Best of the Rest: Bristol Weekend

Last weekend, all three of NASCAR’s top series arrived in Bristol to fight it out under the lights. As is often the case with Bristol, there were a few pleasant surprises amongst the chaos.

Craftsman Truck Series (UNOH 200 presented by Ohio Logistics):

1. Stewart Friesen (#52 HALMAR-Friesen Racing Toyota): An annual playoff contender, Friesen and his HALMAR #52 team have not had the season they hoped, being cut out of the playoffs already. This somewhat improved in Bristol, as the owner-driver would drive his Toyota to a 9th place finish. This was Friesen’s fifth top 10 of the season.

   

2. Stefan Parsons (#75 Henderson Motorsports Chevrolet): Parsons and his #75 Silverado had a decent run in Bristol, running only a part-time season schedule. In just his ninth start this season, the #75 popsells.com Chevy came home 16th. Interesting note that to this day, the only full-time employee of the team is crew chief Chris Carrier.
3. Bret Holmes (#32 Bret Holmes Racing Chevrolet): Much like Friesen, journeyman driver Bret Holmes also plays the owner-driver role. Bristol was surprisingly kind to Holmes, as his #32 Chevrolet would come home 13th.

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Xfinity Series (Food City 300)

1. Ryan Sieg (#39 RSS Racing Ford): After three weeks of less than preferred finishes, Sieg and his #39 Sci Aps Ford had much needed boost in Bristol. Qualifying 12th, Sieg would survive the night to bring his RSS entry home in 8th.

   

2. Jeremy Clements (#51 Jeremy Clements Racing Chevrolet): The 2024 season has seen Jeremy Clements and his #51 Chevrolet run well, but not fantastic. This changed in Bristol, if only for a night, as Clements would win Stage 2. Following the stage, Clements would end the night in 12th.
3. Anthony Alfredo (#5 Our Motorsports Chevrolet): Continuing to surprise this season, Alfredo and his Our Motorsports team had another strong showing in Bristol. Qualifying in the second row, Alfredo would survive the wild ending to the night and finish 11th.

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Cup Series (Bass Pro Shops Night Race):

1. Bubba Wallace (#23 23XI Racing Toyota): Wallace and his #23 Toyota have struggled most of the season to finish races strong. The 23XI Racing crew definitely turned things around in Bristol, with Wallace finishing 3rd.
2. Michael McDowell (#34 Front Row Motorsports Ford): McDowell and the #34 Ford crew are looking to bookend a longtime partnership after this season. McDowell’s strong season continued with an 11th place finish in Bristol. McDowell will be departing Front Row Motorsports for Spire Motorsports starting next season.
3. Daniel Hemric (#31 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet): Sporting new colors from Mtn Dew, Doritos, and Kroger for the weekend, Hemric would make the most of the sponsorship under the lights. Struggling to produce solid results during the season, Hemric finished 19th after starting 21st.