If you woke up this morning wondering who won the NASCAR race at Bristol last night, you’re probably looking for a name that dominated the headlines. But here's the thing: as of January 17, 2026, the NASCAR Cup Series hasn't actually taken the green flag at Bristol Motor Speedway yet for the current season.
It's kind of a weird timing thing. Every year, fans get that "Thunder Valley" itch right about now, but the Cup cars are currently tucked away in shops in North Carolina, getting prepped for the Busch Light Clash and the Daytona 500.
However, if you saw a trophy being hoisted last night, you weren't hallucinating. While the big heavy stock cars aren't at Bristol, the racing world has been hyper-focused on the Chili Bowl Nationals in Tulsa. Last night, January 16, 2026, was a massive preliminary night where NASCAR superstar Christopher Bell basically put on a clinic.
The Most Recent Bristol Winner Everyone is Talking About
If you're thinking of the last time the Cup Series actually hit the concrete at Bristol, you're likely remembering the chaos of the Bass Pro Shops Night Race.
Christopher Bell won that one too.
It was a wild night where tires were shredding faster than a cheap suit. Bell managed to survive a late-race charge from Brad Keselowski, taking the lead with only four laps to go. That win was huge because it completed a Joe Gibbs Racing sweep of the opening round of the playoffs.
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Honestly, that race changed how a lot of people view the "new" Bristol. For a few years, everyone complained it was too hard to pass. Then, suddenly, Goodyear brought a tire that actually wore out, and we got one of the most stressful, tire-managing races in a decade.
Why Bristol Isn't On Your TV Right This Second
NASCAR schedules are a bit like a giant puzzle. For 2026, the series is sticking to its traditional spring and fall dates for the Last Great Coliseum.
- The Food City 500: Scheduled for Sunday, April 12, 2026.
- The Bass Pro Shops Night Race: Set for Saturday, September 19, 2026.
Wait, so what happened last night?
Last night was all about the dirt. Christopher Bell, driving his own equipment at the Chili Bowl, won the Thursday Night Preliminary Feature (which technically concluded late last night/early this morning). He started 8th and sliced through the field like it was nothing. If you follow NASCAR, you know Bell and Kyle Larson are the kings of this crossover world. Larson won his prelim earlier in the week, setting up a massive showdown for the "Golden Driller" trophy tonight.
What to Expect When NASCAR Returns to Bristol
When we finally get back to Bristol in April, the conversation is going to be dominated by one word: Tires.
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Ever since the 2024 spring race where drivers were literally seeing cords after 40 laps, Bristol has become a "driver's track" again. You can't just mash the gas and hope for the best. You have to save your stuff.
Kyle Larson is the guy to watch. He dominated the 2025 spring race, leading a ridiculous 411 out of 500 laps. It was one of the most "old school" beatdowns we've seen in the modern era. He’s the defending champion of that specific spring event, and most experts expect Hendrick Motorsports to bring that same speed back in 2026.
The New Faces in the Field for 2026
If you haven't been keeping up with "Silly Season," the grid looks a little different this year.
- Connor Zilisch is the name on everyone’s lips. He’s in the No. 88 for Trackhouse Racing now, taking over the seat from Daniel Suárez (who moved to Spire).
- Chase Briscoe is settled in at Joe Gibbs Racing in the No. 19, replacing the retired Martin Truex Jr.
- Josh Berry is now steering the No. 21 for Wood Brothers Racing, looking to give that legendary team their 100th win.
It's a younger field, and these kids aren't afraid to use the bumper at a place like Bristol.
How to Prepare for the 2026 Season
Since the question of who won the NASCAR race at Bristol last night is actually a pointer toward the upcoming season, you should get your calendar ready.
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The real action kicks off in just a couple of weeks. The Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium is on February 1st. That’s going to be a complete madhouse—a quarter-mile flat track inside a football stadium. It’s basically Bristol’s rowdy little brother.
After that, it's the Daytona 500 on February 15th.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
If you're itching for some short-track action right now, here is what you should do:
- Watch the Chili Bowl Finale Tonight: Since Bell and Larson both won their prelims (Larson earlier, Bell last night), the championship feature tonight is going to be legendary. It's the closest thing to Bristol-style intensity you'll find in January.
- Check Your TV Listings for FS1: With the season start looming, NASCAR is airing "Season in Review" specials and previews of the new 2026 Camry and Mustang nose configurations.
- Buy Bristol Tickets Early: The April race (Food City 500) is already seeing high demand because of how good the racing was last year. If you want a seat in the Allison or Kulwicki grandstands, don't wait until March.
The wait for the high banks of Tennessee is almost over, but for now, Christopher Bell is the man holding the momentum into the 2026 season.
Make sure to bookmark the official NASCAR schedule so you don't miss the actual Food City 500 on April 12.