Speedway In Lights - Bristol Motor Speedway: It's the region's biggest and brightest holiday tradition. AutoTrader.com Speedway In Lights powered by TVA returns to Bristol Motor Speedway and Dragway for its 15th season. Open 6 to 10 pm nightly from November 18 through January 7, the entire family will enjoy this four-mile drive throughout Thunder Valley. Millions of lights and hundreds of displays line the route, and you even get to drive on the legendary "World's Fastest Half-Mile." Make sure you take some time to stop in Christmas Village! Enjoy roasting marshmallows, the carnival rides and even visit jolly ol' Saint Nick himself. Returning this season is the wildly popular "Symphony of Lights" which features thousands of LED lights moving to the rhythm of your favorite holiday tunes in the Darrell Waltrip grandstand. Also back for a second straight year is Santa's Sleigh Ride. It's an open-air ride through the lights aboard a holiday themed tram with a tour guide and plenty of fun. Sleigh rides operate only on Wednesday and Thursday nights at 6 pm and 8pm and reservations are required (call 423.989.6900). Sleigh Ride tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. And don't forget, proceeds from your visit to Speedway In Lights benefit the Bristol Chapter of Speedway Children's Charities. So not only will this event put a smile on your face, but it will also brighten the lives of thousands of children throughout the region surrounding Bristol Motor Speedway and Dragway.(BMS)(12-1-2011)

Random Acts of Kindness Night at Bristol: It was an early Christmas for those who chose to visit AutoTrader.com Speedway In Lights powered by TVA at Bristol Motor Speedway on Sunday evening. For the second season, all visitors were admitted free to the holiday light show as part of Random Acts of Kindness Night in memory of Jeff Byrd, the longtime general manager and president of Bristol Motor Speedway and Dragway who passed away in October of 2010. Byrd, whose 62nd birthday would have been this past weekend, was a strong advocate of providing a helping hand to anyone who needed it. To honor him, a number of the Speedway’s partners again offered support for what certainly was one of his favorite gestures. At the end of the night, more than 1,100 vehicles passed through the lights and benefited from the act. Random Act of Kindness Night was made possible through the support of Baker’s Construction Services, Can Do Enterprises, Corporal Clean, Express Signs, First Tennessee Foundation, Foster Signs, Green Acres, IT Decisions, JANPAK and Universal Printing. Proceeds from Autotrader.com Speedway In Lights powered by TVA benefit the Bristol Chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising funds for children’s agencies in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. The Bristol Chapter of SCC has raised in excess of $6.5 million since 1997. Speedway In Lights is open nightly 6-10 p.m. through Jan. 7. Tickets, which may be purchased at the gate, are $10 for cars Sunday through Thursday, and $12 Friday and Saturday. Activity van tickets are $15 each night and bus tickets are $65 each night.(BMS)(12-14-2011)

Jeff Byrd named to Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame: Former Bristol Motor Speedway president and general manager Jeff Byrd will be inducted posthumously into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame in 2012. Byrd, who passed away in October of 2010, is among 10 inductees who will be enshrined at the annual Hall of Fame banquet in Nashville May 19. A native of North Carolina, Byrd moved to Bristol in 1996 to take the helm at BMS after a lengthy and extremely successful career at R.J. Reynolds. The gregarious Byrd was part of a core group of bright, young people who worked at R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. from the 1970s to the 1990s, helping to transform NASCAR into one of the premier spectator sports in the world. Under Byrd's leadership and guidance, Bristol Motor Speedway grew from a 70,000-seat facility to one of the five largest stadiums in the country in terms of permanent seating with approximately 160,000 seats. Byrd's attention to guests - and his mantra of Exceed Expectations - made the race track a fan-favorite and one of NASCAR's most popular venues. During his tenure, Byrd also oversaw the transformation of Bristol Dragway into one of the country's premier NHRA facilities.(BMS)(12-13-2011)

Bristol race dates unchanged in 2012: Bristol Motor Speedway will again kick off NASCAR's short track season in 2012 in March and will welcome fans back for its second Sprint Cup event on the last Saturday in August. The main event in March, the Food City 500, which is the fourth Sprint Cup race of the season, takes place March 18. The IRWIN Tools Night Race, the sport's most popular event, takes place Aug. 25. NASCAR kicks off the BMS March race weekend with Ford Fan Friday March 16, followed by the Nationwide Series event March 17, and the Food City 500 Sprint Cup race March 18. August race week will begin with the Camping World Truck Series/Whelen Modified Series UNOH Perfect Storm 150 doubleheader Aug. 22. The Food City 250 Nationwide Series race is Aug. 24, followed by the IRWIN Tools Night Race Aug. 25.(BMS)(9-22-2011)

NASCAR plans more scoring loops at Bristol: Bristol Motor Speedway is unique among NASCAR Sprint Cup tracks in that it has two separate pit roads - one along each straightaway. That alignment does not fit well with NASCAR's modern method of pitting, which includes strict pit-road speeds and an attempt to make pit stops and the entrance to and exit from the pits as equal as possible. That was not the case in Saturday night's Irwin Tools Night Race at the track. Race winner Brad Keselowski and others appeared to benefit from the location of their pits, giving them more room to move faster in certain sections of pit road. Other pit spots were not as advantageous. NASCAR Sprint Cup Series director John Darby admitted after the race that the situation was not ideal and said NASCAR will address it. "We understand what happened, and we're already looking at it," he said. "We'll probably put in two more scoring loops on each side of pit road." Darby's intent is to add loops on the Bristol surface, thus providing a closer read on speeds. Based primarily on their pit locations, some drivers were positioned to "speed" along portions of pit road, then quickly hit their brakes before being detected. Additional loops should take care of that discrepancy.(SPEED)(8-28-2011)

Bristol Driver Introduction Songs: Instead of run-of-the-mill driver introductions, Bristol Motor Speedway lets Sprint Cup drivers stroll out in front of fans to snippets of the songs of their choice. The speedway on Friday afternoon released a song list for several drivers for Saturday's Irwin Tools Night Race. Not all drivers released their song choices; Dale Earnhardt Jr. is keeping his pick a secret until he walks down the ramp. Selections we do know:
• Carl Edwards — "Run This Town" by Jay Z.
• Jimmie Johnson — "Don't Mess Around With Jim" by Jim Croce
• Jeff Gordon — "E.I." by Nelly
• Mark Martin — "La Grange" by ZZ Top
• Kevin Harvick — "Show Me What You Got" by Jay-Z
• Clint Bowyer — "Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way" by Waylon Jennings
• Jeff Burton — A combination of "Coal Keeps The Lights On" by Neal Spears and "Welcome to the Jungle" by Guns 'n' Roses
• Paul Menard — "Gypsy Road"
• Kyle Busch — "Rowdy Busch" by Raytona500
• Denny Hamlin — "Bad Meets Evil" by Fast Lane
• Joey Logano — ESPN's SportsCenter theme song
• Matt Kenseth — "Indestructible" by Disturbed
• Greg Biffle — The Sanford and Son theme song
• David Ragan — "I'm From The Country" by Tracy Byrd
• Tony Stewart — "Throw the Hammer Down" by Derek Miller
• Ryan Newman — "Big Green Tractor" by Jason Aldean
• Kasey Kahne — "Made In America" by Toby Keith
• Kurt Busch — "Baby Got Back" by Sir Mix A Lot
• David Reutimann — "Pretty Fly For A White Guy" by The Offspring
• J.J. Yeley — "I'm Sexy And I Know It" by LMFAO.(USA Today)(8-27-2011)

Bristol Season Ticket Holders to have Wall of Fame: Bristol Motor Speedway's thousands of loyal fans are being recognized in a rather unique way during its 50th anniversary celebration throughout August race weekend. Thousands of iBelong Season Ticket Holders at NASCAR's most popular track now have their names placed on the inside retaining wall near the exit of Turn 4. BMS is the first track to honor its fans in this manner. "This is simply another way to show our fans just how important they are to us," said Executive Vice President and General Manager Jerry Caldwell. "These folks are absolutely the best and we wanted to do something a little different - and special - to make sure they realized just how appreciative we are of their support.(BMS)(8-26-2011)

Fans to get Bristol trading cards at Irwin Tools Night Race: Fifty years of racing at Bristol Motor Speedway has produced some of the sport's most significant moments and created lasting memories for race fans. In celebration of the track's golden anniversary, every fan through the gates for the Aug. 27 IRWIN Tools Night Race will receive a sheet of trading cards highlighting some of the most memorable events in Bristol's history. Among the 24 trading cards is one featuring the infamous wreck from the 1999 Night Race in which Dale Earnhardt knocked Terry Labonte out of the way en route to his ninth win at BMS, as well as Darrell Waltrip's history-making seventh straight Bristol win in 1984 and Davey Allison's celebration of his photo-finish victory over Mark Martin in 1990. There are four different sheets of the BMS trading cards and each fan will receive one sheet, enabling them to trade with their fellow race fans that evening, prior to the start of the IRWIN Tools Night Race.(BMS)(8-25-2011)

Bristol 50th anniversary poster given away with souvenir program: Bristol Motor Speedway's celebration of its 50th anniversary continues during the upcoming August race weekend with a special poster and souvenir program to commemorate the occasion. The program features a cover by NASCAR artist Sam Bass that gives a nod to the most successful drivers in the track's history: Darrell Waltrip, Dale Earnhardt, Rusty Wallace, Cale Yarborough, David Pearson, Jeff Gordon, Kurt Busch and Kyle Busch. Inside the program are numerous photos and stories tracing a half century of Bristol racing. With the purchase of the program comes a poster, created by Roger Warrick, which features all 26 drivers who have won the second race of the season at BMS, including all of the drivers on the cover of the program. Among the other drivers on the poster are Hall of Famers Richard Petty, Bobby Allison and Ned Jarrett, as well as Dale Earnhardt Jr., Tony Stewart, Alan Kulwicki, Matt Kenseth, Carl Edwards, Benny Parsons and Ernie Irvan. The poster will be given away as part of the souvenir program package, which includes the program, a BMS collectible car and a plastic sleeve to protect the program. Cost of the program package is only $10. Fans wishing to purchase the $15 package also will receive a BMS racing t-shirt. The program goes on sale Wednesday, Aug. 24 just in time for the O'Reilly Auto Parts 200/UNOH Perfect Storm 150 doubleheader at BMS, and will be sold throughout race weekend.(BMS)(8-24-2011)

