2025 Food City 500: What to Expect

Denny Hamlin backed up his Martinsville win with another strong performance at Darlington, taking the checkered flag at last week’s 2025 Goodyear 400.

A few late-race shakeups gave him the opening, and he took full advantage. That’s two straight wins for Hamlin, making him the second driver this season to go back-to-back, joining Christopher Bell. Hamlin’s heating up at the right time and proving he can still close when it counts.

What to Expect This Weekend

Bristol is back in its traditional spring slot for the 2025 Food City 500 with the concrete surface. No dirt this time. Expect short-track chaos. High tire wear, tight racing, and plenty of contact. Tempers will flare. Mistakes will cost you. Track position will be everything. This is one of the toughest races for pit crews and brake management.

Josh Bilicki is in the No. 66 this week, making a one-off Cup start.

Drivers to Watch

Denny Hamlin is chasing three in a row. He’s never done it in his Cup career, but this might be his best shot. Bristol fits his style, and he’s locked in right now.

Kyle Larson won the Xfinity race Saturday night and finished second in the Truck race. His Cup run last week was forgettable, but you can never count him out here.

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. is a sleeper pick. He’s starting second and runs well on short tracks. If things go his way, he could sneak up and steal this one.

Where to Watch

Green flag drops at 3:30 p.m. EST on FOX and the Fox Sports app.

What We’ve Learned So Far

Toyota has momentum. Ford still looks to be getting their feet under themselves and also trying to outrun the bad luck. And the season has felt average so far. Bristol wraps up the early short-track run and gives teams a chance to reset before the heart of the schedule kicks in.