Sutton adjusting to bigger, heavier trucks

It's a transition a driver must go through whether one comes from the open wheel world or progresses through the stock car ranks. The machines in NASCAR's top series are bigger and heavier than what they're used to driving. It's the case with Dawson Sutton who has become one of the top asphalt Late Model drivers in the nation. The 20-year-old from Lebanon, Tenn., has won his share of big Late Model races including one of the grand prizes, the All-American 400 at nearby Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway. But, he has a challenge taking on the high banks of Bristol Motor Speedway in his No. 26 Rackley Racing Truck in the Tennessee Army National Guard 250. "It has been a crazy few years, jumping from different series to different series," Sutton said. "The truck side of things has been a big learning curve for me compared to the Late Model where you have so much practice. It's definitely a big adjustment for me, but it's been a great, learning in a very competitive NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series." A short track racer at heart, he loves the feel of Bristol Motor Speedway. He was successful in Legends cars, but he really opened some eyes when he committed to the Late Models. Besides the All-American 400, which has boasted past winners like NASCAR Hall of Famers Darrell Waltrip, Rusty Wallace and NASCAR Cup champion Chase Elliott, Sutton also finished second in the prestigious Snowball Derby in Pensacola, Florida. "The late model side of things has been very, very good," Sutton said. "Winning the All-American 400 was one of my goals for my entire career, and I did that last year, which was awesome. Going to the Derby, sadly, finishing second, but it's still a good run, and we'll be back trying to get that one." Sutton has traveled extensively for a young racer, but there's nowhere quite like Bristol Motor Speedway with its high banks, concrete surface and stadium setting which has given it the nickname of the "Last Great Colosseum." He posted a pair of 17th-place finishes at Bristol in 2025. His No. 26 Chevrolet sported a special Tennessee Vols livery for the UNOH 250 last September. "Bristol Motor Speedway is different from any other track. The high banks brings some of the best racing," Sutton said. "I've gone there lots of times just to watch the race, when it was dirt, when it was asphalt, and it always brings good racing. I love good short track racing, and everybody wants to race at Bristol." Sutton was happy with his performance at Bristol last year, just didn't get the finish he wanted. He knew the challenges the track offered as he crashed out the first time he came to Bristol in the ARCA Series. But, he felt more comfortable back in the Truck, even though the machine itself is a handful at times. "We had a really good fast race truck. We just never really got track position," he said. "It's definitely one of the race tracks that I've always dreamed of racing at and winning at. I'm really looking forward to going back. The trucks are just big, a lot different than any other type of racing that I've done before. They're large and heavy, and that makes them so hard to drive, compared to every other series." There is also the amount of strong competition in the Truck Series, which make them a fan favorite. It's the kind of racing which Sutton said he always enjoyed as a spectator, and the kind of challenge a driver relishes. "You have to be on top of your game always, and I really enjoy that type of racing," he said. "It's very chaotic and crazy. A lot of people say truck race is the best race to watch during the weekend, and I completely agree with it."