASCAR fans. The race is slated for Saturday, September 13, at 7:30 p.m. ET, and it will be broadcasted on the USA Network.
Denny Hamlin and Kyle Larson’s proficiency at Bristol is undeniable. Hamlin’s track record features wins in both the Bass Pro Shops Night Race and the Food City 500, both prominent events at Bristol. In contrast, Larson boasts two victories in the Night Race, adding to his successes in the NASCAR Xfinity Series at the same venue.
Hamlin’s recent form reinforces his status as a favorite. Following a significant win at Enjoy Illinois and a respectable seventh-place finish in Darlington, he now leads the standings in the Joe Gibbs Racing No. 11 car. Despite Larson not having tasted victory since May’s race in Kansas, his undeniable talent and hunger for wins make him a formidable competitor.
Chase Briscoe has also had a notable summer, beginning his winning streak on June 22, shortly after the summer solstice. His victory in the 2025 Cup Series was the start of an impressive run, including a second-place in three of the subsequent nine regular-season races. As the playoffs commenced, he hit a new stride, winning the Cook Out Southern 500 in Darlington before securing a second-place finish at the Enjoy Illinois race.
Our top prediction for the Enjoy Illinois race was a top-three finish for Briscoe, with odds set at +275, a prediction that rang true. As the 2025 Bass Pro Shops Night Race looms, we maintain a similar forecast for Briscoe, alongside Denny Hamlin and Kyle Larson. However, who will ultimately claim victory on September 13?
Our analysis suggests Kyle Larson is poised to emerge as the winner. His remarkable record at Bristol Motor Speedway, compounded by his eagerness to break a winless streak exceeding 120 days, makes him our pick for the top spot.
While Larson and Hamlin stand out based on past performances and current form, Briscoe’s recent surge cannot be overlooked. His adaptability and strategic racing in the playoffs signal a potential upset, even against seasoned competitors like Larson and Hamlin. “Chase has been on fire this summer,” some might think, reflecting on his recent achievements and momentum.
Yet, in the unpredictable world of NASCAR, other drivers could also rise to the occasion. Ryan Blaney, Christopher Bell, Joey Logano, and William Byron, among others, have all displayed potential throughout the season. Tyler Reddick and Austin Cindric also add to the competition, each eager to leave their mark on this pivotal race.
In conclusion, while Kyle Larson appears well-positioned to win, given his history and current motivation, the Bass Pro Shops Night Race promises to be a thrilling spectacle. The blend of seasoned expertise and emerging talent ensures that fans will witness high-octane action under the lights of Bristol Motor Speedway. As the race day approaches, all eyes will be on these drivers, each one yearning to cross the finish line first, solidifying their place in NASCAR history.