Bristol Dignitaries, National Anthems and Flyovers for Bristol announced: One of the most popular groups ever to sing the national anthem at Bristol Motor Speedway returns to perform prior to IRWIN Tools Night Race Aug. 27. Motor Racing Outreach again brings the children of NASCAR drivers and crew members together to sing the anthem before the green flag falls on the sport’s most popular race. Country music’s J.T. Hodges will perform the national anthem prior to the start of Friday night’s Food City 250. Sidewalk Prophets, winners of the 2010 GMA Dove Award for New Artist of the Year, will perform the anthem Wednesday evening, prior to the start of the O’Reilly Auto Parts 200, while country music’s Reagan Boggs, a local favorite from Pound, Va., will perform before the UNOH Perfect Storm 150. Joe Gibbs will give the invocation before the IRWIN Tools Night Race, along with Mike Rife (Vansant Church of Christ, Food City 250), Steve Wingfield (Victory Weekend Ministries, O’Reilly Auto Parts 200) and Don Rivers (Racing with Jesus Ministries, UNOH Perfect Storm 150).
Saturday night’s flyover will feature four T-38 Talon Twin-Jet High-Altitude Trainers from Randolph Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas while 2 T-45s from Naval Air Station Meridian (Miss.) will be featured in Friday’s flyover.
The grand marshals for the IRWIN Tools Night Race will be Mike Polk, CEO of Newell Rubbermaid and 250 professional tradesmen. Friday’s grand marshal is Sullivan County sheriff’s deputy Carolyn Gudger, while USMC Retired Lt. Col. Tom Talty (UNOH Perfect Storm 150) and Lyk-Nu Automotive’s Bill Seiber (O’Reilly Auto Parts 200) will drop the green flags Wednesday evening.
Honorary Starters are Ace Hardware’s Ken Goodgame (IRWIN Tools Night Race), country music’s Billy Dean (Food City 250), Lock 16 Restaurants’ Gene Miller (UNOH Perfect Storm 150) and VJ’s Auto’s Ricky Brown (O’Reilly Auto Parts 200). The Tennessee Army National Guard will present the colors Saturday evening while Cherokee High School’s NJROTC will present Friday and Dobyns-Bennett High School’s AFJROTC will present the color prior to both Wednesday races.
Tickets are available for all four night races at Bristol Motor Speedway. Fans can enjoy both the IRWIN Tools Night Race and the Food City 250 for as little as $99. Should they be in town for the Wednesday night doubleheader, fans can take in all four races under the lights in packages starting at $129. To purchase tickets, fans may contact the BMS ticket office at 1-866-415-4158 or 423-BRISTOL.(BMS)(8-23-2011)

Transporter Parade in Bristol on Thursday: Some of the most popular drivers in Bristol during August race week never actually compete at the World’s Fastest Half-Mile. Fans may not know their names but they certainly recognize the colorful vehicles they pilot as they make their way to Bristol Motor Speedway for the hugely popular Ford/Bristol Motor Speedway Transporter Parade. One of a number of entertaining and fun-filled events that take place at BMS during August race week, the Ford/BMS Transporter Parade, which is Thursday evening, Aug. 25, is definitely a fan favorite. Thousands of fans in the area for the four NASCAR races at BMS that week come out early, staking their claim on their chosen viewing position along the 10-mile route from the Bristol Mall to the World’s Fastest Half-Mile. Many of the haulers also will carry a child from either the Make A Wish Foundation or the Children’s Miracle Network. The parade is scheduled to start at 9:00 pm/et at the Bristol Mall, following completion of downtown Bristol’s Food City Family Race Night. More than 60 haulers will then make their way from the mall down Volunteer Parkway to BMS. A reception for BMS season ticket holders will take place at 4:30 pm while the transporter drivers will be introduced at 7:45 pm. The transporter drivers will be available prior to the start of the parade to sign autographs at the Bristol Mall. Children attending the event will be able to enjoy a “5-In-1 Sport” jump playhouse. Single-event tickets for Saturday’s IRWIN Tools Night Race start at $90 while ticket prices for the Food City 250 begin at $45. Wednesday night doubleheader tickets for the O’Reilly Auto Parts 200 and the UNOH Perfect Storm 150 are $25 in advance of the race and $30 Aug. 24. To purchase tickets, fans may contact the BMS ticket office at 1-855-415-4158 or 423-BRISTOL.(BMS)(8-22-2011)

Darryl Worley performing pre-race concert at Bristol: Country music star Darryl Worley will take to the stage prior to the IRWIN Tools Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway for a pre-race concert Aug. 27.The Memphis-born singer has released six albums, the latest entitled "Sounds Like Life." Worley has had 18 singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts, including three number one songs, "I Miss My Friend", "Have You Forgotten?", and "Awful, Beautiful Life". Tickets are available for all four night races at Bristol Motor Speedway. Fans can enjoy both the IRWIN Tools Night Race and the Food City 250 for as little as $99. Should they be in town for the Wednesday night doubleheader, fans can take in all four races under the lights in packages starting at $129. To purchase tickets, fans may contact the BMS ticket office at 1-866-415-4158 or 423-BRISTOL.(BMS)(8-16-2011)

Bristol Fan Appreciation adds carnival; Junior Johnson: Bristol Motor Speedway's Fan Appreciation Day July 30 will feature rides around the track - and rides of a different kind just outside the World's Fastest Half-Mile. A carnival has been added to the festivities, opening Tuesday, July 26 and running through July 30. The carnival will be free from 1 p.m.-5:30 p.m. on Fan Appreciation Day for anyone with a ticket to Thompson Metal Monster Truck Madness that evening at the BMS. Fan Appreciation Day is being held in honor of Bristol Motor Speedway's 50th anniversary. The first NASCAR Grand National race, as the series was called then, took place in Bristol July 30, 1961. Junior Johnson, who finished 22nd that day, while Jack Smith went on to take the checkers, will be on hand to give several lucky fans a ride around the World's Fastest Half-Mile.(BMS)(7-26-2011)

Bristol offers low-cost tent camping: Bristol Motor Speedway officials announced another low-cost option for fans interested in attending the IRWIN Tools Night Race week Aug. 24-27. As race fans continue to find more economic ways to vacation, Speedway executives have created tent-camping options ranging from $50 to $75 for the week. "One of the things we have heard consistently from our guests who are coming to the races and others who want to come is the desire for more lodging choices," said Jerry Caldwell, BMS Executive Vice President and General Manager. "We have addressed that in different ways. Fans must have tickets to the events at BMS to reserve the spots which may be purchased by calling (423) BRISTOL (274-7865) or (423) 989-6900. Tent camping spots may be reserved by calling (423) 989-6944.(BMS)(7-25-2011)

Jeff Gordon ticket package at Bristol: Race fans can help AARP and five-time Bristol winner Jeff Gordon in the Drive to End Hunger. Teaming with Bristol Motor Speedway, AARP and the AARP Foundation, Gordon is offering a new, enhanced ticket package for the Aug. 27 IRWIN Tools Night Race. It includes a question-and-answer session with Gordon on the day of the race. Due to space limitations in the BMS hospitality area, availability is limited, so fans are encouraged to purchase tickets promptly. A $4 donation from each package sold will benefit Drive to End Hunger. Fans who purchase the tickets also will receive a Drive to End Hunger hat and a BMS 50th anniversary poster featuring Gordon. The Jeff Gordon ticket package is $124 and may be purchased by calling the BMS ticket office at 423-BRISTOL or 1-866-415-4158. Fans should ask for the Jeff Gordon AARP package. Should fans wish to add a Food City 250 ticket to the package, the cost is $169.(BMS)(7-23-2011)

Bristol launches social media contest: Bristol Motor Speedway, launched a social media contest in conjunction with its summer-long celebration of NASCAR's most popular track and the venue's 50th Anniversary. The contest -- "50 Days of Giveaways" -- invites Facebook fans to participate in a series of interactive promotions to win exclusive experiential prizes like pit passes, VIP hospitality and ticket packages. In addition to Fan Appreciation Day on July 30 and other special events, 50 Days of Giveaways raises awareness about Bristol's storied past, while paying tribute to its special breed of fans. The first contest, currently under way, invites fans to "Show Us Your Number" via photo uploads of shirts, tattoos or body art like the infamous "Number 3 Guy," who shaved Dale Earnhardt's number into his back hair. The winner gets to wave the green flag during Sharpie Qualifying Friday, August 26 and receives two cold pit passes for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series IRWIN Tools Night Race, slated for August 27.(BMS)(7-18-2011))

Bristol hosting Fan Appreciation Day: In celebration of Bristol Motor Speedway's 50th anniversary, NASCAR's most popular track will mark the anniversary of its inaugural race with a Fan Appreciation Day July 30. The first NASCAR Grand National race, as the series was called then, took place July 30, 1961, with Jack Smith becoming the first driver in the track's storied victory lane. Fifty years later, the World's Fastest Half-Mile, long one of NASCAR's premier tracks, will mark the occasion with a fan celebration. Track laps, always a popular event, will be offered at no charge to any fan with tickets to NASCAR events at BMS. Guests who are not ticket holders also may take their own cars around the concrete oval after making a donation of any amount to Speedway Children's Charities. Food City will provide hot dogs and chips, while Pepsi will supply drinks and BKW will provide wings while supplies last. Several local bands also will be on hand to provide entertainment. A number of Monster Trucks also will be staged in the infield where the Thompson Metal Monster Truck Madness will take place later that evening.(BMS)(7-16-2011)

Earnhardt, Jr. appearing at Bristol AMP Energy Club: AMP Energy/National Guard driver #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr., certainly will amp up the crowd at the World's Fastest Half-Mile Saturday night, Aug. 27 as he vies for the coveted IRWIN Tools Night Race trophy. Prior to him hitting the concrete for the IRWIN Tools Night Race, fans have the opportunity to be in the audience when Earnhardt Jr. is scheduled to make an appearance in the hospitality area at the Amp Energy Club that afternoon. The Amp Energy Club features an exclusive member's-only gift pack, a Saturday track tour, door prizes, entertainment, a souvenir program, and NASCAR celebrity appearances. Individual hospitality seating in the Amp Energy Club is available for the Food City 250 on Friday, Aug. 20, the IRWIN Tools Night Race or in a weekend package. A weekend package is $270 per person. Saturday only is $180 and Friday only is $110.(BMS)(6-27-2011)

Bristol Motor Speedway makes list as one the world’s top sports destinations: The unique nature and mystique of Bristol Motor Speedway once again propelled the modern day coliseum to the forefront in a listing of the world’s top sports destinations. In a recent Business Insider article, entitled the “100 Best Venues In Sports”, Bristol Motor Speedway was the lone NASCAR track among the facilities making the list. Selections accumulated points in three categories: architecture, ambiance and aesthetics -- evidenced by the many recently-constructed facilities in the inventory. Bristol Motor Speedway landed in the No. 77 slot; in front of such notable venues as Busan Asaid Stadium (Busan, South Korea), Beijing National Stadium (Bejing, China), home of the 2008 Summer Olympics, Court Phillippe Chatier – the main court at the French Open (Paris, France) and Yas Marina Circuit (Yas Island, UAE), home of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. For more information concerning tickets, please visit www.bristoltix.com or call the BMS ticket office at 423-BRISTOL (274-7865) or toll free at 1-866-415-4158.(BMS)(6-14-2011)

