PREVIEW - THUNDER VALLEY
"Racin' the way it oughta be"
"World's Fastest Half Mile"
"The Race Fan's high holy land"
Including driver's appearances, stuff to do, schedule, speedway info & more.
address: 151 Speedway Blvd. Bristol, TN. 37620 Phone: 423/764-6555 Fax: 423/764-1646
BRISTOL SPEEDWAY NEWS
Children Ticket Rules:
Wednesday, Children 12 and under Free.
Friday, Children 12 and under $10 in designated areas.
Saturday, No discount on children. All fans entering the gate, regardless of age, must have a ticket.
UPDATED 07/18/09: Rusty's Pit Stop season ticket package Each fan purchasing Rusty's Pit Stop package also will receive one $25 food voucher redeemable in the suite for the August NASCAR race weekend at BMS, which includes both the Food City 250 Nationwide race Aug. 21 and the Sharpie 500 Aug. 22. Cost for Rusty's Pit Stop is $281 per person for both Aug. 21 and Aug. 22. Fans may purchase Friday only for $125 and Saturday only for $200. Adding to the experience is a tentative appearance by Rusty Wallace on Saturday, Aug. 22, prior to the start of the Sharpie 500.MORE
Announcement On No Smoking Policy In accordance with a new Tennessee state law, all grandstand, terrace, suite, and restroom areas at Bristol Motor Speedway and Dragway now are non-smoking. This became effective October 1, 2007. The General Assembly of the State of Tennessee passed the "Non-Smoker Protection Act" in May and Governor Phil Bredesen signed it into law in June 2007. The Act prohibits smoking in most public facilities, including "sports arenas." Guests may still smoke in our concourse area, but grandstand, terrace and suite seating areas will be non-smoking.
New Law in Tennessee A new law takes affect on July 1, 2007. Regardless of age, all alcohol sales will require the purchaser to have a government issued id. For all the race fans, this means regardless if you are 21 or 71, you MUST show ID to purchase alcohol in Tennessee. In our spot checking, all the retail stores are checking and telling us that the Police are spot checking them as well. Please avoid an embarrassing situation, and have your ID on you as you go through the check out line in August. And if you choose to drink, please drink with responsibility. from our friends at finishlinerentals.com
Personalize your own square in Bristol's Walk of Fame Honor loved ones or your favorite driver on our Bristol Walk of Fame. For $200 you can put a two-line message in the checkered sidewalk in front of BMS. MORE
Construction of Highway 11E modifications in front of the speedway have been completed. New sidewalks are in place on both sides of the highway outside the speedway.
2009 Directions to Bristol Motor Speedway:
From the south: Traveling from the South, take Tennessee Exit 69 off I-81. Turn right at the bottom of the ramp onto Hwy. 394. Bristol Motor Speedway & Dragway are located on the left side of Hwy. 394.
From the north: Take Virginia Exit 17 off I-81 and turn left on Hwy. 75. At the Tennessee border, the road changes to Hwy. 44. Continue on this route until the stop sign at U.S. 421. Turn right on 421 and stay on it until the traffic light at Hwy. 394. Turn left and proceed to Bristol Motor Speedway & Dragway.
Fans coming from Knoxville on I-81 N can take Tennessee Exit 57A, then take I-26 east to Tennessee State Route 381 (State of Franklin Road) at Exit 19 in Johnson City, which leads to US 11E and north again to BMS. There is a new traffic signal in place at the intersection of 11E and Highway 19E in Bluff City. OR
take Tennessee Ext 66 (SR 126) from I81 or Exit 69 (SR 394) and go through Blountville to BMS. You will encounter another new traffic signal this way as well, at Highway 394 and Exide Drive one mile west of the speedway.
Fans coming south from Roanoke or Wytheville on southbound I-81 are encouraged to exit at Virginia Exit 17 (Virginia SR 75) in Abingdon and follow southbound Route 75 into Tennessee, where it changes to Tenn. SR 44. Route 44 intersects US 421 in Holston Valley; go north on US 421 and turn left on Tennessee Highway 394 which will bring motorists into the Dragway side of BMS. OR
can also exit at Virginia Exit 3 in Bristol (Interstate 381), which turns into Commonwealth Ave. in Bristol, va. And then Volunteer Parkway in Bristol, Tenn. This leads directly to BMS.
Fans coming over Sam’s Gap on westbound I-26 from Asheville should exit onto Tennessee SR 381 (State of Franklin Road) at Exit 19 in Johnson City which leads to US 11E and then on to BMS.
We come from the south and drive up I-26 to Johnson City and take Hwy 11 to the speedway.
Traffic Updates on the BMS Radio Network on the following radio stations.
WJCW-AM 910 (TriCities TN/VA)
WFHG-AM 980 (Bristol, Va.)
WMEV-FM 93.9 (Marion, Va.)
WPSK-FM 107.1 (Pulaski, Va.)
WXSM-AM 640 (TriCities, TN/VA)
WNVA-FM 106.3 (Norton, Va.)
WMVA-AM 1450 (Martinsville, Va.)
FROM RICK H: the state troopers on I – 81 north of Bristol are on the prowl every year, Friday and Monday. I counted six troopers each way and saw at least three people get pulled over as they passed me. Be smart go the speed limit.
Traffic Information
Radio Stations for info if you're driving in for the Sharpie 500.
