What Is 2022 Bass Pro Shops Night Race

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2022 Bass Pro Shops Night Race was a NASCAR Cup Series event held on August 27, 2022, at Bristol Motor Speedway in Tennessee. Denny Hamlin won the race, which served as the final event in the series' regular-season finale, setting the playoff field.

Key Facts

The 2022 Bass Pro Shops Night Race took place on August 27, 2022, at Bristol Motor Speedway.
Denny Hamlin won the race, driving the No. 11 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing.
This race was the final event of the NASCAR Cup Series regular season, determining the playoff field.
Bristol Motor Speedway is a 0.533-mile concrete oval located in Bristol, Tennessee.
Chase Briscoe was eliminated from playoff contention after failing to secure a win or enough points.

Overview

The 2022 Bass Pro Shops Night Race was a pivotal NASCAR Cup Series event that served as the culmination of the regular season. Held under the lights at Bristol Motor Speedway, the race drew national attention due to its role in finalizing the 16-driver playoff field.

With dramatic finishes and last-chance scenarios, the race featured intense competition among drivers fighting for playoff spots. The event has been a summer staple at Bristol since 1978 and is known for its high-speed short-track action.

Event Date: The race occurred on August 27, 2022, starting at 7:30 PM ET and broadcast on NBCSN.
Track Length: Bristol Motor Speedway is a 0.533-mile concrete oval with 24–30 degrees of banking in the turns.
Winner:Denny Hamlin claimed victory, leading 168 of the 500 laps in his No. 11 Toyota Camry.
Playoff Implications: The race was the 26th event of the 2022 season and the final chance for drivers to earn a win and automatic playoff berth.
Attendance: Over 100,000 fans attended the event, reflecting Bristol’s reputation as one of NASCAR’s most popular venues.

Race Format & Structure

The 2022 Bass Pro Shops Night Race followed NASCAR’s standard Cup Series format, consisting of 500 laps around the short track. The race was divided into three stages, each offering playoff points and strategic opportunities.

Stage Lengths:Stage 1 ended on Lap 100, Stage 2 on Lap 200, and the final stage concluded at Lap 500, influencing pit strategy and tire management.
Playoff Points: The winner of each stage earned 1 playoff point, while the race winner received 5, crucial for tiebreakers.
Qualifying: Due to weather, qualifying was canceled, and Chase Elliott started first based on NASCAR’s performance metrics.
Caution Flags: There were 9 caution periods for a total of 52 yellow-flag laps, primarily due to crashes and debris.
Lead Changes: The race saw 18 lead changes among 10 different drivers, highlighting the competitive nature of short-track racing.
Winning Margin: Denny Hamlin won by 0.281 seconds over William Byron, securing his fourth win of the 2022 season.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2022 Bass Pro Shops Night Race compared to previous editions in terms of key metrics and outcomes:

Year	Winner	Track Length	Playoff Impact	Attendance
2022	Denny Hamlin	0.533 miles	Final regular-season race	100,000+
2021	Kyle Busch	0.533 miles	Regular-season finale	80,000
2020	Kevin Harvick	0.533 miles	Regular-season finale	0 (no fans)
2019	Kyle Larson	0.533 miles	Final regular-season race	160,000
2018	Brad Keselowski	0.533 miles	Regular-season finale	150,000

The 2022 edition stood out due to its dramatic playoff implications and strong fan turnout after pandemic-related restrictions were lifted. While track length remained consistent, attendance rebounded significantly from 2020’s zero-fan event, reflecting a return to normalcy in live sports.

Why It Matters

The 2022 Bass Pro Shops Night Race had far-reaching implications for the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs and team strategies heading into the postseason. Its outcome reshaped the playoff landscape and highlighted the importance of short-track performance.

Playoff Cutoff:Chase Briscoe missed the playoffs by just 2 points, underscoring the race’s high stakes.
Manufacturer Success: Toyota secured a key win, boosting its manufacturer points ahead of the playoffs.
Driver Momentum: Denny Hamlin’s victory gave him crucial momentum entering the postseason.
Team Strategy: Joe Gibbs Racing demonstrated superior pit strategy, gaining an edge over rivals.
Fan Engagement: The event drew massive viewership, with over 2 million TV viewers tuning in.
Historical Context: The race continued Bristol’s legacy as a marquee short-track event since 1978.

As one of NASCAR’s most anticipated annual events, the 2022 Bass Pro Shops Night Race reinforced the sport’s competitive balance and the drama inherent in its playoff format.