Open Race Thread(s): Camping World Truck Series and Whelen Modified Tour Combo Open Race Thread

Wednesday night will provide the first track action for the revamped Bristol Motor Speedway since fan demand led to several track changes during the six-month gap between races.

Track owner and promoter Bruton Smith responded to the lackluster spring race weekend by ordering the elimination of Bristol's second groove, with fans hoping to see the return of more traditional short track racing to the 50-year-old bullring.

This likely means the return of cautions, tempers, and the bump-and-run to Bristol Motor Speedway.

Diehard racing fans will remember Thursday Night Thunder on ESPN, an early 90's show highlighting the best and fastest junior racers in the country. The show featured USAC racing on a weekday afternoon and served as the first national exposure for names like Gordon, Stewart, and Newman.

Several comparisons can be drawn to tonight's UNOH 200 at Bristol Motor Speedway. With Ty Dillon, James Buescher, Nelson Piquet Jr. and Justin Lofton entered in tonight's race, fans might be watching NASCAR's future.

The same scenario easily applies to tonight's undercard, which features round nine of the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour. NASCAR's only open-wheel division will be the first stock car series to compete on the new track surface, providing fans and observers an early idea of what to expect the rest of the weekend.

Back to the Truck Series; Qualifying begins at 5 p.m. EST with the Modifieds set to roll off the grid immediately following qualifying. Starting lineups can be found after the jump as soon as they are made available.

The UNOH 200 is set to begin at approximately 8 p.m. All track activity will be broadcast by the Speed Network.

This post will serve as the official race thread for both the Camping World Trucks and Whelen Modified Tour. See you on the other side.

n/a