WJCW AM-910......................Tri-Cities, TV/VA
WXSM AM-640......................Tri-Cities, TN/VA
WFHG FM-92.7......................Bristol, TN/VA
WNVA FM-106.3....................Norton, VA
WMEV FM-93.9.....................Marion, VA
WMVA AM-1450....................Martinsville, VA
WPSK FM-107.1....................Pulaski, VA
The continued growth in pedestrian flows in certain areas around BMS require that additional no-parking areas be signed . New no-parking areas will be in place along Old Thomas Bridge Road, Highway 390, and in the Apple Ridge subdivision, along with the traditional locations where parking has been prohibited in the past. Parking is prohibited in these areas either for increased pedestrian safety or to ensure emergency vehicle access into nearby subdivisions during the race periods.
Those of you that have attended both spring and August races at BMS know that the pre-race traffic for the August event is not as intense as the spring race events, since motorists have all day long to get to the speedway in time for the race. Even though the events are later in the day, it is still to your advantage to get to the speedway as soon as possible. This will allow time for getting through the security checkpoints in plenty of time for the race, as well as securing a parking space closer to the speedway and give you time to enjoy all the amenities of BMS. All of the post-race traffic is after sunset, so motorists must pay extra attention to watch for pedestrians, police officers, traffic flagmen, and signage to navigate after the races.
For the Busch and Nextel Cup race dates, the actual plan for moving traffic to and from BMS has not been changed much from previous years. Some routes are more heavily used than others. If you are coming south to BMS from Virginia and get off of Interstate 81 at Exit 3, consider using Tennessee State Route 358 (Weaver Pike) to get to the Dragway side of BMS. There is signage guiding you to BMS via Weaver Pike once you get off of the Interstate. When you leave BMS after Race Weekend is over from the Dragway side on Highway 394, consider using the route from Highway 394 to Exit 5 in Virginia by turning left when you get to the US 421 traffic signal; this route is also used less than the others. Construction has started on a new bridge over the railroad near downtown Bristol; once that is completed, the drain route to Virginia Exit 5 will be shifted to the new bridge. This work zone does not impact the current Exit 5 route, so there is no need to avoid that route for this race.
Traffic volumes in the Exit 7 and Linden Drive areas in Bristol, Virginia, continue to grow for the post-race periods. If you are traveling from BMS to Exit 7 after the race, it may be easier from the Highway 11E side of BMS to go to Interstate 81 northbound, exit at Virginia Exit 5, and proceed north on US 11 to the Exit 7 and Linden Drive areas. From the Dragway side, follow the signs to I-81 by turning left at the US 421 traffic signal to Exit 5, but go under the I-81 bridge and stay on US 11 northbound and you will get to the Exit 7 area without having to get on I-81. This will help you avoid the congestion of the Exit 7 ramps of Interstate 81. There will be TO LINDEN DR signage to guide you; follow it to Exit 7 as well as the Linden Drive area.
There are not any large highway or utility work zones in the immediate BMS vicinity, but motorists will encounter some as they approach Bristol. Coming from the southwest, work continues on widening Interstate 40 in Knoxville, both east and west of downtown. If you are passing through Knoxville on I-40 coming from Nashville or Chattanooga, you will go through two large work zones for this activity; if you are passing through Knoxville coming from Lexington, you will go through only one, and that one can be avoided by using the I-640 bypass. From the north, traffic on US 19 coming from the southwestern Virginia coalfield areas approaching Abingdon will encounter a bridge replacement project where US 19 crosses the North Fork of the Holston River that will be ongoing for the next several Race Weekends. Work is almost complete on the replacement of the Interstate 77 bridges over the New River south of Wytheville, Virginia; this project should be completed before the spring 2007 Race Weekend. Please allow extra time for delays in these work zones if your travel route takes you through these areas.
More about Traffic and Directions
This is definitely one of those tracks I refer to in Race Ready that pays to have a detailed map of the area. Get one that shows the state highways and if you can find one that has private roads listed also. From what I could tell there are many back roads to & from Bristol to the interstates. Parking is plentiful, but not necessarily nearby. Cars are parked as far as 5 miles from the track and fans walk. Also, the track itself seems to sit on a hill. To enter the track, you have to walk up a fairly steep grade.
Traffic is brutal, as expected. Once you make it to the interstate, people say you fly. Getting out of the parking lots is the killer. If going for only the day, park as far as you think you want to walk to the track. REMEMBER, TURN YOUR CAR AROUND AND FACE YOUR CAR FACING HOW YOU NEED TO LEAVE. You won't get turned around they will make you pull out and head the way you are pointing.
Found the item below on a message board. It tells you how they will funnel you out of the speedway from certain parking areas.
DURING events, several alternate routes planned by city, county and state law enforcement agencies and civil engineers offer ways around the heaviest traffic.
Most of the new, free parking lots are located adjacent to Hwy. 394, so most of the routes funnel traffic to 394.
Bristol Motor Speedway property is accessed by three multi-purpose entrances: the North Entrance, South Entrance, and the Bristol Dragway (Hwy. 394) Entrance. During NHRA events, most guests will use this entrance to park free on Bristol Dragway/Bristol Motor Speedway grounds. During NASCAR events, public parking on the grounds is accessible only from the Bristol Dragway Entrance. The North and South Entrances are accessible only with parking permits issued by Bristol Motor Speedway and state issued handicap placards. Bristol Motor Speedway has purchased property and developed satellite parking lots on Hwy. 394, and all parking in these lots is free, with free shuttle service to the speedway. Fees are charged for tent and motor home camping at the Bristol Dragway. Please note that on property not owned by BMS, parking fees will be charged.
North Entrance: Turn 2. A new road will open for the August race weekend for vehicles with permits to use the North Entrance.