Bristol Race to Relief Creates 24 Hours of Awareness: Relief and awareness of victims in Tennessee and Virginia from the recent devastating storms are the focus as Bristol Motor Speedway and Dragway aid efforts of the American Red Cross this Friday and Saturday with a variety of activities during the BMS Race To Relief. From 5-8 p.m. Friday, for a $25 donation to the relief efforts, fans may make laps around the famed Bristol Motor Speedway in their own cars. For those who cannot make it Friday evening, anyone interested can take part in track laps from 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, May 7. While some take laps on the Speedway, others who happen to be driving by the Speedway may help as well. From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, at the North Entrance of the Speedway, BMS employees will be on hand to collect monetary donations of any amount from people wanting take part in the "drop in the bucket" fundraiser. In addition, 25 percent of every ticket sold Saturday for any event during the August NASCAR IRWIN Tools Night Race weekend will be donated to the Red Cross.(BMS)(5-4-2011)

Bristol Night Race tickets on sale: Bristol Motor Speedway's season-long celebration of its 50th anniversary culminates with the running of the IRWIN Tools Night Race, NASCAR's most popular event, Aug. 27, and single-event tickets and weekend packages now are available. Fans can enjoy 750 laps of action at the World's Fastest Half-Mile with the IRWIN Tools Night Race and the Food City 250 Aug. 26, for as little as $99. Guests in town Wednesday, Aug. 24 for the Wednesday night doubleheader, featuring the O'Reilly Auto Parts 200 Camping World Truck Series and the UNOH Perfect Storm 150 Whelen Modified event, can take in all four races under the lights in packages starting at $129. For more information concerning tickets, please visit www.bristoltix.com or call the BMS ticket office at 423-BRISTOL (274-7865) or toll free at 1-866-415-4158.(BMS)(4-7-2011)

Drag racer to start up car at Bristol start/finish line: For the first time, Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing teammates Bob Tasca III and Trevor Bayne will suit up at the same race – Tasca to participate in opening ceremonies, and Bayne to compete in the Jeff Byrd 500 at his home track, Bristol Motor Speedway. Tasca will fire up his Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Shelby Mustang NHRA Full Throttle Series Funny Car on the start/finish line of the legendary track Sunday morning, after a weekend of appearances at the Ford display, a pace car ride and meetings with media. "When they see one of these cars start up right before the race, and we hit the throttle two or three times, that's when people are really blown away with just how much horsepower we are making out of these Ford engines," said Tasca, who will also take a ride around the world's fastest half-mile on Sunday. "Not too many people realize how much these nitro Ford engines produce, and when you're standing right next to it and we hit the throttle, you really can feel just how much power is there. It's always great to go to a NASCAR event and spread the gospel about our sport, and share what we do with people who don't know much about drag racing," Tasca and the NHRA Full Throttle Series come to Bristol Dragway Father's Day Weekend, June 17-19, 2011 for the NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals, presented by Tri-Cities area Area Ford Dealers.(Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing)(3-20-2011)

New 'World' Record at Bristol: Jason Blonde was the fastest of the fast Saturday afternoon at Bristol Motor Speedway as he established a new world record during the World’s Fastest Half-Mile Speed Trials. Blonde, driving an Xtreme Sprint Series sprint car, clicked off a blistering lap of 144.871 mph in 13.245 seconds, shattering the previous track record of 138.442 mph in 13.860 seconds set by Sammy Swindell in June of 2000 at BMS during a World of Outlaws event. The 36-year-old Blonde, a veteran sprint car racer with more than 50 feature wins on both dirt and pavement, tagged the wall earlier in the afternoon, but was totally unfazed.
Mike Lichty set a new half-mile Supermodified world record with a lap of 144.634 mph in 13.267 seconds. Sprint Cup driver David Ragan piloted his Ford Mustang GT 5.0 to a lap of 98.497 mph at 19.481 seconds, a world record for a passenger car. Scott Russell and his Yamaha took on the World’s Fastest Half-Mile and set a half-mile closed course record for a Superbike with a run of 97.990 mph, which he covered in 19.582 seconds. Others participating in the World’s Fastest Half-Mile Speed Trials were USAC Sprint Car driver Bryan Clauson and ISMA Supermodified driver Brad Noffsinger.(BMS)(3-19-2011)

BMS to dedicate POW/MIA memorial in grandstands: Bristol Motor Speedway will hold a special service before the Jeff Byrd 500 Presented by Food City March 20 to dedicate a POW/MIA memorial in the grandstands. The Empty Chair Memorial, which serves as a physical symbol of the thousands of American POW/MIAs still unaccounted for from all foreign conflicts, will sit on the frontstretch grandstands, just behind the flag stand. On Friday, March 18, Rolling Thunder, Inc., a national veteran’s orientated organization, and officials from Bristol Motor Speedway, will have the Missing Man Ceremony, while also raising a POW/MIA flag that will fly throughout the weekend at BMS.
The Empty Chair Memorial will be cordoned off in the BMS grandstands. Inside the area will be a solitary chair, fresh flowers that will be changed daily and a plaque. The plaque at the unoccupied seat will recognize the more than 92,000 American soldiers missing since World War I. Race weekend at BMS kicks off with Ford Fan Friday qualifying March 18, followed by the Scotts EZ Seed 300 Nationwide Series race March 19, and the Jeff Byrd 500 Presented by Food City Sprint Cup event March 20.(BMS)(3-16-2011)

A sellout not expected at Bristol: While a "huge" crowd is expected for this Sunday's Sprint Cup race at Bristol Motor Speedway, it's not likely to be a sellout, said both Bruton Smith, who is chairman and CEO of Speedway Motorsports Inc., and Jerry Caldwell, who is president and general manager at Bristol. "I don't know that we'll have a sellout," Smith said. "I'd like to say we will. That would be wonderful. But I don't know that we will. There will be a huge crowd there, though, both Saturday [for the Nationwide Series race] and Sunday [for the Cup Series race]." Bristol Motor Speedway had its string of 55 consecutive sellouts broken last spring when an estimated 138,000 attended the Food City 500, according to NASCAR. The facility offers grandstand seating for 160,000, and fell just short of filling that for last August's night race that was attended by a crowd estimated at 155,000 by NASCAR. Caldwell said BMS is still dealing with a sluggish economy that has adversely affected the ability of long-time season ticket holders to renew their packages and attend Bristol's two races every year. And given a choice, both he and Smith admitted that fans tend to choose the August night race over the spring Sunday afternoon event.(in part from NASCAR.com)(3-15-2011)

Bristol Motor Speedway on cover of NASCAR the Game 2011: Many race fans have dreamed of the day they can slide behind the wheel of a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series machine and rocket around the high banks of Bristol Motor Speedway. Now, thanks to a special GameStop Racing and NASCAR The Game 2011 ticket offer, race fans will have that chance…at least, virtually. Through the GameStop Racing package, race fans can purchase two tickets to the March 20 Jeff Byrd 500 Presented by Food City for $150 and receive a $20 GameStop gift card for free. Additionally, fans who buy four tickets for the March 19 Scotts EZ Seed 300 for $180 through the promotion also will receive a $20 GameStop gift card for free.
Race fans may want to put that GameStop gift card toward the purchase of NASCAR The Game 2011 when it releases for Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PlayStation3 computer entertainment system on March 29 and Wii on April 12. The game features all of the intensity of competing on the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series circuit and, even better for Bristol fans, the game’s designers chose to put BMS on the cover to highlight what is found within the game.
Fans can live the ultimate motorsports experience in Bristol, and then take on the World’s Fastest Half-Mile themselves in NASCAR The Game 2011 which is developed by Eutechnyx and published by Activision Publishing, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI). The game is rated E (Everyone) by the ESRB. For more information, visit www.NASCARTheGame.com. Anyone interested in the GameStop Racing ticket package can order by calling 1-866-415-4158 or by visiting www.gamestopracing.com/bristol.(BMS)(3-15-2011)

Every fan to get Cloud Cake at Bristol: Birthdays and anniversaries are always a lot of fun when large groups of people get together to celebrate. On March 20, however, the party at the Jeff Byrd 500 Presented by Food City will be the largest ever for the guests in attendance. Naturally, like any good party, Bristol Motor Speedway’s 50th anniversary celebration March 20 will include cake. And thanks to Little Debbie, which also is celebrating its 50th anniversary, every fan through the gates that day will receive their own individually wrapped BMS cake.
Little Debbie will present every race fan a specially packaged Cloud Cake, marked with Bristol Motor Speedway’s anniversary logo. Among the tens of thousands of cakes that will be doled out are 50 marked with a golden sticker. Fans holding the “Golden Ticket” cakes will receive two tickets to both the Food City 250 and the IRWIN Tools Night Race at BMS Aug. 26-27. They also will receive a $50 gift card from Food City, along with Little Debbie products. For more information concerning tickets, please visit www.bristoltix.com or call the BMS ticket office at 423-BRISTOL (274-7865).(BMS)(3-14-2011)

World’s Fastest Half-Mile Speed Trials at Bristol: Ford NASCAR drivers in a street legal Mustang, a Tony Stewart-owned sprint car, two supermodifieds, and a world superbike champion will attempt to establish half-mile closed course records in the “World’s Fastest Half-Mile Speed Trials” Saturday, March 19, immediately following the Scotts EZ Seed 300 NASCAR Nationwide Series race. As part of Bristol Motor Speedway’s 50th anniversary celebration, the Speedway extended invitations to several motorsports champions from wide-ranging motorsports disciplines to set class half-mile closed-course records, as well as break the 11-year-old track record.
Former NASCAR Cup driver Brad Noffsinger, Mike Lichty and Bryan Clauson will chase Sammy Swindell’s all-time Bristol track record of 138.442 mph (13.860 seconds), set during qualifying for a World Of Outlaws winged sprint car event at Bristol in June 2000. Noffsinger and Lichty will be first to try out supermodifieds, the most exotic cars to hit Bristol’s high banks, while Clauson will run one of Tony Stewart’s pavement sprint cars.
Former AMA and World Superbike Champion Scott Russell will attempt to set a half-mile closed-course motorcycle speed record riding a Yamaha superbike. The five-time Daytona 200 winner brings substantial experience on high banked ovals, though never one as tight as Bristol’s half-mile.
Ford Racing enters its supercharged 2011 Mustang GT to Bristol to establish a half-mile closed course record for street legal cars. Ford NASCAR drivers David Ragan and Marcos Ambrose are expected to drive the ultimate "pony car" into the record books. The Mustang’s 5.0 liter engine is topped off by Ford Racing's twin-screw supercharger and cranks out 624 horsepower. To balance all that power with more driver control, the factory suspension comes equipped with a FR3 handling pack and Ford Racing/Brembo big brake kit.
Competitors will have one hour, from approximately 5 until 6 p.m., to make record runs following the Scotts EZ Seed 300. The “World’s Fastest Half-Mile Speed Trials” is a bonus event for the Nationwide Series race ticketholders. The Speed Trials will begin after the conclusion of the Scotts EZ Seed 300. The driver and car line-ups are subject to change.(BMS)(3-13-2011)

