The NASCAR Cup Series returns to Bristol Motor Speedway this weekend, and the field is set for one of the most demanding races on the calendar. Officials confirmed that 37 cars will take the green flag for Sunday’s Food City 500 at the high-banked short track.
The entry list, revealed by Bob Pockrass, includes 36 charter teams and one open entry. This marks the 35th running of the spring race at Bristol. Teams arrived prepared for 500 laps on the concrete surface, where tight racing and heavy traffic often decide the outcome. With qualifying already complete, the focus now shifts fully to race day and execution.
NASCAR Bristol Motor Speedway Entry List Features a Full 37-Car Field
The entry list includes a full grid, meaning no drivers will be sent home. Chad Finchum is the lone open entry. He will drive the No. 66 Ford for Garage 66. Finchum, a Knoxville native, will not earn championship points in this event but adds a local connection to the race.
37 entries for Cup race at Bristol. 66-Finchum is the open car. Allgaier continues in substitute role in 48. @NASCARONFOX pic.twitter.com/v8FVrMUmZo
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) April 6, 2026
Bubba Wallace will compete in the No. 23 Toyota for 23XI Racing with a WWE/Chumba Casino paint scheme. Kyle Larson returns in the No. 5 Chevrolet as the defending winner of this race. Larson led a dominant performance in last year’s event.
Top Teams and Drivers Headline the Bristol Lineup
Joe Gibbs Racing brings a strong group into the weekend. Denny Hamlin, Christopher Bell, Ty Gibbs, and Chase Briscoe are all entered.
Team Penske will field Ryan Blaney, Joey Logano, and Austin Cindric. Richard Childress Racing enters Austin Dillon and Kyle Busch. Busch returns to Bristol with a history of strong results at the track.
Trackhouse Racing will run Ross Chastain, Shane van Gisbergen, and Connor Zilisch. Additional teams in the field include Front Row Motorsports, RFK Racing, Spire Motorsports, Legacy Motor Club, Wood Brothers Racing, Kaulig Racing, and Rick Ware Racing.
Bristol Race Setup and Schedule Confirmed
Bristol Motor Speedway remains one of the shortest and most intense tracks in NASCAR. The track measures 0.533 miles and features steep banking. Drivers will complete 500 laps, totaling 266.5 miles.
The race is scheduled for Sunday at 3 p.m. ET. Coverage will air on FS1, with radio broadcasts available through PRN and SiriusXM. Qualifying took place earlier in the week, setting the starting lineup for the event.
The Food City 500 continues to deliver close racing due to the track’s layout. The tight corners and high speeds often lead to heavy contact and frequent position changes. With a full 37-car field confirmed, teams now turn their focus to race execution. The event will test tire management, track position, and traffic handling across all 500 laps.
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