Nextel Direct From: Sharpie 500

PRESS CENTER UPDATE: SATURDAY

AUDIO Direct From: Bristol Press Center Wrapup

NASCAR.COM's Ryan Smithson says Dale Earnhardt Jr. wasn't the only winner Saturday night after the Sharpie 500 at Bristol. Ryan Newman also took a big step toward solidifying his place in the Chase for the Nextel Cup.

DRIVER MEETING UPDATE: SATURDAY

AUDIO Direct From: Bristol Motor Speedway Driver Meeting Update

NASCAR.COM's Marty Smith reviews Saturday's prerace driver's meeting.

It was a typical meeting as director of competition David Hoots went over the rules with the field and the NASCAR community welcomed some special guests, including PGA golfer Chad Campbell.

GARAGE UPDATE: FRIDAY

AUDIO Direct From: Bristol Motor Speedway Garage Update

NASCAR.COM's Ryan Smithson reports on a busy pair of practice sessions Friday at Bristol Motor Speedway in preparation for Saturday's Sharpie 500.

Jimmie Johnson's hard luck continued as he wrecked his primary car in the first post-qualifying session, forcing his No. 48 Lowe's Chevrolet team to a backup for tomorrow's race.

Kasey Kahne brushed the wall, as well. However, his team decided to repair the damage so that Kahne could keep his second-place starting spot for tomorrow night's race.

OVERNIGHT UPDATE: FRIDAY

AUDIO Direct From: Bristol Motor Speedway Overnight Update

NASCAR.COM's Ryan Smithson reviews a hot and eventful Bud Pole Qualifying session at Bristol Motor Speedway.

Jeff Gordon outclassed the field with the lone sub-15 second lap. Kasey Kahne will join Gordon on the front row.

Meanwhile, defending race winner Kurt Busch had a tough go, posting just the 24th-fastest qualifying lap.

TRACK WEATHER UPDATE: FRIDAY

VIDEO Direct From: Bristol Motor Speedway Weather Update

NASCAR.COM's Ryan Smithson says the weather in Bristol is a little on the hot side, but for both night races it should be extremely nice.

There's a slight chance of thunderstorms, but they would be isolated at most and delay activity for only a short time, if at all.

RACE PREVIEW: FRIDAY

VIDEO Direct From: Bristol Motor Speedway Weekend Preview

NASCAR.COM's Ryan Smithson says expect an interesting race Saturday night. Tony Stewart is making his 200th start and is one of the hottest drivers on the circuit.

Kurt Busch is going for his fourth consecutive victory at Bristol -- which is still well behind Darrell Waltrip's record of seven straight.

Jamie McMurray and Kevin Harvick are two others to watch.