Bristol Dirt is a half-mile, high-banked dirt oval unlike any other in iRacing. Built on top of Bristol Motor Speedway’s traditional concrete surface, it transforms the famed Colosseum into a dirt-racing spectacle.
Track Basics
- Length: 0.533 miles (0.858 km)
- Surface: Clay dirt (temporary overlaid surface)
- Banking: 19–22 degrees (steepest dirt banking in iRacing)
- Location: Bristol, Tennessee
- Major Events: NASCAR Cup and Truck Series Dirt races, World of Outlaws Sprint Cars & Late Models
Driving Keys
- Banking mastery: The steep corners reward confidence and momentum.
- Line choice: Low, middle, and cushion lines can all develop as the track evolves.
- Throttle discipline: High horsepower cars can easily spin the tires on corner exit.
- Traffic management: With such tight confines, lap traffic plays a big role in longer races.
- Adaptability: The dirt groove slicks off quickly—drivers must move lines constantly.
Real-World Relevance
In 2021, NASCAR returned to dirt for the first time in over 50 years at Bristol, and iRacing mirrored the event in its sim. The result was an opportunity for racers to experience history before it unfolded in real life.
