Dale Earnhardt Jr Claims Historic NASCAR Track Is “Predestined” to Make an Iconic Return

Bristol Motor Speedway is ready to take fans on a memory lane for the Food City 500 weekend [March 16-17]. Apparently, they’re calling in some old pals to crank up the nostalgia machine, with the likes of legendary wrestler Bill Goldberg, the pit reporter Dr. Jerry Punch, and the Trackside Live pair Kenny Wallace and John Roberts leading the charge. But the real talk of the town, catching even Dale Earnhardt Jr‘s eye, is the track’s vintage makeover.

Well, it looks like the track’s walls have seemingly been splashed with a classic red and white paint job, just in time for the Food City 500, giving it that old-school cool everyone’s talking about which even made Dale Jr go down those nostalgic memory lanes.

Bristol Motor Speedway is another step closer to getting asphalt back- Dale Earnhardt Jr

Dale Earnhardt Jr couldn’t hide his excitement when he stumbled upon a video from Bristol showing off the track’s walls. He tweeted, “Man, we are just another step closer to getting asphalt back. You don’t know it Bristol, but you are headed in that direction. It’s predestined to return!” Despite the races this year rolling on those solid concrete banks, Dale Jr is already dreaming about a return to the old asphalt days.

The legendary track has got a double dose of Cup Series action on concrete lined up for 2024, as confirmed by NASCAR and the folks at Bristol. They’re dialing the nostalgia up to eleven with the late 1980s to early 1990s-themed Food City 500 weekend in March. They’ve even moved the iconic race to March 16-17, so it can shine on Bristol’s famous concrete banks.

Food City’s been the name behind the spring race at Bristol for 32 years now, making it 37 years of backing NASCAR races at this spot. Come September 19-21, the Bass Pro Shops Night Race is going to light up the scene as the knockout round for the Cup Series playoffs.

But let’s talk about the buzz around the track’s walls. On February 8, 2024, Bristol officials let slip that they’re going retro with the walls for the Food City 500 and the Craftsman Truck Series race. These walls have seen some epic NASCAR moments since 1961, often decked out in red and white stripes back in the day, nodding to NASCAR’s big sponsor, R.J. Reynolds, back then. The last peek at that look was in 1995.

Bringing that classic vibe to the 0.533-mile beast, dubbed both the “Holy Grail of Short Tracks” and “The World’s Fastest Half-Mile,” it is sure to hit everyone right in the feels. To kick off the makeover, NASCAR stars like Brad Keselowski, Erik Jones, and Zane Smith grabbed brushes and laid down the first strokes, all while in town for a top-secret NASCAR test.

And since the Cup race falls on St. Patrick’s Day, you can bet the winning team’s celebration is going to be off the charts.

The team that takes the checkered flag is in for a massive Irish bash

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On St. Patrick’s Day, three NASCAR Cup Series hotshots have taken the win at Bristol, a day that’s all about tipping our hats to the Patron Saint of Ireland, embracing Irish culture, chasing luck, and rocking the color green. So, besides the wild festivities lighting up the track all day, one team’s gonna have the green light for an off-the-charts victory party, celebrating their hard-fought win on one of NASCAR’s gnarliest tracks.

While Bristol’s throwing it back with some retro ’90s vibes this year, you better believe they’re not skimping on the St. Patrick’s Day spirit. Expect a sea of green and a crowd decked out in shamrocks, ready to turn the party up to eleven.

Read More: Dale Jr’s Artistic Replica of the Bristol Motor Speedway in Its Classic Colors Leaves Fans in Awe of His Pottery Skills

This year’s Food City 500, happening March 16-17, marks the fourth time the Cup race aligns with St. Patrick’s Day. Track folks are all geared up to sprinkle some emerald magic and get everyone in the mood for a bit of Irish fun. Past victors who’ve had the luck of the Irish on their side include David Pearson in ’68, Cale Yarborough in ’74, and Kasey Kahne in 2013. Whoever clinches the win this year will be the cherry on top, making a perfect Bristol four-leaf clover.

Drop a comment and let us know who you’re cheering for to nab that Bristol victory!