NASCAR: It's Bristol Baby!..... The Battle In The Bowl

NASCAR drivers had a week off to regroup. This week with battle plans prepared, they return to the coliseum for a battle in the bowl at Bristol Motor Speedway. 

It may well be a battle to the finish, as they return to a track narrowed by 84 feet coming out of turns two and four respectively.

The SAFER barrier extensions lessened the transition areas by three feet.

Jeff Gordon who has won at this track five times and finished in the top five 14 times has stated they need "every square foot they can get" for racing.

Controversy has been in the air surrounding certain NASCAR drivers recently.  The hard driving in a small space will create even more chatter with the "let the boys be boys" policy recently endorsed by NASCAR. 

Brad Kesolowski has vowed not to change his driving style. 

Jeff Gordon's plan of attack is to continue the success he has found at Bristol. 

Kyle Busch plans to maintain his winning ways from last year after winning both Sprint Cup races. 

Jimmie Johnson is sure to be back in stealth mode attempting to escape accidents on his way to a win or top five finish.

Dale Jr. will once again make an attempt to bring about the results he and Jr. Nation are so very hungry for.

Kurt Busch will return to going in circles after his drag racing adventures at the NHRA Gatornationals in Gainesville, Fl.  He claimed to be a "kid in a candy store" at the event, but will he have a sweet finish in Bristol?

Thirty-six other drivers will have their strategies as they attempt to win at the famed track.

Questions remain as to whether the reduced racing surface will impact driving three wide.  The track was widened by four feet in 2007 when it was resurfaced.

Friday evening after a day of practice and qualifying, the fans will be able to attend Ford Fan Friday.

Typical of a Bruton Smith track, the fans will enjoy driver appearances, Q&A with Jimmie Johnson and others, live entertainment, show cars and interactive displays all for $5.00.

Saturday the NASCAR Nationwide series will take to the track. 

Following the Nationwide race, there will be a trip down nostalgia lane.  Racing stars from the past will take to the track for Scotts EZ Seed Showdown.  The 35 lap race will include David Pearson, Cale Yarborough, Harry Gant, Charlie Glotzbach, Jack Ingram, Dave Marcis and others.

The race filled with fan favorites is sure to bring back memories of an era when drivers did indeed do battle with one another on track.

Sunday's Food City 500 is sure to unleash pent up racing withdrawal after a week off.

It is a given once again we will see multiples of the green-white-checker finish.

Bristol Motor Speedway was built on a dairy farm in 1960.  The first race was run 7/30/61 with seating for 18,000 people.

Brenda Lee sang the national anthem at the inaugural race.  The 42 car field took the green flag, but only 19 finished.

The entire back stretch stands were demolished in 2002 to make way for expansion to the current 160,000 seat capacity.

BMS has sold out the last 55 consecutive Sprint Cup races.  This year heavy marketing indicated tickets were still available.

Bristol Motor Speedway, the legendary track in the Tennessee foothills is a favorite for fans and drivers.

The bowl with it's towering stands will thunder to life with a heartbeat of horsepower.  What stories will unfold in this chapter of NASCAR racing?

It's Bristol baby!