Cars will not be allowed to exit North or South Entrances for 45 minutes after NASCAR races to allow pedestrians leaving the grandstands to cross Hwy. 11E safely.
Note: No turns at Exide Drive (first traffic light north of BMS North Entrance on the Hwy. 11E).
South Entrance: Turn 3. Permit Parking Only.
Exiting the South Entrance: Left lanes will turn south toward Johnson City. Access to I-81 by Hwy. 381 (State of Franklin Road) to I-181. Right lanes will turn north toward Bristol, access to I-81 by Hwy. 11E and I-381.
Note: No turns at Exide Drive (first traffic light north of BMS North entrance on Hwy. 11E). Exide Drive will be one-way outbound after events.
Bristol Dragway Entrance: During NASCAR events, permits are required for entry at the Dragway (Hwy. 394) Entrance. Only tour buses and vehicles with permits will be admitted through the Dragway Entrance. BMS Camping Entrance (motor home and tent permits required) also accessible with North VIP, North Wheelchair Accessible, and Hospitality Parking Permits.
Exiting the Bristol Dragway Entrance: Left lanes will turn north toward Bristol and US 421. Access to I-81 via Hwy. 394 to U.S. 421 with signs directing to I-81 at Exit 5 in Bristol and Exit 17 in Abingdon. Right lanes will turn south toward Hwy. 11E and Hwy. 37. Signs direct to I-81 from either route.
Several lots offering FREE public parking are available on Hwy. 394, and BMS provides FREE SHUTTLE service from these lots, located near the intersection of White Top Road and at the Bristol, Tenn., Multi-Purpose Park.
Any traffic north of the Speedway going south on Hwy. 11E should turn at Exide Drive. Access I-81 two ways: (1) take Exide Drive away from the Speedway, turn right at Bethel Road, right at Carden Hollow Road, right at Hwy. 126, left at 11W to I-81; or (2) Exide Drive to Hwy. 37, to I-81.
Note: Northbound Volunteer Parkway traffic will not be allowed to turn left onto Exide Drive
PARKING
The single largest parking change in the parking plans from previous spring Race Weekends is the removal of parking from the grass on the westbound side of Highway 394 between the Dragway Entrance and White Top Road.
FROM LAIDBACKRACING.COM Across from the South Entrance off of Hwy 11E is a neighborhood. Lots of private parking there. Off of 394 on White Top Road is the speedway free parking. Across from that on White Top is a neighborhood with parking. Also, fans park along side of Hwy 394 on the side of the road....We ALWAYS see cars parked on the side of the road (off the road) on Hwy 394. From the exit off of hwy 11 almost up to White Top on the opposite side of the road from the dragstrip...the same side of the road as the free parking lot). then right past the entrance to the dragstrip people park on the same side of 394 as the dragstrip...then even use their 4 wheel drive vehicles to drive to the top of the small hills.
Major Parking not owned by BMS (Fee charged):
Bos' Landing - For reservations and a map please phone 423/391-0972.
Finish Line Parking - For reservation phone 423/646-5977
FROM THE SPEEDWAY: Be careful of where you park when you get to the speedway. Plan how you will exit the racetrack and select your parking location, if you can, based on that. Because of increased security, vehicles parked in and around the track in no-parking zones will be towed immediately.
POST-RACE: LEAVING BMS
All of these routes will have signage. There are eight signed "drain" routes that will carry traffic from the BMS area back to Interstates 26 and 81:
(1) south on US 11E to I-26 and I-81 at Tennessee I-81 Exit 57;
(2) south on the US 11E "contraflow" lane (available to motorists exiting South Entrance and some westbound White Top Road areas only) towards I-26 and Tennessee I-81 Exit 57; (3, 4) west on Tennessee State Route 394 through Blountville to I-81 Tennessee I-81 Exit 66 or Exit 69;
(5) north on Bethel Drive from Exide Drive to Carden Hollow Road to Tennessee State Route 126 to US 11W and thence to I-81 Tennessee I-81 Exit 74;
(6) north on US 11E to I-381 to I-81 Virginia I-81 Exit 3 in Bristol;
(7) east on Tennessee Highway 394 to US 421, then left on US 421, following the signs to Virginia I-81 Exit 5;
(8) east on Highway 394 to US 421, then right on US 421 to Route 44 and on to I-81 Virginia I-81 Exit 17 in Abingdon. All of these routes are extensively signed with TO 81 signage for guidance.
A ninth drain route directs cars only from the Dragway, White Top Road, and Sportsway Drive areas to Johnson City via US 19E through the Chinquapin area and Elizabethton. MORE
Shuttle Service
Shuttle service is offered at various points around the Speedway, including the Blue Ox Campground area. Look for Shuttle Stop signs to access. There is a Shuttle Stop at the Free Speedway parking on Hwy 394. We camp on that side off White Top and drive the LBT right up to the Shuttle stop.
GREEN FLAG FROM US: Without a doubt, BMS has the BEST shuttle service we have ever seen anywhere! It is organized and well coordinated. We stood in line maybe 15 minutes to load on the bus for the August race (less for the spring race). In under 10 minutes we were dropped off at the shuttle stop in the free parking lot on Hwy 394. They have special lanes for the shuttles only.
Bristol Motor Speedway Seating
There are no bad seats at Bristol. HOWEVER, in the turns no matter high or how low you are, you can't see the cars in the turns because of the banking. If you are to the left or right of the turns it's better but you still can't see the cars when they are right in front of you.
You can see the whole track no matter how low you are on the front & back stretch BUT remember the lower you are the louder it is. Bristol reminded me of a Roman Coliseum.
