Kenseth Returns to Retake Food City 250 Title

DENVER, N.C. - Matt Kenseth has been seen in a limited number of NASCAR Busch Series races this season but he’s been no less of a presence to his competitors. Kenseth has won two events in 13 tries this season and will attempt to defend his title in the Food City 250 at Bristol Motor Speedway on Friday.

“All drivers like to return to the tracks where they’ve won a race,” Kenseth said. “You’ve got to have as much luck at Bristol as you do a good car. We were fortunate to get to victory lane last year and we’ll go for a repeat this weekend.”

The Food City 250 win was the fourth for Kenseth during the 1999 season and his first at the .533-mile oval. Kenseth has proven already this season that he’s strong behind the wheel when compelled to reclaim a title. He took the checkers for the second consecutive time at California Speedway in April.

Rookie Jason Schuler was originally slated to compete in the No. 17 Visine Chevrolet at Bristol.

“When we set the Visine schedule at the beginning of the year, we weren’t sure if I could drive this race so we put it on Jason’s schedule,” Kenseth explained. “This track is very physically and mentally demanding and I want to be able to give 100 percent in both races (Food City 250 and Goracing.com 500) but I also wanted to defend my title. We made a final decision a couple weeks ago and everyone was in agreement.”

Schuler has completed 10 events in the Visine Chevrolet and is slated to drive once more at Memphis Motorsports Park in October.

The Food City 250 is a one-day event on Friday, August 25. Qualifying begins at 3:30 p.m. ET and the green flag waves at approximately at 7 p.m. ET.