Dale Earnhardt Jr. Says One Decision Erased What Made Bristol Special Dale Earnhardt Jr. reflects on how the Bristol track’s identity was forever altered after a major shift in the 1990s. Aadesh D 5 h

For decades, Bristol Motor Speedway stood as the crown jewel of short-track racing in NASCAR. Built in 1961, the half-mile oval gained a reputation for chaotic finishes, raucous crowds, and unforgettable rivalries. What made Bristol stand out was not just the noise or the tempers but the racing itself. On its original asphalt surface, drivers could run high, low, or anywhere in between. Back then, events were determined by tire wear, track temperature, and race strategy. This made every event unpredictable and gave the track a character that many fans considered unmatched in the sport. However, a major change in the 1990s altered that identity forever.

The mid-1990s marked a turning point when Bristol’s surface began failing under stress. Asphalt patches tore apart during practice session