Billy Ray Cyrus to sing National Anthem for Jeff Byrd 500: Country music star Billy Ray Cyrus will sing the national anthem prior to the start of the Jeff Byrd 500 Presented by Food City March 20 at Bristol Motor Speedway. A multi-platinum selling artist who has released 11 albums and 38 singles over the last two decades, Cyrus has scored eight top-10 singles on the Billboard Country Songs chart. The Walt Disney Records label singer also will perform his hit “Some Gave All” during the pre-race show. Carter’s Chord, composed of sisters Becky, Emily and Joanna Robertson, will sing the national anthem March 19 for the Scotts EZ Seed 300. Tickets for the Jeff Byrd 500 are available for $93, while tickets for the Scotts EZ Seed 300 (March 19) start at $45. Ford Fan Friday tickets (March 18) are only $5 and are just $4 for fans who have tickets to the Jeff Byrd 500. A March race weekend package for both the Scotts EZ Seed 300 and the Jeff Byrd 500 can be purchased for as low as $99. For more information concerning tickets, please visit www.bristoltix.com or call the BMS ticket office at 423-BRISTOL (274-7865).(BMS)(3-11-2011)

Pit Road Party Zone access available at Bristol: Gaining infield access at Bristol Motor Speedway is a top priority for many race fans. However, acquiring admission to the pit area has been very limited due to space restrictions - until the advent of the Pit Road Party Zone. Hundreds of fans enjoyed the Pit Road Party Zone last August and now it is available for the Jeff Byrd 500 Presented by Food City at BMS March 20. Located behind the backstretch pits of Bristol Motor Speedway, party guests have the best seats in the house and receive a number of special amenities, including elevated viewing platforms and appearances by Jeff Burton and other NASCAR celebrities. Pre-race entertainment will feature a live band, bar areas and each fan receives a commemorative BMS souvenir, lunch and snacks. Access to the Pit Road Party Zone, where grandstand tickets are not required, is limited to the first 300 fans. Cost is $400 per person. Tickets may be purchased by calling the BMS ticket office toll free at 1-866-415-4158 or 423-BRISTOL (274-7865).(BMS)(3-8-2011)

Buy a program at Bristol, get a poster: Collectors of Bristol Motor Speedway's souvenir programs are in for a special treat as both the March and August editions will commemorate the storied track's 50th anniversary. Both programs feature golden covers with numerous stories and photos that trace the history of the World's Fastest Half-Mile. And with the purchase of the program comes a one-of-a-kind poster that is sure to become a collector's item itself. The poster for the March race spotlights winners from the first 50 spring events at BMS, dating back to 1961. Legends such as Darrell Waltrip, Dale Earnhardt, Rusty Wallace, Cale Yarborough, David Pearson are featured, along with some of today's stars, like Jeff Gordon, Kurt Busch, Kyle Busch, Kevin Harvick and Jeff Burton. The August poster features all winners from Bristol Motor Speedway's second race.(BMS)(3-7-2011)

Food City Race Night at Bristol March 18: The star power for Food City Race Night at Bristol Motor Speedway continues to grow with the addition of Pepsi MAX driver Jeff Gordon. Gordon is scheduled to participate in a question and answer session Friday, March 18 in the hospitality area at 6 p.m. Gordon's teammate, five-time and defending Sprint Cup champ Jimmie Johnson, takes part in the evening's activities as well, as he attempts to dethrone two-time Wii Boxing champion Elliott Sadler. Others vying for the Bristol Motor Speedway Wii Boxing championship include Clint Bowyer, Marcos Ambrose, Bobby Labonte and David Reutimann. Wii Boxing gets under way at approximately 6:30. A second question and answer session begins at 6:30 p.m. with Jeff Burton, Brian Vickers, David Ragan, A.J. Allmendinger and Matt Kenseth. New this year to Food City Race Night is the BMS version of the Newlywed Game, set for approximately 7:30. Instead of husbands and wives playing the game, however, this game features drivers and crew chiefs. Among those competing is Kasey Kahne and Kenny Francis, Brad Keselowski and Paul Wolfe and Trevor Bayne and Donnie Wingo. Food City Race Night opens at 4 p.m. Various drivers sign autographs and show cars are on display, along with simulators and souvenir trailers. Live entertainment is featured, along with free food sampling.(BMS)(3-6-2011)

Byrd family named grand marshals of Jeff Byrd 500: Food City officials recently stunned the NASCAR community with their decision to forgo traditional entitlement rights, opting rather to name the March 20 Sprint Cup event the Jeff Byrd 500 Presented by Food City, in honor of the dynamic President and General Manager of Bristol Motor Speedway who passed away last October. Friday company officials announced that Byrd's wife of 36 years, Claudia, along with son Christian and daughter Belton Caldwell will serve as the event Grand Marshals.(BMS)(3-5-2011)

March 13-20 designated Jeff Byrd Week in Tennessee: Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey spoke from the well of the Tennessee state Senate Thursday following the reading of a resolution honoring his late friend, Jeff Byrd, the longtime president and general manager of Bristol Motor Speedway, with a week in his honor. "Anybody who knew Jeff Byrd will never forget him," said Ramsey. "I have never seen anyone become a member of a community as quickly as Jeff Byrd did in Bristol. If Jeff Byrd had a fault, it was that he couldn't say no," Ramsey added. "He was always looking to help others and challenging those around him to do the same." The resolution, Senate Joint Resolution 89, designates March 13-20 as Jeff Byrd Week in Tennessee. Rep. Jon Lundberg also spoke from the well in honor of Mr. Byrd. Ramsey and Lundberg were joined in the well by Byrd's wife Claudia, his sister JoJo Davis and daughter Belton Caldwell. The resolution, once passed, will be framed and presented to the family prior to the annual spring race at the Bristol Motor Speedway. Longtime sponsor Food City has renamed the March 20 race the Jeff Byrd 500.(BMS)(3-4-2011)

Bud Tap Room Package available at Bristol: Some race fans prefer to sit in skyboxes during NASCAR events at Bristol Motor Speedway. Others believe the only place to be is in the grandstands. There also are those who wish they could have the best of both worlds. For that group, the Bud Tap Room package at Bristol Motor Speedway is the perfect compromise. Fans receive a grandstand seat, suite access as part of the Bud Tap Room package and a meet and greet with Budweiser driver and former BMS winner Kevin Harvick. The grandstand seating is located in the Wallace Tower with easy access to the climate-controlled Bud Tap Room suite. Ticket holders for the Bud Tap Room package will receive a $25 food and drink voucher for the weekend food and beverage will be available for purchase. Private restrooms also are available, along with closed-circuit television. The Bud Tap Room package is available for the March race weekend.(BMS)(3-3-2011)

Bristol Motor Speedway to host rally for Bayne Monday in Knoxville: Trevor Bayne has visited New York and California and several places in between over the last few days but no stop will be sweeter for the 20-year-old than the one he will make Monday when Bristol Motor Speedway, Food City and his hometown honor him in in downtown Knoxville. BMS, the track Bayne has been visiting since he was a small child, Food City and the City of Knoxville will host a rally for the Daytona 500 champion Monday at Knoxville Civic Auditorium and Coliseum from 3:15 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Originally planned for Market Square downtown in Bayne's hometown of Knoxville, Tenn., rally organizers with Bristol Motor Speedway, Food City and the City of Knoxville decided Friday afternoon to shift sites to the Mary Costa Plaza location. ESPN's Jerry Punch will be the emcee of the event, while a number of other city and state officials, as well as actor David Keith, a Knoxville native and legendary NASCAR car owners Eddie and Len Wood will participate in the event.(BMS)(2-27-2011)

March Cup race at Bristol named Jeff Byrd 500, Presented by Food City: To honor Jeff Byrd, the dynamic President and General Manager of Bristol Motor Speedway who passed away last October, Food City officials today announced the March 20 NASCAR Sprint Cup event at Bristol Motor Speedway will carry a new name. Known since 1992 as the Food City 500, the spring event at Bristol Motor Speedway for 2011 is billed as the Jeff Byrd 500, presented by Food City. “Jeff Byrd was more than a business partner, he was a true friend to our company, our associates and to me and my family personally,” said Food City President and CEO Steven C. Smith. “He spent years putting his guests first and instilling that attitude in his team”.
“We are all convinced that Jeff absolutely would not have wanted us to do this, as his focus was always on keeping the guests and sponsors of Bristol Motor Speedway front and center, but that’s one of the reasons that this time, we’re putting Jeff out front. It’s only natural to honor someone who worked so hard to build this facility, this sport and this region.” Bristol Motor Speedway Vice President and General Manager Jerry Caldwell said he was speechless when Smith made the offer to honor Byrd, who guided BMS and its employees for 15 years. “Right after we agreed to the partnership extension, Steve looked me right in the eye and said ‘What are we going to do to honor Jeff?’” said Caldwell. “I told him we were talking about some different things and wanted to know what he had in mind. He said ‘I want to name the race for him.’”
“I was blown away. Here was a guy who had just agreed to a three year contract extension -- and that’s not free -- and was sitting there offering to give up the race name for a year. I absolutely didn’t know what to say. It was Jeff who coached us to exceed expectations and it was his effort to stay in the background that made us all so aware of his presence.”
AND Food City and Bristol Motor Speedway officials announced an agreement to continue their 20-year partnership into a third decade, extending for three more years the second-longest race sponsorship in NASCAR racing. Sponsor of both the Food City 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup race in March and the Food City 250 Nationwide event in August, 2011 will mark the 20th year the supermarket chain has served as the entitlement sponsor of these events. Only one other track in NASCAR has a longer such partnership. Food City’s involvement at Bristol Motor Speedway goes beyond just race sponsorship. Food City Race Night on BMS property in March and on State Street in downtown Bristol in August are huge events that attract tens of thousands of race fans annually.
Bristol Motor Speedway kicks off its 50th NASCAR season with Ford Fan Friday qualifying March 18, followed by the Scotts EZ Seed 300 March 19 and the Jeff Byrd 500, Presented by Food City March 20. In August, night racing returns with the Aug. 24 O’Reilly Auto Parts 200 and UNOH Perfect Storm 150 doubleheader, followed by the Food City 250 Aug. 26 and the IRWIN Tools Night Race Aug. 27. Tickets are available to all events and may be purchased by calling the BMS ticket office toll free at 1-866-415-4158, 423-BRISTOL (274-7865) or 423-989-6900 or by visiting www.bristoltix.com.(BMS)(2-15-2011)

Bristol Chamber honors Jeff Byrd: Fighting back tears, Claudia Byrd composed herself enough to smile briefly for the cameras Wednesday while accepting recognition for her late husband. The Bristol Chamber of Commerce presented a posthumous lifetime achievement award and announced a new scholarship named in Jeff Byrd's honor, during its 101st annual awards celebration. Byrd, the former president and general manager of Bristol Motor Speedway who died in October after a battle with cancer, was praised for his leadership in civic, charitable and chamber affairs. He was a longtime member of the chamber's board of directors and a former board president. The new Jeff Byrd Exceeding Expectations Scholarship will be available to seniors at Virginia High and Tennessee High in Bristol, Sullivan East and Sullivan Central in Tennessee and John S. Battle High in Virginia. Other award winners included Lori Worley of Bristol Motor Speedway, who won the Convention and Visitors Bureau Service Award.(Bristol Herald Courier)(1-28-2011)