In the old days we used to say: THE HIGH THE SEAT THE BETTER THE VIEW. That was when the grandstands went up maybe to row 30 and there were no towers above that. However this is simply not true anymore with grandstands & towers that go up 5 to 10 stories. You only need to sit high enough to see the whole track. After that it is a waste of money, energy & time because you are getting further away from the track. I have been on the top row of some towers and could not tell whose car was whose. I went down to the lower grandstand and sat where I could see the whole track and the view was a helluva lot better & THE SEATS CHEAPER!
Most of the seating were the new aluminum bench seating. Standard amount of room like most tracks - NOT ENOUGH!
Kulwicki Terrace & Kulwicki Tower (the higher rows), Rusty Wallace Tower had real seats, the plastic high tech stuff that doesn't get hot or cold. Plenty of room underneath. Cup holder
FROM RACEMAMA: For the spring race all of Wallace and Kulwicki (except what is under the suites) are in the sun ALL day.
Earnhardt, Johnson, Yarborough and Petty Terrace had real seats, the plastic high tech stuff that doesn't get hot or cold. Plenty of room underneath.
And on the front stretch, the Allisons & Pearson Terrace had the real seats. Plenty of room underneath. Cup holder
The Waltrip Tower had bench seats all the way up.
All sections called Grandstands have bench seats. One word of advice about those bench seats....you will fight for you 18 inches of space!
FROM RACEMAMA: For the spring race all the frontstretch, all of turn 4 and most of turn 3 (except what is under the suites) are in the sun ALL day.
Earnhardt, Petty, Yarborough and Johnson are in the shade all day for the spring race except the lower rows in the early afternoon but all of them are in the shade about halfway thru the race.
One bad point about these new high tech seats...the automatically fly into the upright position when you stand up so if you have a seat cushion attach it to your seat somehow or you will be picking it up from under your seat all day.
About the support beams:
FROM SPENCER E: At Bristol the support beams for the Wallace tower are in ROW 12 of the Kulwicki Terrace. I figured that this might be a pertinent piece of information since many folks that attend Bristol have to go to outside sources for seats and row 12 is lower than most would probably think. Just last weekend I bought Busch tickets off ebay (since they were well below face as opposed to paying full price from the track) that were in row 16. I was familiar with BMS but figured the support beams were higher up!
FROM RACEMAMA: We sit in Earnhardt Terrace row 13, seats on the aisle. The support beams aren't in our way. I think it depends how high up you are and where in the row. The beams would be in the way if we were in the middle of the row.
About the elevators:
FROM BETH W: Just a little FYI about the new Rusty Wallace Tower seats at Bristol we just experienced this last weekend. If you have seats up in this section, the only way you can get a elevator to get to the top(actually to the Kuwicki Mezz. area) on race day is from the ground level ONLY!!!!! After we went into just any gate after hiking up hill and dale to get to the track, we went to the elevator on that level and waited and waited only to be told they were running the elevator from the ground level and it would not stop on any other levels to pick fans up.
FROM RACEMAMA: This is true for the Earnhardt Terrace also. I am assuming it is true for all the elevators for terrace seating. Once the race begins however you can use the elevator to go down 1 flight to the bathrooms.
CONCESSIONS
Grandstands had a load of concessions stands located all along them. High price but it is your own fault for not bringing what you need because Bruton's let's us bring whatever you want into the track. Coolers no higher than 14" and no bottles...
(Funny story: The entire weekend of the August 2005 race the wide screen TV's kept showing an ad:
JFG Coffee and Bristol Motor Speedway, always something brewing...
BMS welcomes JFG into the speedway family
....well my sister wanted a cup of coffee but there wasn't any at ANY of the concession stands. I guess JFG's big money for being a new sponsor didn't include actually selling their product! Or maybe they are the red headed step children of the family)
RESTROOMS
Bruton is a liar when he said that his tracks had more toilets than some race tracks had seating.
One thing I've heard about this track was that it lacked restrooms. Lines for the restrooms reached back to the stands, and wrapped around and through lines for other concessions. I was told that it is sometimes easier to leave the speedway, and get a pass out ticket & find a port-o-john with a smaller line.
The first time we went to Bristol we had tickets in the Kulwicki Tower & there were only 9 stalls in the restrooms I found on that level. Once again the more expensive the ticket the fewer bathrooms! The Tower above us cost even more and there were no bathrooms! They had to come down to our level to use the rest rooms.
Earnhardt Terrace however had many bathrooms as does Junior Johnson.
STAFF
Staff was extremely helpful. What I liked is this one girl I asked for the way to my seats pulled out a copy of the seating chart. Unlike RIR she even knew what grandstand she was standing in to be helpful.
Independent Vendors
Many independent vendors at Bristol. They are in the campgrounds. I found vendors listed with the amenities at many of the campgrounds so look for those generic white tents for the souvenir deals.
GREEN FLAG FROM US: While at Bristol we found a ton of independent vendors. They are next to the moat in the All-American Campground (423-279-0031) outside of the Darrell Waltrip Tower & the Earhart Campground, (423) 764-4406, behind the Kulwicki Tower. Also located at Gentry's (423-538-5975 OR 423-538-6124) and Bill Gaines Campground.
All down Hwy. 11 on the opposite side of the street from the speedway's south entrance are vendors. In every single business along this route for about a mile in either direction are vendors. I guess that they figure they aren't making money from people coming to their businesses they might as well make it from vendors. Also at the BP right next to the south entrance on the back stretch right on 11.
