NASCAR has seen some of its most historic moments take place during the Bristol Motor Speedway Night Race, making it an important race on the schedule. From Dale Earnhardt Sr.’s iconic spin to Kyle Larson’s historic dominance, Bristol has been the source of epic moments in NASCAR’s history.
Below, we dive into the best moments in Bristol Night Race history, from oldest to most recent!
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Epic moments in Bristol Night Race history
1999 – Dale Earnhardt v. Terry Labonte: In the closing laps of the 1999 Bristol Night Race, one of the most iconic moments in NASCAR history occurred between Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Terry Labonte. The driver of the No. 5 car moved Earnhardt, but found himself spun out in Turn 2 of the final lap after retaliatory contact.
Earnhardt’s quote from that night, “I didn’t mean to wreck him, meant to rattle his cage though,” is one of the most notable in NASCAR history.
2002 – Jeff Gordon v. Rusty Wallace: Two of NASCAR’s biggest stars were in the spotlight following the 2002 Bristol Night Race. In the closing laps, Wallace seemed poised for his first win of the year; however, Gordon moved him en route to his first and only Bristol Night Race victory. To this day, it remains one of the most notable “Bump and Runs” in history.
2004 – It’s Bristol, Baby: After the 2004 Bristol Night Race, Dale Earnhardt Jr. celebrated what would be his only win at The Last Great Colosseum. When Earnhardt was asked why this win was so special, he said, “It’s Bristol, baby!” Earnhardt’s words stuck, and it continues to be a major slogan at Bristol to this day.
2008 – Carl Edwards v. Kyle Busch: A rivalry between Carl Edwards and Kyle Busch continued with the 2008 Bristol Night Race. Busch, who was leading with a few laps to go, was moved by Edwards, and he didn’t like it. Busch bumped Edwards’ car after the race, and the No. 99 car retaliated by spinning the No. 18 car out.
2010 – Kyle Busch’s Sweep: Busch etched his name in NASCAR history during the 2010 Bristol Night Race. After winning the event, the Joe Gibbs Racing driver became the first competitor in NASCAR history to sweep all three races (Truck, Xfinity, Cup) in a weekend. It was a historic moment that left Bristol fans stunned.
2012: – Tony Stewart v. Matt Kenseth: During the 2012 Bristol Night Race, Tony Stewart and Matt Kenseth produced a legendary moment in NASCAR history. Stewart and Kesnseth spun out from the lead after contact in Turn 4, but the No. 14 car was unable to continue. When Kenseth came down pit road, Stewart threw his helmet at the No. 17 car. The helmet bounced off Kenseth’s hood, giving fans a stunning moment in the middle of the event.
2017 – Kyle Busch’s Sweep (Part 2): If once wasn’t enough, Busch left fans stunned again after the 2017 Bristol Night Race. Busch won all three races at Bristol for the second time in NASCAR history, becoming the last driver to complete the feat. It was seven years since Busch accomplished it in 2010, and it was just as memorable.
2019 – Denny Hamlin Reels In Matt DiBenedetto: Matt DiBenedetto was close to his first Cup Series victory, but Denny Hamlin had other ideas. Hamlin reeled in DiBenedetto’s No. 95 car, passing him for the win in the closing laps. DiBenedetto hasn’t entered victory lane since then, producing one of the most notable non-contact induced moments in Bristol Night Race history.
2021 – Chase Elliott v. Kevin Harvick: Chase Elliott was chasing his first Bristol Night Race victory in 2021, but an incident with Kevin Harvick stole his thunder. Elliott’s tire was cut down after contact with Harvick, leading the No. 9 car to pit road. When Elliott returned, he made life difficult for Harvick, who eventually lost the lead. Following the race, Elliott and Harvick had a fiery conversation, representing the most recent confrontation in the historic event.
2024 – Kyle Larson’s Historic Domination: Kyle Larson’s dominance in the 2024 Bristol Night Race was historic. Larson led 462 of the 500 laps en route to his second Bristol Night Race victory. In fact, Larson broke the record for the most laps led in Bristol Night Race history, passing Dale Earnhardt, Matt Kenseth, and Kyle Busch.
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