Area Hotels join with Bristol, drops rates, minimum nights: Five Tri-Cities area hotels, in partnership with Bristol Motor Speedway, lowered per-night room rates for 2011 and dropped a previous three-night minimum to two. The AmericInn Lodge & Suites in Jonesborough, Tenn., The Comfort Inn in Abingdon and Bristol, Va., The Comfort Suites in Abingdon, Va., and the Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites in Bristol, Va., lowered requirements for the coming racing season, the first properties to join the fan-friendly Bristol initiative. The participating hotels will be listed on the BMS website, in the BMS Magazine and named in mailings to ticket holders. Tickets are available to all events and may be purchased by calling the BMS ticket office toll free at 1-866-415-4158, 423-BRISTOL (274-7865) or 423-989-6900 or by visiting www.bristoltix.com.(BMS)(1-19-2011)

Visitors to the 14th season of AutoTrader.com Speedway In Lights powered by TVA have a number of holiday-themed activities to take advantage of while at Bristol Motor Speedway and Dragway. A new attraction this year, however, gives them the opportunity to see the largest display to be added in the event's 14-year history.
Symphony of Lights, a spectacular show consisting of more than 300,000 LED lights, clearly is the highlight of this season’s event. Each light is synchronized to music, creating an amazing display, sure to delight young and old alike. The new dancing lights, located in the Darrell Waltrip Grandstand, are particularly entertaining for guests who take part in Christmas Village activities. The show, is programmed by Shadrack Productions to dance to a vairety holiday songs.
Proceeds from AutoTrader.com Speedway In Lights benefit the Bristol Chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising funds for children’s agencies in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. The Bristol Chapter of SCC has raised in excess of $5.5 million since 1997.
Tickets for Speedway In Lights, open nightly 6-10 p.m., Nov. 19-Jan. 8, will be available at the BMS gate. Ticket prices for cars are $10 Sunday through Thursday, and $12 Friday and Saturday. Activity van tickets are $15 each night and bus tickets are $65 each night. For more information concerning Speedway In Lights, please call 423-989-6900. More info at Bristolmotorspeedway.com

Caldwell named GM of Bristol: Jerry Caldwell was named as General Manager of Bristol Motor Speedway and Dragway by Bruton Smith, Chairman and CEO of Speedway Motorsports Inc. Caldwell, most recently Vice President of Corporate Sales and Acting General Manager at BMS, fills the position held since 1996 by Jeff Byrd, who passed away Oct. 17. Caldwell joined the BMS Sales and Marketing Department in 1997, and was promoted to Vice President of Corporate Sales in 2009. A three-time salesperson-of-the-year at BMS, Caldwell also has been named BMS Employee of the Year and Speedway Motorsports Salesperson of the year. A native of Lexington, N.C., Caldwell is a 1997 graduate of King College in Bristol with a B.A. in Business. During his time at King, he also spent a summer studying at the International Business Institute in Europe. Caldwell and his wife, Belton, are the proud parents of four children and reside in Jonesborough, Tenn.(BMS)(11-1-2010)

Sad News - Jeff Byrd: Jeff Byrd, Bristol Motor Speedway and Dragway President and General Manager, passed away today [Oct. 17th] following a lengthy illness. He was 60. The dynamic Byrd, one of the most respected and admired leaders in racing, had been at the helm of BMS since January of 1996 when Speedway Motorsports, Inc., purchased the Bristol facility. Under his leadership, the track became the most popular venue on the NASCAR tour. Prior to his move to BMS, Byrd served 23 years in the sports marketing department at R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co., departing as vice president of business development. He began his career as a sportswriter at the Winston-Salem Journal.
Byrd is survived by his wife of 36 years, Claudia, daughter Belton Caldwell and her husband Jerry, son Christian Byrd and his wife Amy, seven grandchildren and an extended family of more than 70 fellow employees.
“From his days as a sportswriter to his time at R.J. Reynolds to the last 14 years, Jeff Byrd was one of the greatest promoters both stock car and drag racing has known,” said Speedway Motorsports Chairman and CEO O. Bruton Smith. “To say his passing leaves a void would be an understatement. Simply put, Jeff got it. He understood that more than what happened on the track, it was the experience that fans took home with them that stayed in their memories. And those fans, and the people he worked with at Bristol Motor Speedway, were truly like family to him. Because of the mindset that he possessed, Jeff will stay in our hearts and memories forever. ”
A 35-year veteran in the sports marketing profession, Byrd was involved in the development and implementation of a multitude of sports and event marketing programs across the sports spectrum. Byrd was extremely active in numerous civic organizations and had made a tremendous impact in the Tri-Cities community, as well as his church, First Presbyterian in Kingsport, where he was a longtime member. He was involved with a number of charitable groups and he and his wife Claudia organized and spearheaded the Bristol Chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities, a non-profit agency dedicated to aiding children in need in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. A native of Winston-Salem, N.C., Byrd received his B.A. degree in history and politics from Wake Forest University.(Bristol Motor Speedway), Funeral arrangements are pending.(10-17-2010)
SERVICES: Service Arrangements for Jeff Byrd - Jeff’s family invites his friends to join them in celebrating Jeff’s life at 11:00 am Wednesday, October 20, 2010 at Grace Fellowship Church, 2314 South Greenwood Drive, Johnson City, Tennessee with Dr. Greg Jordan and Dr. David Cagle officiating. A community appreciation service will be held at 11:00 am Thursday morning, October 21, 2010 in the infield at Bristol Motor Speedway. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Jeff Byrd Foundation, c/o Kingsport Community Foundation, 625 Market Street, Suite 1400, Knoxville, TN 37902. Donations also can be made through the website at www.easttennesseefoundation.org.(10-18-2010)

List of Driver song selections for driver intros: Bristol Motor Speedway is continuing a popular new tradition on Saturday night: Each NASCAR driver will pick a song to be played when he walks out for pre-race introductions. Here is the list of songs for this year:
* AJ Allmendinger: "Bad Company" / Five Finger Death Punch
* Bobby Labonte: "What Do Ya Think About That" / Montgomery Gentry
* Brad Keselowski: "For Those About To Rock" / AC/DC
* Carl Edwards: (Secret until Saturday night)
* Casey Mears: TBA
* Clint Bowyer: "Modern Day Bonnie And Clyde" / Travis Tritt
* Dale Earnhardt Jr.: (Secret until Saturday night)
* Dave Blaney: TBA
* David Gilliland: "I Get It In" / 50 Cent
* David Ragan: "Thunderstruck" / AC/DC
* David Reutimann: "The Game" / Motorhead
* Denny Hamlin: "I'm Shipping Up To Boston" / Dropkick Murphys
* Elliott Sadler: Opening to "2001: A Space Odyssey"
* Greg Biffle: "For Whom The Bell Tolls" / Metallica
* JJ Yeley: TBA
* Jamie McMurray: "I'm Gonna Miss Her" / Brad Paisley
* Jeff Burton: "Welcome To The Jungle" / Guns N' Roses
* Jeff Gordon: "Let's Go" / Trick Daddy
* Jeff Green: TBA
* Jimmie Johnson: "Funky Cold Medina" / Tone Loc
* Joe Nemechek: "Born To To Be Wild" / Steppenwolf
* Joey Logano: "Play That Funky Music" / Wild Cherry
* Juan Pablo Montoya: "Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting" / Nickelback
* Kasey Kahne: "Pretty Good At Drinkin' Beer" / Billy Currington
* Kevin Harvick: "Jump Around" / House of Pain
* Kevin LePage: "Juke Box Hero" / Foreigner
* Kurt Busch: "This Afternoon" / Nickelback
* Kyle Busch: "Rowdy Busch" / 2012 f. Raytona 500
* Landon Cassill: TBA
* Marcos Ambrose: "Black Betty" / Spiderbait
* Mark Martin: (Secret until Saturday night)
* Martin Truex Jr.: "All About Tonight" / Blake Shelton
* Matt Kenseth: "Miracle" / Nonpoint
* Max Papis: "Fuel" / Metallica
* Michael McDowell: "Earthquake" / Family Force 5
* Mike Bliss: TBA
* Paul Menard: "Cowboys From Hell" / Pantera
* Reed Sorenson: "Not Afraid" / Eminem
* Regan Smith: "Welcome To The Family" / Avenged Sevenfold
* Robby Gordon: "Not Afraid" / Eminem
* Ryan Newman: TBA / Bridgette Tatum
* Sam Hornish Jr.: "Kickstart My Heart" / Motley Crue
* Scott Speed: "OMG" / Usher f. Will.i.am
* Todd Bodine: Theme for "The Three Stooges"
* Tony Raines: "Last Dance With Mary Jane" / Tom Petty
* Tony Stewart: "Bawitdaba" / Kid Rock
* Travis Kvapil: "Bodies" / Drowning Pool
(SB Nation/Jeff Gluck)(8-20-2010)

IRWIN Tools Challenge Winner to Serve as Grand Marshal at Bristol: As a result of capturing the North American Championship of the 2010 IRWIN Tools Ultimate Tradesman Challenge Friday night at Bristol Motor Speedway, Brandon, Mississippi's Delwyn Thornton will serve as the Grand Marshal for tonight's inaugural IRWIN Industrial Tools Night Race at the World's Fastest Half Mile. Thornton, a shoe repairman and the owner of Soles and Heels Shoe Repair for over 27 years, will give the command for the 43 drivers to "Start Your Engines." The IRWIN Tools Ultimate Tradesman Challenge, a skill-based competition that travelled across the U.S. and Canada for more than 50 events, challenged professional tradesmen to perform a series of precise tasks-such as gripping, sawing, marking, clamping and drilling-in a race against the clock. A total of 23 local competitors won an all-expenses-paid trip to Bristol, in addition to an IRWIN tool bag packed with IRWIN tools and genuine Cat footwear, to compete in the North American Championship, which was held Friday in BMS's Exhibit Area. Thornton completed the Challenge in 28.50 seconds, edging out Frank Blatz (Abbotsford, BC), who was clocked at 30.75 seconds. In addition to having the opportunity to say NASCAR's most famous words prior to the start of the race, Thornton won a year's supply of Cat footwear and a custom IRWIN Tools Mustang GT Premium Pace Car - the official pace car of the IRWIN Tools Night Race. Thornton advances to the World Finals in March of 2011, again at Bristol Motor Speedway, where six tradesmen from around the world will compete to become the Worldwide IRWIN Tools Ultimate Tradesman. The tradesman with the top time will win the grand prize - a chance to win $1 million.(Irwin Tools)(8-21-2010)

Byrd to miss weekend activities at Bristol: Bristol Motor Speedway president and general manager Jeff Byrd continues a steady recovery after being sidelined recently by illness. Byrd, who will miss the IRWIN Tools Night Race activities this weekend, recently completed another round of treatments and is making remarkable progress, according to his doctors. “Our race fans, who are the best in the sport, know how much I want to be there this weekend, especially with it being our 100th Cup race,” said Byrd, who has continued to come into the office between treatments. “We thought at first, the treatment calendar was going to work, but then we realized it wasn’t. Believe me, not being able to be there to see all my friends is disappointing. It’s what we work so hard for all year – and what Bruton pays us to do. But, I have a lot to be thankful for right now. My recovery is going extremely well and my doctors are very happy. Of course, things aren’t progressing quickly enough for me, but anybody who knows me can tell you that I’m not exactly a patient person. Claudia and I, and my entire family, have truly been overwhelmed by the prayers and support and couldn’t be more thankful. If all the fans could continue to keep me in their prayers I would be grateful. I just want them to have a great weekend while they soak in the amazing Bristol experience. That’s the best medicine I could ask for.”(BMS)......get well Jeff! (8-20-2010)

