NASCAR drivers turn first laps at Bristol

Jeff Burton was one of three drivers testing at Bristol Tuesday. (Photo: Bristol Motor Speedway)
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Jeff Burton was one of three drivers testing at Bristol Tuesday. (Photo: Bristol Motor Speedway)

Three NASCAR Sprint Cup series drivers turned the first laps on the newly reconfigured oval at Bristol Motor Speedway Tuesday.  In response to fan complaints of lackluster racing, officials reconfigured the track by grinding the upper groove down in hopes of returning the track to what it was prior to 2007 when the progressive banking was added.

Driver Jeff Burton said the top groove is gone, but isn’t really pleased with results.

“I really can’t imagine running up there in that top groove,” Burton said. “I think it is going to force everyone more to the middle and bottom of the track. The drivers aren’t going to be happy, but the spectators probably will be because it is going to put more cars in a closer space.” MORE>>>

Greg Engle
About Greg Engle 7421 Articles
Greg is a published award winning sportswriter who spent 23 years combined active and active reserve military service, much of that in and around the Special Operations community. Greg is the author of "The Nuts and Bolts of NASCAR: The Definitive Viewers' Guide to Big-Time Stock Car Auto Racing" and has been published in major publications across the country including the Los Angeles Times, the Cleveland Plain Dealer and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He was also a contributor to Chicken Soup for the NASCAR Soul, published in 2010, and the Christmas edition in 2016. He wrote as the NASCAR, Formula 1, Auto Reviews and National Veterans Affairs Examiner for Examiner.com and has appeared on Fox News. He holds a BS degree in communications, a Masters degree in psychology and is currently a PhD candidate majoring in psychology. He is currently the weekend Motorsports Editor for Autoweek.