2017 NASCAR Week 24: Bristol

Bass Pro Shops/NRA Night Race

Bristol Motor Speedway

By Richard Tix

This week is going to be a condensed version of the weekly race preview. Let's go over some things to watch for and get ready for Bristol Baby!

What to Watch For?

PJ1 TrackBite

• It was a year ago when NASCAR first introduced the sticky compound to be used at Bristol to try and open another lane back up for passing. For the most part it seemed to go over very well so since the night race at Bristol last year NASCAR has used it a handful of times (including Bristol again) with mostly positive reviews. It is the one year anniversary of this compound on Bristol Motor Speedway so it is only right that we keep an eye on how the racing will continue to evolve with PJ1 added to the bottom groove.

Matt Kenseth vs Joey Logano, again..

• It's like a broken record, but it's because these two are in very similar positions. Both need a win to lock themselves into the playoffs (though Kenseth doesn't need one because he can get in on points). Both drivers have fared well here in the past as well. While MK is being chased down by Clint Bowyer in points, JoLo needs a win or his encumbered win will haunt him all the way into 2018. This weekend seems like as good as any for one of these two to get a playoff locking win.

Clint Bowyer's Points

• Speaking of Matt Kenseth above, Clint Bowyer is the next in line for a playoff spot behind Kenseth (Bowyer is 17th in points as it pertains to the playoffs). The No. 14 has been steady and even shown glimpses of top 3 speed, but they also have had some pit falls and don't show that speed enough. Bowyer is 31 points behind Kenseth and almost in must win territory, but a strong run on Saturday, mixed with some stage points and an early MK exit, and Clint is back in the thick of things.