BRISTOL MOTOR SPEEDWAY 2009 SCHEDULE
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 
Gates Open 9:00 AM
UNOH Perfect Storm 150 Practice 9:00 AM - 9:50 AM
O'Reilly 200 Practice 10:00 AM - 10:50 AM
UNOH Perfect Storm 150 Final Practice 11:00 AM - 11:50 AM
O'Reilly 200 Final Practice NOON - 1:30 PM
UNOH Perfect Storm 150 Qualifying (2 Laps - All Positions) 3:00 PM
O'Reilly 200 Qualifying (2 Laps - All Positions) 4:30 PM
UNOH Perfect Storm 150 Driver Introductions 5:30 PM
Start Of UNOH Perfect Storm 150 6:00 PM
O'Reilly 200 Driver Introductions 7:30 PM
Start Of O'Reilly 200 8:00 PM
Friday, August 21, 2009
Gates Open 9:00 AM
Food City 250 Final Practice 9:00 AM - 11:50 AM
Sharpie 500 Practice NOON - 1:30 PM
Sharpie 500 Final Practice 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Food City 250 Qualifying (2 Laps - All Positions) 4:10 PM
Sharpie 500 Qualifying (2 Laps - All Positions) 5:40 PM
Food City 250 Driver Introductions 7:30 PM
Start Of Food City 250 8:00 PM
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Gates Open 1:00 PM
Sharpie 500 Driver Introductions 7:00 PM
Start Of Sharpie 500 7:30 PM
Hospitality
Half-Mile Club Cost of becoming a Half-Mile Club member, which does not include race tickets, for the upcoming August races is $110 for the Food City 250 and $180 for the Sharpie 500. The weekend package is $270. For further information about joining the Half-Mile Club at BMS, please contact Amy Denton at (423) 989-6930 or via email at amy@bristolmotorspeedway.com. MORE
Amp Energy Club 2009 August Race Weekend
Nationwide Food City 250: $110 (Track Tours Not Available)
Sprint Cup Sharpie 500: $180 (Driver appearance and Track Tour included)
Weekend (Nationwide & Cup): $270
Dale Earnhardt Jr., who will visit the AMP Energy Club on Saturday, Aug. 22, prior to the start of the Sharpie 500.
WHAT TO DO...
DRIVER'S APPEARANCES
Appearances are posted from a week before race day up until a few days before. Many times there isn't advanced notice, go by the souvenir haulers and look for the signs. (Go on Friday if possible)
Reed Sorenson tries to visit his souvenir trailer at the race track each weekend to sign autographs. Be sure to stop by the trailer and check for times.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Justin Allgaier is scheduled to sign autographs at the Penske Racing souvenir trailer on Friday, August 21, 2009 from 1:30 - 2:00pm/et. The trailer is located on souvenir row along the frontstretch at Bristol Motor Speedway.www.jayski.com
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Kurt Busch at Autograph Signing at Miller Lite Souvenir Hauler Time: TBD www.kurtbusch.com/
Brian Vickers will be making an appearance at the Red Bull merchandise hauler. Tickets will be handed out throughout the weekend. Members of Club V will be allowed into the signing (with their member card) even if the allotted tickets have been distributed. Check hauler for time driverappearances.com/
AJ Allmendinger is scheduled to sign autographs at his merchandise hauler at Bristol Motor Speedway on Saturday, August 22, 2009 at 2:45pm/et.www.jayski.com
Sam Hornish is scheduled to sign autographs at the Penske Racing souvenir trailer located in the display area at Bristol Motor Speedway on Saturday, August 22, 2009 from 3:00 - 3:30pm/et.www.jayski.com
Casey Mears is scheduled to appear at the Jack Daniel's Experience, located in the Earhart Campground near Turn 2 at Bristol Motor Speedway on Saturday, August 22, 2009 at 3:45pm/et.www.jayski.com
Casey Mears is scheduled to sign autographs and greet fans at the Jack Daniel's merchandise trailer, located in the Bristol Motor Speedway midway on Saturday, August 22, 2009 from 4:00 - 4:30pm/et. . A limited number of tickets are available at the trailer prior to his appearance and are issued on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Ryan Newman will be doing a Q&A session at the Army Interactive Display. 4:10 pm - 4:25 pm driverappearances.com/
Food City Family Race Night
August 19, 2009 Food City Family Race Night event is also planned for Knoxville, TN. Knoxville Expo Center 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM Advance Tickets $5 at Food City. $6 at the event.
Miss Food City - Lindsey Blevins
NASCAR Legend - Lois Tyler
Budweiser - Bud Girls
Sam Bass Illustrations & Design, Inc. - Sam Bass
Vintage - Greg Corum
Vintage - Melvin Corum
#97 NASCAR Whelen - Zeke Shell
#19 Legend/Pro Challenge - Chad Finchum
#13 Crunk Energy Legends Series - Chris McKinney
ESPN Lead Analyst/Car Owner - Rusty Wallace (7pm-8pm)
RCR Safety Director/Retired Fuel Man for #3 - Chocolate Myers (7pm-8pm)
#62 South Point Hotels & Casino - Brendan Gaughan (7pm-8pm)
#66 5-Hour Energy Drink/fidelis - Steve Wallace (7pm-8pm)
ESPN Lead Analyst - Dr. Jerry Punch (7pm-8pm)
#24 Hefty/Food City - Eric McClure
#83 Lonesome Pine - Dylan Presnell
#74 Lonesome Pine - Caleb Holman
Lonesome Pine Pace Car - Harold Crook
#3 Vintage - Brian Voiles
#25 ARCA - Jake Crum
Rhonda Vincent & the Rage - Rhonda Vincent (6pm-6:45pm)
August 20, 2009The Food City Race Night will be held at Bristol Motor Speedway. from 4:00 - 9:00pm/et. Admission is free; no ticket required. [List of drivers will continue to grow as confirmation is received.] For complete list of events, entertainment and attractions, visit the Food City Racing website.