Salute To Military Planned Prior To IRWIN Tools Night Race: Bristol Motor Speedway will proudly pay homage to our country’s greatest heroes with a military salute prior to the IRWIN Tools Night Race Aug. 21. Military anthems from all branches of the armed services – the Army, Air Force, Marines, Navy and Coast Guard – will be played as flags of each branch are flown in, via parachutists. Fans in the military who currently serve, are veterans, or who have family members who are serving or who have served in the past, will be asked to stand and be recognized.
Bristol Motor Speedway’s fans will play a key role in the patriotic salute. Upon entering BMS that evening, they will be given a red, white or blue towel, which also commemorates the 100th Sprint Cup race at BMS. Once the flags have been flown in, fans will be asked to stand and wave their towels in unison to honor America and our military members.
Two CH-53E helicopters from Marine Corps Air Station in Cherry Point, N.C. will then fly over Bristol Motor Speedway, followed by the playing of God Bless the USA, at which time a parachutist will fly in, carrying the American flag. A pair of Harrier jets from the USMC VMFA-223 unit in Cherry Point will then perform a flyover.
Presentation of the Colors will be provided by the Special Ceremonies Team Color Guard from the 14th Weather Squadron from Asheville, N.C. Ruth Graham, daughter of evangelist Billy Graham, will give the invocation, followed by the Pledge of Allegience, led by Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy. Children of NASCAR drivers, with assistance from Motor Racing Outreach, will sing the national anthem.
A 60’ x 90’ American flag will be displayed on the BMS front stretch as the anthem is sung and fireworks will go off around the track. At the conclusion of the anthem, the Washington D.C. Air National Guard’s 121st Fighter Squadron [F-16's] from Joint Base Andrews will perform the final flyover. To purchase tickets, please contact the BMS ticket office at its toll free number 1-866-415-4158 or 423-BRISTOL (274-7865). Tickets also are available at www.bristoltix.com.(8-20-2010)

Bristol Transporter Parade: Fans line Bristol's Volunteer Parkway as NASCAR's multi-million dollar transporters make their way to "The World's Fastest Half-Mile." Fans may not know the names of these drivers, but they certainly recognize the colorful vehicles they pilot through Bristol during the wildly popular Ford/Bristol Motor Speedway Transporter Parade. One of a number of entertaining and fun-filled special events that takes place at BMS during August race week, the Transporter Parade, which is Thursday evening, Aug. 19, is truly a fan favorite. Thousands of fans in the area for the four NASCAR races at BMS that week come out early, staking their claim on their chosen viewing position along the 10-mile route from Bristol Mall to "The World’s Fastest Half-Mile." Many of the haulers also will carry a child from either the Make A Wish Foundation or the Children’s Miracle Network.
The parade starts at 9:00pm/et at the Bristol Mall, following completion of downtown Bristol’s Food City Race Night. More than 60 haulers then will make their way from the mall down Volunteer Parkway to BMS. The transporter leading the way will be the one belonging to the leader of the NASCAR Sprint Cup point standings heading into the IRWIN Tools Night Race, currently Kevin Harvick. To add to the parade’s atmosphere, fireworks will light up the night from four different points along the route. The transporter drivers will be available prior to the start of the parade to sign autographs at the Bristol Mall. There also will be face painting for children, along with a “5-In-1 Sport” jump playhouse.(BMS)(8-19-2010)

Wilkes County Bristol Stop: Set in the Brushy Mountains of western North Carolina, lays Wilkes County with a deep history of NASCAR. It is the site of the North Wilkesboro Speedway which hosted NASCAR events for 50 years. This year on the way to Bristol for the races Wilkes County will be hosting the First Annual “Bristol Stop” on race weekend, Wilkes County hotels will be offering deeply discounted hotels at several of the local hotels that include, Wilkesboro Holiday Inn, Addison Inn, and the Hampton Inn all in the Town of Wilkesboro and close to the North Wilkesboro Speedway, and within 2 hours of Bristol, TN. Anyone stopping in town on race weekend with a Bristol ticket will be able to take their ticket down to the North Wilkesboro Speedway and take a lap around the track in your street car. Also that weekend on August 21st at 7:00pm, Tim Dugger will be performing in concert at West Wilkes High School, tickets prices are $10 each and will be available during check-in at all participating hotels, all proceeds from the Tim Dugger concert will go to the Benny Parsons Athletic Complex to be built at West Wilkes High School. More info at savethespeedway.net.(8-18-2010)

Bristol names National Anthem singers: Southern pop artist Jessie James will sing the national anthem prior to the start of the Food City 250 Aug. 20, while the children of NASCAR drivers again will sing prior to the IRWIN Tools Night Race Aug. 21. The Mercury Records star recently released her second album, "Boys in the Summer," which is already making its way up both pop and country charts. Always one of the most popular groups to sing the anthem, the children of NASCAR drivers, with assistance from Motor Racing Outreach, will sing prior to the start of the IRWIN Tools Night Race Saturday night.(BMS)(8-17-2010)

Bristol announces 2001 race dates: NASCAR's two Sprint Cup and Nationwide races at Bristol Motor Speedway will remain in March and August in 2011, with the August date moving back one week. Bristol Motor Speedway, NASCAR's most popular track, returns to its customary August race date, the weekend prior to the Labor Day holiday, Aug. 26-27. NASCAR kicks off the BMS spring weekend with Ford Fan Friday March 18, followed by the Scotts Turf Builder 300 Nationwide Series event March 19, and the Food City 500 Sprint Cup race March 20.(BMS)(8-11-2010)

Bristol single event tickets on sale: For the first time in nearly two decades, fans now may purchase single-event tickets to NASCAR's most popular Sprint Cup event, the IRWIN Tools Night Race. The Aug. 21 running of the IRWIN Tools Night Race is a major milestone for Bristol Motor Speedway as the World's Fastest Half-Mile will host its 100th Cup race. The first 500-lap NASCAR race at BMS took place July 30, 1961. A limited number of tickets for the incomparable Saturday night show, voted by fans as the most popular race on the NASCAR schedule, are available for $109 each. These single-event tickets are renewable. Fans also may purchase a three-day package, which features four NASCAR races. Action kicks off Aug. 18 with the O'Reilly 200 Camping World Truck Series race and the UNOH Perfect Storm Whelen Modified doubleheader. Also in the package are the Food City 250 Nationwide event Friday night, Aug. 20, and the showcase race Aug. 21, the IRWIN Tools Night Race. To purchase, please contact the BMS ticket office at its toll free number 1-866-415-4158 or 423-BRISTOL (274-7865). Tickets may also be purchased at www.bristoltix.com.(BMS)(5-9-2010)

Bristol August Race Weekend packages on sale now: Racing under the lights at Bristol Motor Speedway in August. Nothing else on the NASCAR schedule comes close to mirroring that kind of excitement or such a unique atmosphere. NASCAR’s most coveted ticket to its wildly popular Sprint Cup event, the IRWIN Tools Night Race, along with its companion events, is now on sale at Bristol Motor Speedway. A three-day package features 1,100 laps of non-stop action at the World’s Fastest Half-Mile. Included is the Aug. 18 Wednesday night doubleheader, the O’Reilly 200 (Camping World Truck) and the UNOH Perfect Storm 150 (Whelen Modified), the Food City 250 (Nationwide) Aug. 20 and the showcase event Aug. 21, the IRWIN Tools Night Race. Fans who can only attend the Friday and Saturday night races also may purchase a two-race package for the Food City 250 and IRWIN Tools Night Race. Packages for all three days start at only $170 while pricing for the two-day package begins at $126. To purchase, please contact the BMS ticket office at 423-BRISTOL (274-7865) or visit www.bristolmotorspeedway.com.(BMS)(3-28-2010)

No sellout for Bristol, first since 1982: According to figures provided by NASCAR, an estimated total of 138,000 attended Sunday’s Food City 500 Sprint Cup race at Bristol Motor Speedway. Unofficial estimates placed the figure closer to 120,000 on the overcast and chilly afternoon. Entering the weekend, the 160,000-seat facility had been sold out for 55 straight Sprint Cup events. The NASCAR attendance estimate for Saturday’s Scotts Turf Builder 300 Nationwide Series race was 85,000. Crowds of over 100,000 have attended the Nationwide races at BMS in recent years. Many fans have complained that the excitement level of BMS events has been diminished since the .533-concrete oval underwent an extensive 2007 resurfacing project which gave competitors more room to maneuver. That sentiment remerged Monday morning on various NASCAR message boards and talk shows, even though Sunday’s Food City 500 featured 29 lead changes, 10 caution periods and a 10-lap dash to the finish. According to BMS Vice President of Public Affairs Kevin Triplett, the biggest hurdle facing BMS the past two years has been the slumping national economy. Triplett feels that the thousands of empty seats this past weekend were emblematic of the financial challenges in NASCAR hotbeds around the Midwest and Northeast. “As far as winning back fans, more than 60% of the ones we surveyed who did not renew their tickets said it was for economic reasons,” Triplett said. The August Sprint Cup race at BMS remains one of the most popular events in motorsports. Speedway officials have attempted to generate renewed interest for their March race program by holding the Food City Race Night program on track property and by introducing a 35-lap charity event for retired NASCAR drivers on Saturday night. “There are other things – lodging costs, people out of work – that are factors that are out of our hands,” Triplett said. (Bristol Herald Courier), The speedway’s record streak of 55 sellouts began back in August 1982 – when the track could accommodate a mere 30,000 fans.(Bristol Herald Courier)(3-23-2010)

