In a day that ended with a Denny Hamlin win, the Food City 500 also broke the NASCAR record for most lead changes on a short track. In this race, there were 54 lead changes, it is, of course, a record for Bristol Motor Speedway as well.
When it comes to the Bristol record, this race broke it by double digits. The most lead changes at The Last Great Colosseum before today was 40 back in 1991. Today’s race broke that record AND the overall NASCAR short track record.
With how competitive and edgy this race was, the tire management issues were a positive thing. It created great racing throughout the field and for the entirety of the 500-lap race.
Between the Joe Gibbs Racing cars, more than 30 of those lead changes were between teammates. It was no wonder that Denny Hamlin and Martin Truex Jr. finished 1-2 at the end of this thing.
While drivers may have been frustrated by the tire issues, you can’t deny that this put on quite a show. I’m not sure what else to say, it was entertaining, unpredictable, and before those final green flag stops, you were on the edge of your seat just waiting for a caution to flip the field and give us a surprise winner.
Denny Hamlin wins Food City 500, back-to-back at Bristol
Going back to the Bristol Night Race, Denny Hamlin has now won on the concrete back-to-back at the track. This is likely going to be a race that Hamlin cherishes due to the circumstances that he was given.
Again, some are going to be upset because of how unexpected this all was, but it was great for the sport. It really was. That was the best Bristol race since… you tell me! Given all of the problems that exist on short tracks, even with the intermediate package being used, it all came together today by happy accident.
Now, there needs to be some work done here. 40 to 50 laps on a tire is just not enough time. If that can get moved to the 70-90 lap range, then we’re talking a great balance of wear and tear and structural integrity where drivers aren’t afraid to burn some rubber.
54 lead changes in the Food City 500. Folks, this is going to be a race we remember for a long time. Rubber all over the track, cars sliding around, barely holding on – that’s what NASCAR is about. Being on the edge of control at all times, managing your equipment and hoping that you are there in the end with a shot to win.
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