#27 Kleenex/US Postal Service - Jason Keller (5pm-8pm)
#30 Toyota - Todd Bodine (5pm-7pm)
#24 Hefty/Food City - Eric McClure (5pm-7pm)
#29 Reese's - Kevin Harvick (6pm-8pm) *400 Autograph wristbands to be given out at Harvicks line beginning at 1pm
#33 General Mills - Clint Bowyer (4pm-6pm)
#28 US Border Patrol - Kenny Wallace (7pm-8pm)
Other Appearances
Miss Food City - Lindsey Blevins (6pm-8pm)
NASCAR Legend - Lois Tyler (6pm-8pm)
#21 Heat - Burton Martin (6pm-8pm)
#29 Lonesome Pine - Josh Hale (6pm-8pm)
Lonesome Pine Pace Car - Harold Crook (6pm-8pm)
#83 Lonesome Pine - Dylan Presnell (6pm-8pm)
#74 Lonesome Pine - Caleb Holman (6pm-8pm)
#44 Lonesome Pine - Nate Montieth (6pm-8pm)
#94 Lonesome Pine - Jeff Woodard (6pm-8pm)
#18 Lonesome Pine - Derrike Woodard (6pm-8pm)
#97 NASCAR Whelen - Zeke Shell (6pm-8pm)
#13 Legend Series - Chris McKinney
NASCAR Artist - Sam Bass (5pm-8pm)
#19 Banderlo / Legends - Chad Finchum
#3 Landmark Builders / Shields Electronics - Chad Harris
#294 NHRA Jr. Dragster - Lexi Dixon
BMS Book Authors - David McGee & Sonya Haskins (3pm-8pm)
Sullivan County Book Author & Bristol Author - Joe Tennis & George Stone (3pm-8pm)
SPEED - Hermie Sadler (6pm-7pm)
#3 Vintage - Brian Voiles (6pm-8pm)
#25 ARCA - Jake Crum
Nashville Recording Artist - April Taylor
BAM Racing-Ben Blessing & Nate Montieth
BLUE LIZARD NASCAR NEXTEL CUP TRANSPORTER PARADE FALL RACE
DOWN VOLUNTEER PARKWAY, FROM DOWNTOWN BRISTOL (BRISTOL MALL) TO SPEEDWAY at 9:00 Thursday after Food City Family Race Night. Parade route is 10 miles long to the end at the speedway. Fireworks will explode high overhead from four points (Food City on Euclid Ave., Executive Park, Avoca Little League Baseball Park, and Tri Cities Auto Parts across from the Speedway) along the route.
FROM US: They come down Hwy 11 and turn in the South Entrance.
OTHER STUFF TO DO
Monday, Aug. 17th 11th Annual SCC Golf Tournament presented by Baker's Construction Services: The August race week starts off with the 10th Annual Speedway Children's Charities Golf Tournament on Monday, Aug. 17th. The tournament takes place at Tri-Cities Golf Club, which is just five minutes from Bristol Motor Speedway. Participants will have a great time while also helping thousands of children in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. Teams are forming now and they will fill up quickly so now is the time to reserve your spot.
Tuesday, August 18 Bluegrass Nights, Downtown Center, Bristol, TN, Holston Mountain Boys, FREE, 7 PM, MORE
Hooters Rev-It-Up Party - Hooters Restaurant, 228 North Roan Street, Johnson City, TN, 6 pm, Live music, bikini contest, wing-eating contest, Colin Braun's truck series team and more. VIEW MAP
Thursday, Aug. 20 Eastman Motorsports Club Memorabilia Auction: On Thursday, Aug. 20 the annual Eastman Motorsports Club Memorabilia Auction takes place. Many items from your favorite racing teams will be on the auction block including sheet metal, autographed jackets and much more! The auction begins at 6 p.m. and you can expect to see one of NASCAR's stars in attendance! All money raised benefits the Bristol Chapter of Speedway Children's Charities.
Thursday, Aug. 20 Richard Petty Driving Experience Ride-Alongs: Here's your chance to ride around the World's Fastest Half-Mile nearly as fast as the professionals as Speedway Children's Charities and Richard Petty Driving Experience have partnered once again to bring you the Ride-Along program. The Richard Petty Driving Experience Ride-Alongs will be available Thursday, Aug. 20. Participants will be outfitted in a fire suit before taking to the track where they'll get to ride around NASCAR's most popular track for three laps.
Cost of the rides is $149 per person. Rides will take place on Aug 20 from 6:45 p.m. - 9:45 p.m. In the event of inclement weather, participants will be given a credit that may be used at any Richard Petty Driving Experience event for up to one year.
Anyone interested in taking part in the Ride-Alongs, should pre-register at 1-800-BE-PETTY or at www.1800bepetty.com. Participants must be 14 years of age or stand at least four feet tall and weigh 80 pounds. There are a limited number of rides available so anyone interested in participating should register promptly.
Friday, August 21 Levy Restaurants Rubbin' is Racin' Spice Rub Contest Finals, 3 pm, The chefs have been narrowed down to a few and they'll test pit spice rub recipes against each other for a panel of Bristol judges to see who'll win the right to serve up "The Official Spice Rub of Bristol Motor Speedway" in 2010.