Song Drivers were introduced to at the Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway:
AJ Allmendinger .... "Last Resort'' by Papa Roach
Aric Almirola .... "Back in Black'' by AC/DC
Bobby Labonte ... "People are Crazy'' by Billy Currington
Brad Keselowski ... "Won't Back Down'' by Tom Petty
Brian Vickers ... "Whatever Happened'' by OAR
Carl Edwards ... "Black Betty'' by Spiderbait
Casey Mears ... "Wild Side'' by Motley Crue
Clint Bowyer ... "Burning Love'' by Elvis Presley
David Ragan ... "The Devil Went Down to Georgia'' by Charlie Daniels
David Reutimann ... "The Game'' by Motor Head
Denny Hamlin .. "Theme from Rocky''
Elliott Sadler ... "2001: A Space Odyssey Theme'''
Greg Biffle ... "Welcome to the Jungle'' by Guns N' Roses
Jamie McMurray ... "Let It Rock'' by Kevin Rudoph featuring Lil Wayne
Jeff Burton ... "Welcome to the Jungle'' by Guns N' Roses
Jeff Gordon ... "Boom, Boom, Pow'' by Black Eyed Peas
Jimmie Johnson ... "Ramble On'' by Led Zepplin
Juan Pablo Montoya ... "Goin' The Distance'' by Cake
Kasey Kahne ... "Bulls on Parade'' by Rage Against the Machine
Kevin Conway ... "Big Time'' by Peter Gabriel
Kevin Harvick ... "Rollin -- Airraid Vehicle'' by LImp Bizkit
Kurt Busch ... "Dukes of Hazard Theme song'' by Waylon Jennings
Kyle Busch ... "Amazing'' by Kanye West
Marcos Ambrose ... "Thunderstruck'' by AC/DC
Maritn Truex Jr. ... "NAPA Know How Jingle''
Matt Kenseth ... "Whisky Hangover'' by Godsmack
Paul Menard ... "Paradise City'' by Guns N' Roses
Regan Smith ... "Fight for Your Right'' by Beastie Boys
Robby Gordon ... "Some Beach'' by Blake Shelton
Ryan Newman ... "Hillbilly Rockstar'' by Bridgette Tatum
Sam Hornish Jr. ... "Bad Habit'' by Offspring
Scott Speed ... "Loveshack'' by B-52s
Tony Stewart ... "Eastbound and Down'' by Jerry Reed
Travis Kvapil ... "Kickstart My Heart'' by Motley Crue
Joey Logano ... "Crank dat'' by Soldier Boys
David Gilliland ... "I Got a Feeling'' by Black Eyed Peas
Terry Cook ... "Don't Look Back'' by Boston
Joe Nemechek ... "Boot Scotin Boogie'' by Brooks and Dunn
Mike Bliss ... "Rise Above This'' by Seether
Michael Waltrip .. "Hillbilly Bone'' by Blake Shelton
Dave Blaney ... "Let's Get This Party Started''
Mark Martin ... "If You Want Blood" by AC/DC
Dale Earnhardt Jr. ... Runnin' with the Devil by Van Halen
(Virginian Pilot)(3-21-2010)

Update On Jeff Byrd From Bristol Motor Speedway: Bristol Motor Speedway officials issued an update on the status of President and General Manager Jeff Byrd, who recently took a leave of absence to deal with a medical matter. Byrd’s condition, which will prevent him from involvement in this weekend’s Food City 500 activities, has been identified and doctors last week began specific treatment. “Things are going well, “said Byrd. “It is going to be very difficult for me not to be at Bristol Motor Speedway this weekend to be with more than 150,000 of my closest friends. But I will be there in spirit and as I have said before, I expect to see everyone in August (for the second NASCAR weekend at Bristol). “Claudia, the rest of the family and I have been overwhelmed by everyone’s thoughts and prayers. I hope they keep it up and appreciate so many people coming to Bristol this weekend.”(BMS)(3-19-2010)

The NTL heads back to the Earhart Campground at Bristol: After hosting one of the most successful tailgating events of the 2009 inaugural season, The National Tailgating League is heading back to the Earhart Campground of Bristol, TN for an even bigger and better experience! The National Tailgating League (The NTL) presented by Budweiser announced today that Bristol, Tenn., will host the NTL’s second stop of ten on this year’s NTL NASCAR tour, hosting the campgrounds cornhole tournaments and more new exciting elements for our fans. Held in the heart of the Earhart campground, The NTL will host various tournaments starting Friday March 19th through Sunday the 21st, providing race related prizes and cash purse tournaments. More info at TheNTL.com.(NTL)(3-18-2010)

Local Business Will Help NASCAR Fans Take A Trip Down Memory Lane: Time machines. Imaginations have run wild for years about the possibilities of vehicles capable to transport people back in time. One Bristol business has found the solution and will have 12 of those machines ready for drivers like Cale Yarborough and David Pearson to race in the March 20 Scotts EZ Seed Showdown at Bristol Motor Speedway. Okay, so they technically are not time machines, but Modern D-Signs, located on Volunteer Parkway in Bristol, has created a few looks for race cars that definitely will remind people of NASCAR's past. Kurt Kummer, owner of Modern D-Signs, and his staff have taken USAR Pro Cup machines and transformed them into the cars of yesteryear. Each car features one of the paint schemes made famous by the legendary driver behind the wheel for the event. The expert crew at Modern D-Signs can wrap one race car during an eight-hour day. They can go faster if they are pushed, but prefer to limit themselves to one a day. That's a long way from when cars were hand lettered and painted. But although turning back the hands of time to make these cars look similar to their predecessors of yesteryear may be more reliant on technology these days, it still stirs emotion. When Kummer's crew sees drivers like Harry Gant, Charlie Glotzbach and Dave Marcis piloting their works of art, the feeling of pride is obvious around the shop.
Race fans can see the work of Modern D-Signs as Bristol Motor Speedway takes a trip back in time during the Scotts EZ Seed Showdown. Tickets are available for Food City 500 weekend. A package, consisting of Ford Fan Friday qualifying (March 19), the Scotts Turf Builder 300 and the Scotts EZ Seed Showdown (March 20) and the March 21 Food City 500, is available, starting at only $99. For fans who can only attend the Food City 500, single day tickets may be purchased, starting at $93. Tickets for Saturday's doubleheader start at just $45 while fans can watch Ford Fan Friday qualifying for only $5, then attend Food City Race Night at BMS for free.(BMS PR)(3-18-2010)

Bristol has largest seating capacity of SMI tracks: Bristol Motor Speedway has the largest grandstand capacity of any of the Speedway Motorsports Inc. tracks, according to the company's annual report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Bristol's seating capacity remained at 158,0000. Texas Motor Speedway, which was also at 158,000, now stands at 137,000 seats (not including the infield) after the removal of 21,000 seats. Charlotte Motor Speedway also has cut seats from 156,000 to 146,000. Six of the SMI tracks have the same seating capacity as a year ago: Bristol, Las Vegas (131,000), Atlanta (101,000), New Hampshire (96,000), Kentucky (69,000) and Infineon (47,000). Bristol ranks third among all NASCAR Sprint Cup tracks in seating capacity, behind Indianapolis (approximately 250,000) and Daytona (159,000).(Scene Daily)(3-16-2010)

Ticket's available for Bristol races: Tickets are available for Food City 500 weekend. A package, consisting of Ford Fan Friday qualifying (March 19), the Scotts Turf Builder 300 and the Scotts EZ Seed Showdown (March 20) and the March 21 Food City 500, is available, starting at only $99. For fans who can only attend the Food City 500, single day tickets may be purchased, starting at $93. Tickets for Saturday’s doubleheader start at just $45, while fans can watch Ford Fan Friday qualifying for only $5, then attend Food City Race Night at BMS for free. A season ticket package featuring nine events during the March and August NASCAR weekends starts at only $199. The package includes the two most popular Sprint Cup races in the sport, along with a pair of Nationwide events, a Camping Truck Series race, the Scotts EZ Seed Showdown, a Whelen Modified event, qualifying and Food City Race Night. For more information concerning tickets, please visit www.bristoltix.com or call the BMS ticket office at 423-BRISTOL (274-7865).(BMS)(3-10-2010)

"Stone Cold" Steve Austin named Food City 500 grand marshal: World Wrestling Federation superstar "Stone Cold" Steve Austin has been named Grand Marshal for the Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway on Sunday, March 21, 2010. The 45-year-old Austin is a six-time WWF Champion, an Intercontinental and World Tag Team Champion, three-time Royal Rumble Match winner, King of the Ring winner and three-time WWE Championship at WrestleMania winner. Austin retired from professional wrestling in 2003. Always the entertainer, he turned his attention to acting. In 2010, he will be seen on the big screen starring opposite Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham and Jet Li in The Expendables. Tickets are available for race weekend and may be purchased by calling the BMS ticket office toll-free at 1.866.415.4158 or bristolmotorspeedway.com.(BMS)(3-9-2010)

Jason Witten named Honorary Starter of Food City 500: Dallas Cowboy standout Jason Witten has been named the Honorary Starter for the Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway Sunday, March 21. The 6-foot-5, 263-pound Witten, a six-time Pro Bowl selection, is originally from Elizabethton, Tenn., just 15 minutes away from the World's Fastest Half-Mile. Witten, always excited about making a trip home, is looking forward to taking part in the Food City 500. The 27-year-old Witten was a standout at Elizabethton High School and was the USA Today Player of the Year in Tennessee in 2000 before signing with the University of Tennessee where he starred for three years. In 2001 Witten was drafted in the third round by the Dallas Cowboys and became an instant star. One of the premier tight ends in the NFL, Witten finished the 2009 season with 94 catches and 1,030 yards. Tickets are available for race weekend and may be purchased by calling the BMS ticket office toll-free at 1.866.415.4158 or bristolmotorspeedway.com.(BMS)(3-9-2010)

Official Statement From BMS Regarding Jeff Byrd: Bristol Motor Speedway officials announced today President and General Manager Jeff Byrd has taken a leave of absence to undergo tests and treatment for a recently-discovered medical matter. It will prevent him from involvement in the upcoming Food City 500 weekend [March 19-21]. Byrd recently went through a series of tests and his doctors are encouraged that the condition is limited to one area and is treatable. “I fully intend to be back on the job as soon as the doctors say it is ok,” said Byrd. “I appreciate everyone’s thoughts and prayers and will miss being at the track for the Food City 500 weekend. I have said for years I have the best team in motorsports and things are in good hands.” Byrd and his family have asked for prayers and privacy at this time.(BMS)(3-2-2010

Bristol Motor Speedway adds more SAFER walls: Bristol Motor Speedway officials announced the addition of more than 160 feet of SAFER barriers. Track operations personnel extended SAFER (Steel And Foam Energy Reduction) barriers at the exits of Turns 2 and 4. Work began last week and will be complete before NASCAR teams arrive for the Food City 500 weekend, March 19-21. “We believe with these modifications, we will not only increase driver safety, but will also create a different transition at the exit of the turns,” said Jeff Byrd, BMS President and General Manager. “While we don’t know exactly how this will impact the racing, the more confined racing area should create less elbow room and tighten up the racing groove at those points.” A deteriorating track surface forced officials in the summer of 2007 to put down a fresh layer of concrete and an additional four feet of width to the racing groove was part of the change. The modifications will eliminate some of that added room. “Without question, this extra four feet added room and aided in creating three and, at times, even four-wide racing,” Byrd said. “However, while it is breathtaking, many of our fans have responded that we went too far, in actuality, giving too much racing room to the greatest drivers in the world.” For more information concerning tickets, please visit www.bristoltix.com or call the BMS ticket office at 423-BRISTOL (274-7865).(BMS)(2-24-2010)

Four more drivers added to Bristol Legends race: Bristol Motor Speedway officials announced the addition of four more drivers to the lineup for the March 20 running of the Scotts EZ Seed Showdown. Dave Marcis, a veteran of 883 Cup Series races, and Tommy Houston, a mainstay of the NASCAR Nationwide Series, will make their debuts in the exciting event which was a huge fan favorite a year ago. Jimmy Hensley, the Virginia Gentleman, also will make his first start in the race, while Phil Parsons returns after competing last season. The fans also will enjoy seeing Marcis' trademark wingtips once more. "I'll be wearing them," he said proudly. "I wore a pair when I ran my last cup race in Daytona in February 2002 and I'll have a pair on in Bristol." Cale Yarborough, Charlie Glotzbach, Jack Ingram and L.D. Ottinger were announced in August as the first 2010 Scotts EZ Seed Showdown competitors. The final four drivers will be announced at a later date.(Bristol PR)(1-28-2010)

