NASCAR’s Bass Pro Shops Night Race is set to light up Bristol Motor Speedway on September 19, 2026, marking the third stop in the organization’s 2026 Cup Series Chase after the historic Darlington Raceway and the competitive World Wide Technology Raceway.
Grand Marshal Announcement
The event will feature Hollywood icon Brad Pitt and Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris as grand marshals, adding celebrity presence to a race that already promises intense, close‑quarters competition on the 0.533‑mile concrete oval.
Pitt, who grew up in Springfield, Missouri, the same hometown where Morris established his outdoor retail empire in 1972, will appear just days before the September 25 premiere of his latest film, *Heart of the Beast*, in which he portrays Special Forces officer James Belmont under director David Ayer, with co‑stars J.K. Simmons and Anna Lambe.
The race itself is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday night, offering fans a chance to experience the steep banking and tight turns that have made Bristol a staple of NASCAR’s most demanding tracks.
Jerry Caldwell, President and General Manager of Bristol Motor Speedway, said that Pitt’s involvement brings additional significance to the event, underscoring the growing crossover between entertainment and motorsports.
With the Chase entering its decisive phase, the Bass Pro Shops Night Race stands as a key championship stop, while the star‑studded grand marshal lineup highlights the event’s expanding cultural appeal.