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What a Mess: NASCAR worried about first Bristol dirt race

NASCAR Bristol Trucks Auto Racing
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BRISTOL, Tenn. -- NASCAR made a flurry of procedural changes ahead of its first Cup race on dirt since 1970.

Bristol Motor Speedway converted its facility into a dirt track in an experiment on a revamped 2021 schedule.

It marks the first dirt race for the top series since 1970 and NASCAR is concerned it could be a disaster.

The stock cars proved too heavy for the dirt and tire wear dipped to dangerous levels during practices.

NASCAR the day before the race said it was making pro-active moves to save the Sunday's show.

NASCAR Bristol Trucks Auto Racing
Driver Stewart Friesen (52) leads Tyler Ankrum (26) during prerace laps as they compete in a heat race for a NASCAR Truck Series race on Saturday, March 27, 2021, in Bristol, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)