What Is 2022 Call 811 Before You Dig 250

Content on WhatAnswers is provided "as is" for informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees. Content is AI-assisted and should not be used as professional advice.

Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2022 Call 811 Before You Dig 250 was a NASCAR Cup Series race held on April 30, 2022, at Texas Motor Speedway, won by William Byron in a 250-lap event promoting the national 'Call 811' safety campaign.

Key Facts

The 2022 Call 811 Before You Dig 250 was held on April 30, 2022, at Texas Motor Speedway.
William Byron won the race, driving the No. 24 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports.
The race consisted of 250 laps, covering 100 miles on the 0.533-mile oval.
It was the 10th race of the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series season.
The event promoted the national 'Call 811' utility safety campaign to prevent underground line damage.

Overview

The 2022 Call 811 Before You Dig 250 was a NASCAR Cup Series race that took place on April 30, 2022, at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, Texas. This event marked the 10th round of the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series season and served as a platform to promote public safety awareness through the 'Call 811' utility damage prevention campaign.

The race featured 36 drivers competing over 250 laps on the 0.533-mile short track, a configuration designed to increase close-quarters racing and mechanical challenges. As part of NASCAR's ongoing partnership with the Common Ground Alliance, the event highlighted the importance of calling 811 before any excavation to avoid striking underground utility lines.

Event date: The race was held on April 30, 2022, beginning at 3:00 PM Eastern Time and broadcast nationally on FOX.
Track length: The Texas Motor Speedway short track configuration measured 0.533 miles, making it one of the shortest ovals used in the Cup Series that year.
Winner:William Byron claimed victory, driving the No. 24 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports, marking his second win of the 2022 season.
Distance: The race spanned 250 laps, totaling 133.25 miles, significantly shorter than the traditional 500-mile Texas events.
Safety campaign: The title sponsor promoted the Call 811 initiative, a federally recognized service that connects excavators with utility locators to prevent accidental line strikes.

How It Works

The Call 811 Before You Dig 250 combined motorsports competition with public service messaging, integrating safety education into NASCAR's racing format. Each element of the event, from sponsorship to trackside signage, reinforced the message that calling 811 before digging is a legal and safety requirement across all 50 states.

Call 811:Dialing 811 connects callers with local utility companies who mark underground lines within 2–3 business days, preventing excavation accidents.
NASCAR partnership: Since 2015, NASCAR has partnered with Common Ground Alliance to promote 811 awareness, reaching over 100 million viewers annually.
Race format: The event used a 250-lap short track format, differing from Texas’s usual 400-mile Cup Series race, to emphasize agility and pit strategy.
Winner’s margin: William Byron won by 0.127 seconds over Ross Chastain, showcasing the tight racing enabled by the short oval layout.
Lead changes: There were 18 lead changes among 9 drivers, reflecting the high competitiveness and frequent position shifts during the race.
Caution flags: The race saw 6 caution periods, totaling 38 laps under yellow, primarily due to on-track incidents and scheduled stage breaks.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares the 2022 Call 811 Before You Dig 250 with previous Texas Motor Speedway Cup Series events:

Year	Race Name	Distance (Laps)	Track Length	Winner
2022	Call 811 Before You Dig 250	250 laps (133.25 mi)	0.533 mi oval	William Byron
2021	Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 500	334 laps (501 mi)	1.5 mi oval	Kyle Busch
2020	Brady 500	334 laps (501 mi)	1.5 mi oval	Denny Hamlin
2019	AAA Texas 500	334 laps (501 mi)	1.5 mi oval	Martin Truex Jr.
2018	O'Reilly Auto Parts 500	334 laps (501 mi)	1.5 mi oval	Kevin Harvick

This comparison highlights a significant shift in 2022, when NASCAR introduced a short track format at Texas Motor Speedway for the first time. The 250-lap distance and 0.533-mile layout were designed to simulate bullring racing, offering a unique challenge compared to the traditional 1.5-mile oval used in prior years. This change contributed to more frequent drafting and tighter pack racing, enhancing on-track action and viewer engagement.

Why It Matters

The 2022 Call 811 Before You Dig 250 was more than a race—it was a high-profile platform for promoting critical public safety practices. By integrating the 'Call 811' message into a nationally televised event, NASCAR helped educate millions about the dangers of unmarked excavation and the simple step of calling before digging.

Prevents injuries: Striking a gas or electric line can cause serious injury or death, and calling 811 reduces such risks by over 70%.
Legal requirement: In all 50 states, calling 811 is legally required before any digging project, from fence posts to foundation work.
Cost savings: Utility strikes cost the U.S. economy over $30 billion annually in repairs and service disruptions.
Public awareness: The race reached 2.8 million viewers, amplifying the 811 message across diverse demographics.
Industry collaboration: The partnership between NASCAR and Common Ground Alliance demonstrates cross-sector commitment to safety.
Legacy impact: The event inspired similar safety-themed races, reinforcing motorsports’ role in public education.

Ultimately, the 2022 Call 811 Before You Dig 250 exemplified how sports can drive meaningful social change. By merging entertainment with safety advocacy, it left a lasting impression far beyond the checkered flag.