Thunder Valley had lost a little of it’s luster over the last decade. The racing at Bristol Motor Speedway, hasn’t been what fans have wanted, or come to expect. But, as the gates opened, the fans streamed in and as the green flag few. Bristol, once again was something special.
The Last Great Colosseum was rockin’ with100,000 plus fans and the on track action had people talking and drivers on edge.
But, the real story can at the end of the race.
After the news early in the week that Matt DiBenedetto would not be back with the Levine Family Racing’s No. 95, a car that he has worked dilligently to get in to the top 10.
Bristol has always been a strong track for DiBenedetto, but this year has been his best year statistically with three top five finishes.
As the laps wound down you could feel the excitement build in “Thunder Valley as the fans were willing the No. 95 car around, lap after lap. DiBenedetto let 93 of the final 104 laps and spent most of the night running in the Top 10.
Fans, and drivers alike believed they were going to see a very popular and first time winner, but Denny Hamlin spoiled the show scoring his fourth win of the season.
Post Race
Hamlin, after getting out of the car even felt bad for DiBenedetto saying he hated passing the No. 95 late. The comments were genuine, especially knowing Hamlin’s support of DiBenedetto was the one that spearheaded the the events on Twitter in 2018 that allowed the GoFas Racing team to race in Phoenix.
Many drivers showed their support for DiBenedetto following the Bass Pro Shops/NRA Night Race at Bristol on Twitter.
From Denny Hamlin saying, Owners were idiots if they needed a driver and didn’t look at Matt. Drivers, from NASCAR to open wheel, track promoters and fans all had great things to say on Twitter.
Many fans took to twitter after the race. This was just one of many that said, they just found their new driver. Some were still looking following a retierment. Others, never had just a single favorite.