Cornhole Classic Set For Aug. 21-22 The tournament will be held at BMS in the display area, between the Speedway and Bristol Dragway, and will begin Aug. 21. Tournament times are 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 21 and Aug. 22 from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.-5 p.m. The championship will take place Aug. 22 between the top two teams from each tournament beginning at 5:15 p.m.
Cost to enter the tournament is $40 per team. All proceeds from the Cornhole Classic will benefit the Bristol Chapter of Speedway Children's Charities. MORE
Saturday Aug. 22 Track Walk: Speedway Children's Charities is partnering with the NASCAR Foundation for the annual Track Walk around Bristol Motor Speedway. Fans will be given the opportunity to walk around the famous oval and see the venue from the infield. Online registration has already begun but fans also can register at BMS throughout race weekend. The walk will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday Aug. 22. To sign up go to www.nascarfoundation.org and click on Track Walks.
Ride of a Lifetime Auction presented by Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, Gatlinburg, TN: Imagine taking a ride around Bristol Motor Speedway with a NASCAR Sprint Cup superstar in front of nearly 160,000 fans. For 15 individuals the dream ride will become a reality courtesy of Ford , Speedway Children's Charities & Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg, Tenn. The "Ride of a Lifetime" online auction returns for the Sharpie 500 with proceeds going to the Bristol Chapter of Speedway Children's Charities.
Drivers participating in the auction are Tony Stewart, Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Kurt Busch, Ryan Newman, Matt Kenseth, Carl Edwards, Kasey Kahne, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Clint Bowyer, Kevin Harvick, Kyle Busch, Mark Martin, Denny Hamlin and Elliott Sadler.
Walk of Fame at Bristol Motor Speedway: Leave your mark at Bristol Motor Speedway by having your personal message engraved into a paver in the new sidewalk along Volunteer Parkway. Cost of the pavers are $149 and messages can be two lines up to sixteen characters on each. Spaces and symbols count as a character. Once your block has been placed in the sidewalk a picture will be sent by email along with your square's exact location. For more information visit www.bristolmotorspeedway.com or contact Barbara Kaiser. Pavers will be on sale in front of the old ticket office during the August race weekend.
JUMBOTRON MESSAGES Want to put a message to a loved one on the Jumbotron during pre-race of the Sharpie 500? For a donation of $250 to Speedway Children's Charities you can do just that. Messages can also be placed on the marquee along Volunteer parkway for $50.
The Limited Edition Doug Shealy painting of Bristol Motor Speedway also will be available during August race week. The detail in the print will amaze you and for $25 you can take one home with you. Prints will be sold in front of the old ticket office in the souvenir trailer lot.
SPEEDTV STAGE
The Speed TV Stage will be outside of Turn 4
SPEEDWAY WORLD
You can find the Speedway World located in the Bruton Smith Building located on the Hwy. 11E side of the Speedway.
THE BRISTOL EXPERIENCE
A totally free way to experience the wonders of Bristol Motor Speedway and Dragway. The interactive fan zone features a theatre, computer simulated games, and a wide variety of Bristol-themed racing displays. The Bristol Experience also can be found in the Bruton Smith Building.
ATTRACTIONS
Abingdon Vineyard and Winery - Abingdon, VA (276) 623-1255
Appalachian Caverns - Bristol, TN (423) 323-2337
Appalachian Ghost Walks - Unicoi, TN (423) 943-6477
Belmont Lanes - Bristol, TN (423) 764-5135
Birthplace of Country Music Alliance - Bristol, TN (423) 990-2262
Cinemark Tinseltown USA - Bristol, VA (276) 669-0588
Cooper's Gem Mine - Blountville, TN (423) 323-5680
Corner Pocket Billiards - Bristol, TN (423) 764-8888
Tilt - Kingsport, TN (423) 247-5321
Lazer Venture - Kingsport, TN (423) 246-6927
Rocky Mount Museum - Piney Flats, TN (423) 538-7396
William King Regional Arts Center - Abingdon, VA (276) 628-5005
Golf
Big Hollow Par III - Blountville, TN (423) 323-6615
Cattails At Meadowview - Kingsport, TN (423) 578-6622
Cedars Golf Course - Bristol, TN (423) 989-0054
Clear Creek Golf Club - Bristol, VA (276) 466-4833
Graysburg Hill Golf Course - Chuckey, TN (423) 234-8061
Steele Creek Golf & Driving - Bristol, TN (423) 764-6411
Tri-Cities Golf Club - Blountville, TN (423) 323-4178
Warriors Path State Park Golf - Kingsport, TN (423) 323-4990
The Bristol Caverns right next to the speedway. Paved, well lighted walkways wind through the vaulted chambers and along the banks of the ancient Underground River that carved these remarkable caverns from the hard core of the earth 200 to 400 million years ago. In the frontier days, Indians used the Underground River as an attack and escape route in their raids on settlers. Stalactites and stalagmites, some larger than tree trunks and others smaller than straws, will fascinate you. (423) 878-2011 Located 8 miles from I-81 1157 Bristol Caverns Pkwy, (423) 878-2011. Guided tours about ever 20 minutes. Open March 15 through November 15, 9 a.m.-5p.m.; November 16 through March 14, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Open Sundays at 12:30 p.m. year-round.
Go to the Appalachian Ghost Walks in nearby Unicoi. They bring the region's Cherokee Indian and Native American, Frontier, Revolutionary War, and Civil War history to life for you as well as the younger generation with their historic walking tours suitable for all ages. These "lantern-led" guided ghost walks are operated by professionally Certified Ghost Hunters with a unique blend of science, history, and folklore yet maintaining a strong commitment to historical accuracy. While attending the tours, you will learn about Native American Ghosts, Civil War Ghosts, and Revolutionary War Ghosts.
