COLUMN: Bristol avoided the mess most feared for a dirt race
Driver Kyle Larson (5) pushes Christopher Bell (20) after a wreck during a NASCAR Cup Series auto race, Monday, March 29, 2021, in Bristol, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)

Driver Kyle Larson (5) pushes Christopher Bell (20) after a wreck during a NASCAR Cup Series auto race, Monday, March 29, 2021, in Bristol, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)

Mar. 29, 2021 05:49 PM EDT
Driver Denny Hamlin (11) leads Kyle Busch (18), Ryan Blaney (12), and others as they enter the back straight to start a NASCAR Cup Series auto race, Monday, March 29, 2021, in Bristol, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)

Driver Denny Hamlin (11) leads Kyle Busch (18), Ryan Blaney (12), and others as they enter the back straight to start a NASCAR Cup Series auto race, Monday, March 29, 2021, in Bristol, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)

Mar. 29, 2021 05:49 PM EDT
Driver Aric Almirola (10) collides with Anthony Alfredo (38) during a NASCAR Cup Series auto race, Monday, March 29, 2021, in Bristol, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)

Driver Aric Almirola (10) collides with Anthony Alfredo (38) during a NASCAR Cup Series auto race, Monday, March 29, 2021, in Bristol, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)

Mar. 29, 2021 05:49 PM EDT
Driver Kyle Larson (5) pushes Christopher Bell (20) down pit road after a wreck during a NASCAR Cup Series auto race, Monday, March 29, 2021, in Bristol, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)

Driver Kyle Larson (5) pushes Christopher Bell (20) down pit road after a wreck during a NASCAR Cup Series auto race, Monday, March 29, 2021, in Bristol, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)

Mar. 29, 2021 05:49 PM EDT
Driver Joey Logano (22) races with Daniel Suarez (99) through Turn 4 during a NASCAR Cup Series auto race, Monday, March 29, 2021, in Bristol, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)

Driver Joey Logano (22) races with Daniel Suarez (99) through Turn 4 during a NASCAR Cup Series auto race, Monday, March 29, 2021, in Bristol, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)

Mar. 29, 2021 08:10 PM EDT
Driver Joey Logano (22) leads Denny Hamlin (11) through Turn 4 during an NASCAR Cup Series auto race, Monday, March 29, 2021, in Bristol, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)

Driver Joey Logano (22) leads Denny Hamlin (11) through Turn 4 during an NASCAR Cup Series auto race, Monday, March 29, 2021, in Bristol, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)

Mar. 29, 2021 08:01 PM EDT