Remember that Bristol Motor Speedway is in the heart of the Mountains. Take a scenic drive and enjoy Mother Nature!
Andrew Johnson National Historical Site - Located 14 miles from I-81, 101 North College Street, Greenville, TN 37744-1088, (423) 639-3711. Home of the nation's 17th President. Includes the Visitor Center, Museum and Tailor Shop and the National Cemetery which includes the burial site of President Johnson. Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Closed New Years Day, Thanksgiving
MRO ~~ CHAPEL SERVICES AT THE TRACK
Outreach Locations ~~ All-American Campground, Chapel On Wheels (Earhart East), Thunder Valley Campground, Bristol Campground, Finish Line Campground, Shadrack's Campground, Hill & Dale Campground, Farmer Bob's Campground, Earhart West Campground, Hicks Campground
MISCELLANEOUS INFO
Also, wear ear protection. This is a 1/2 mile track with stands built all the way around for 190,000 fans which amplifies the sound.
UPDATE FROM US: Noise wasn't a problem in the seats we had BUT we were up high. When I went down lower though it was bad.
Wear good walking shoes. Hiking boots are even better because of the inclines. Also, I would bring a wagon or one of those shopping carts on 2 wheels. This place is hilly & steep. It is better to pull your stuff in a wagon then have to carry it. Bring a bicycle chain & lock to locked it up while you are in the track.
UPDATE FROM US: OH MY!!! This place is sooooo hilly. I had to walk more here than at Talladega which is a 2.66 mile track! WEAR GOOD HIKING SHOES & TAKE THE WAGON!!
Sonic Tag-A-Kid Program Featured At BMS
The Tag-A-Kid Program is designed to reunite parents and their children should they become separated at the Speedway.
Each Nationwide information booth at Bristol Motor Speedway will be equipped with armbands for children. MORE INFO
Elevators:
Elevator 1 - Gate #2 (Pearson, Suites 176-186)
Elevator 2 - Gate #18 (Allison, Suites 166-175, 263-270)
Elevator 3 - Gate #16 (Allison, Suites 156-165, 254-262)
Elevator 4 - Gate #14 (Waltrip, Suites 101-135)
Elevator 5 - Gate #10 (Waltrip, Suites 101-135)
Elevator 6 - Gate #8 (Earnhardt Terrace, Suites 401-404, 501-504)
Elevator 7 - Gate #7 (Earnhardt Terrace, Suites 405-421, 505-532)
Elevator 8 - Gate #7 (Earnhardt Terrace, Suites 405-421, 505-532)
Elevator 9 - Gate #4 (Kulwicki)
Elevator 10 - Gate #3 (Kulwicki)
Fan Care Locations
Grandstand:
Yarborough - Inside Gate 7 (Section A)
Allison - Concourse Level (Section F)
Kulwicki - Mezzanine 2 (Section H)
Waltrip - Lower Level (Section P)
Grounds:
Elevator Tower 9/Gate 4
Across from JFG Hospitality Village
All-American Campground Bridge
What you can bring into the grandstands:
In addition to permitting one 14-inch cooler, fans now may bring one carry-in bag only. That item also may not exceed the 14-inch size limit. All carry-in items will be searched prior to entry into Speedway grandstands. It is recommended that fans make their way into the gates at least one hour prior to green flag to allow proper time for inspection of these items.
NATIONWIDE GUEST SERVICES
These folks have the answer to everything Bristol. A number of blue Nationwide Guest Services tents are located through the speedway property as well as inside the grandstand area. If you need any type of information you should visit one of the Guest Services tents, located at the Bruton Smith Building, at the North entrance of the speedway, at the Earhart bridge (inside the old ticket office), in Lot E, at Gate 7, at the All-American Campground bridge and at the Dragway Entrance. Grandstand locations are in Waltrip “A”, Junior Johnson “F”, Petty “D” and Pearson “G”.
ADA Accessible Parking
Anyone planning to use state-issued placards should send copies of the permit and the supporting documentation in advance, along with an application form, so that the Events Department can send advance passes for appropriate parking lots. The documentation required is the same reviewed by law enforcement officials at the entrances to handicap lots. MORE INFO
Bristol Handicapped Parking Applications (PDF File)....MORE
Fans needing accessible parking are required to have a State issued placard / tags or a BMS issued parking permit. Our accessible areas are highly monitored to ensure that each vehicle parking in these locations is valid and registered to a person in the vehicle.
If your seats are located on the frontstretch side of the track, enter the Dragway entrance located on St. Rt. 394. If your seats are located on the backstretch of the track, enter the South entrance located on Hwy. 11E. Please have your placard and identification available for inspection upon entering these entrances. Remember our accessible areas are on a first- come, first-served basis, so plan to arrive early to obtain a parking place.
ADA Accessible Wheelchair Parking
If you need to obtain a wheelchair space for any of our events please contact Becky Fulwider at 423/989-6931
New Express Suttle - North Lot, Gate 1
A new Express Shuttle connecting the North Lot handicap accessible parking area and Gate 1 in Lot A will make its debut during the spring Food City 500-Sharpie MINI 300 weekend. The Express Shuttle will operate continuously on all three event days, before, during and immediately after the races. One ramp previously used by pedestrians will be designated for Express Shuttle carts only, and only for special needs guests. Carts using the ramp will be restricted to the shuttle path and will not travel to any areas of the property beyond the shuttle path.