BMS wins $397,000 tax case: A Nashville judge has ruled that Bristol Motor Speedway does not have to pay a $397,000 tax assessment from the state of Tennessee. Chancellor Ellen Hobbs Lyle, in an order unsealed Friday, ruled in a dispute over money the racetrack brings in from the broadcast of NASCAR races. The speedway last year challenged the assessment, claiming the state Department of Revenue was illegally taxing the track. Speedway officials argued that television rights are intangible and that any money derived from the sale of them is not subject to Tennessee sales or business taxes. The suit also claimed the state wrongfully taxed the speedway for money it makes from mailing fees on tickets and from leasing space to vendors. Lyle wrote that the assessments "do not fall into the category of tangible personal property." The judge also ruled that "the relationship ... from the NASCAR agreement is more in the nature of a joint venture than contract of service by the (track) to NASCAR."(Kingsport Times News)(10-19-2009)

New title sponsor for Bristol fall race UPDATE: but been told Irwin Tools will replace Sharpie as the race title sponsor for next August's Sprint Cup race at Bristol Motor Speedway and will be known as the Irwin Tools 500. Also, supposedly Irwin Tools does not know if it will sponsor a car/driver in 2010 [from the PR below, it does not sound like they will sponsor a car]. It currently serves as the primary sponsor for 11 Sprint Cup races on Roush Fenway Racing's #26 Ford that Jamie McMurray drives. That team will close up or move to Yates Racing in 2010, with either McMurray as the driver or another driver.
UPDATE: IRWIN Tools, a Newell Rubbermaid [also owns Sharpie] company and manufacturer and distributor of a broad line of professional hand tools and power tool accessories, announced that it will be the title sponsor of the IRWIN Tools Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway beginning in 2010. While the event's new name is unique - the "IRWIN Tools Night Race" - the summer classic under the lights at Bristol will continue to be 500 grueling laps around the high banks of the .533-mile oval, one of NASCAR's most popular and storied facilities. A spectacle in sports since 1961, Bristol has had 55 consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup Series sellouts, dating back to 1982. "We could not have constructed a better partnership than one between IRWIN Tools and Bristol Motor Speedway," said IRWIN President Neil Eibeler. "Like our many IRWIN products, Bristol leads the way in innovation, quality and ingenuity among NASCAR venues. We can't wait to see the blue and yellow colors of IRWIN Tools here for years to come. Our employees are thrilled and our customers will be waiting in anticipation to see nearly 160,000 fans in the stands next year for the first ‘IRWIN Night Race at Bristol,' the most popular NASCAR race of the year." IRWIN Tools takes over the entitlement from Sharpie, a sister company under the Newell Rubbermaid umbrella, which has sponsored the race since 2001.
"We're very happy to keep the Night Race in the Newell Rubbermaid family," said Jeff Byrd, President and General Manager of BMS, NASCAR's fastest half-mile. "We have gotten to know the IRWIN Tools team and their desire is to be the best technological company in the tool business. We feel we have the best facility in our sport so pairing up the two can only result in success. We look forward to a wonderful partnership and future together." The IRWIN Tools name has been a mainstay in NASCAR since 2003, serving as a primary car sponsor for Roush Fenway Racing. During that span, drivers Kurt Busch and Jamie McMurray both won races in IRWIN Tools Fords while Busch carried IRWIN to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship in 2004. "It's been a great ride with Roush Fenway Racing," said Eric Pinkham, Newell Rubbermaid's Vice President, Sponsorship and Event Marketing. "They clearly helped us put IRWIN Tools on the map and we appreciate what they've done for the IRWIN brand. Now it's time for a new chapter for IRWIN and we can't wait to get started on the IRWIN Tools Night Race at Bristol." The 2010 IRWIN Tools Night Race at Bristol will be on Saturday, August 21. For more information, call 1-800-GO-IRWIN or visit www.irwin.com.(BMS)(8-22-2009)

Full Driver song list for Bristol: Bristol Motor Speedway will give fans something different during drive interoductions Saturday night. They'll play music for each driver that the driver has selected. Some of the choices are interesting from those older rock n' roll classics to more recent tunes. Here's the playlist for ALL of the drivers:
Tony Stewart: Kid Rock's "Bawitdaba''
Dale Earnhardt Jr.: AC/DC's "Thunderstruck''
Jimmie Johnson: AC/DC's Thunderstruck
Mark Martin: AC/DC's "For Those About To Rock''
Jeff Gordon: Rolling Stones' "Start Me Up''
Jeff Burton: Guns N' Roses' "Welcome to the Jungle''
Carl Edwards: House of Pain's "Jump Around''
Matt Kenseth: "Godsmack's "The Enemy''
Scott Speed: "Black Eyed Peas' "Boom, Boom, Pow"
Kurt Busch: Cake's "Going The Distance''
Kyle Busch: Kanye West's "Amazing''
Kasey Kahne: Dierks Bentley's "Life On The Run''
Michael Waltrip: Toby Keith's "As Good As I Once Was''
Ryan Newman: Big & Rich's "Save A Horse, Ride A Cowboy''
Clint Bowyer: Elvis Presley's "CC Rider''
Reed Sorenson: Michael Jackson's "Billy Jean''
Denny Hamlin: Fabulous' "My Time''
Joey Logano: Jerry Reed's "East Bound and Down''
AJ Allmendinger: "Going the Distance'' by Cake
Marcos Ambrose: "Land Down Under'' by Men at Work
John Andretti: Black Label Society's "Fire it Up''
Greg Biffle: POD's "Boom''
Dave Blaney: "Taking Care of Business'' by Bachman Turner Overdrive
David Gilliland: Limb Bizkit's "Break Stuff''
Robby Gordon: Kid Rock's "All Summer Long''
Kevin Harvick: DMX's "Party Up''
Sam Hornish Jr: "Fight for Your Right'' by Beastie Boys
Bobby Labonte: "Chicken Fried'' by Zack Brown Band
Terry Labonte: "Heartland'' by George Strait
Jamie McMurray: AC/DC's "Shook Me All Night Long''
Casey Mears: "Animals'' by Nickelback
Paul Menard: "Fire It Up'' by Black Label Society
Juan Pablo Montoya: "All Star'' by Smash Mouth
Joe Nemechek: "Life in the Fast Lane'' by The Eagles
David Ragan: "Thunderstruck'' by AC/DC
Tony Raines: "Bristol Speed'' by Silvergun
David Reutimann: "Sprach Zarathustra'' by Richard Strauss
Elliott Sadler: "2001 A Space Odyssey''
Regan Smith: "Shoots & Ladders'' by Korn
David Stremme: Kid Rock's "Bawitdaba''
Martin Truex Jr.: "Sun Gonna Rise'' by Citizen Cope
Brian Vickers: "This Town'' by O.A.R.
Scott Wimmer: "Night Rider Theme Song''
(Virginian Pilot)(8-22-2009)

Drivers pick songs for intros at Bristol UPDATE: Personalities among NASCAR's Sprint Cup drivers are as varied as their musical tastes. Fans will get more of an indication as to what might make their favorite drivers tick during driver introductions for the Sharpie 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway Aug. 22. Back in the day, drivers had a great deal of fun during pre-race festivities as they introduced themselves to the fans in attendance, injecting some of their own individuality into the way they addressed the crowd. BMS will turn back the clock Saturday, not only asking the drivers to introduce themselves to the sold-out throng of nearly 160,000, but also asking them to walk out to the song of their choice. The Sprint Cup stars take their music seriously and a good many of them deliberated for weeks before making their song choice for driver introductions, while others changed selections several times. Whether it is country or hard rock, their musical tastes are as diverse as the paint schemes on their cars.(BMS PR)(8-20-2009)
UPDATE: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers will make a more personal entrance prior to Saturday night’s Sharpie 500. Each member of the starting lineup will greet the crowd by introducing themselves, accompanied by a song of their choosing. Four-time series runner-up #5-Mark Martin will make his 1,000th career national-series start Saturday. Martin’s song choice for his introduction? “For Those About To Rock,” by AC/DC. Another AC/DC tune – “Thunderstruck” – is a popular choice. #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr., #6-David Ragan and #48-Jimmie Johnson all have chosen “Thunderstruck” as their intro theme. #26-Jamie McMurray also chose an AC/DC ditty – “Shook Me All Night Long.” #39-Ryan Newman’s choice of “Save A Horse, Ride A Cowboy” by Big and Rich took some consideration. “It really wasn’t my first choice,” Newman said, “but I won’t tell you what that song was. I’ve always liked country music, and this song is pretty cool to me because my buddy “Two-Foot Fred” is in the video and is part of the whole deal. I wouldn’t say it’s my theme song, but it is fun.” #9-Kasey Kahne offers fans a peek into a racer’s world with “Life On The Run” by Dierks Bentley, whom he counts as a good friend. “That’s what we do,” Kahne said. “Life on the run. We just love to race, and to race, we have to travel, and Dierks is one of my favorites.” #14-Tony Stewart is paying homage to his friend Kid Rock with “Bawitdaba”. #12-David Stremme chose the same tune. Others of note: “C.C. Rider” by Elvis Presley – #33-Clint Bowyer; “Start Me Up” by the Rolling Stones – #24-Jeff Gordon; “Land Down Under” by Men At Work – #47-Marcos Ambrose; “Welcome To The Jungle” by Guns N Roses – #31-Jeff Burton; “Amazing” by Kanye West – #18-Kyle Busch.(Racin' Today)(8-22-2009)

Updates on injured man at BMS: A Bristol Motor Speedway emergency medical technician was seriously injured in a freak accident late Wednesday following the modified series race. Darrell Wayne Mitchell of Church Hill, Tenn., was taken by helicopter to the Bristol Regional Medical Center. A hospital spokeswoman said he was in the surgical intensive care unit Thursday afternoon. Bristol Tennessee Police Sgt. Greg Brown said Mitchell was leaving the infield on foot near the pit entrance between turns two and three about 10:45 p.m., 30 minutes after the end of the race. At the same time, a tractor-trailer turned left out of the infield and scraped the side of an elevated camera platform. The impact twisted the platform and a steel ladder attached to the unit spun around and pinned Mitchell against the infield retaining wall. Brown said Mitchell suffered a head injury, and possibly a skull fracture. There was one person standing on the platform, which a speedway representative estimated is 12 feet high, when the truck grazed the edge. Police said the man on the platform was not hurt and managed to stay on top. Brown said Mitchell was listed in stable condition late Wednesday, then in critical condition by Thursday morning. Mitchell was a paramedic with Church Hill EMS until several months ago when he went to work for the Church Hill Rescue Squad, director Stanley Arnold said. Mitchell is working at the races on contract through Wellmont Health System, which provides dozens of medical workers for the speedway.(Bristol Herald Courier)(8-21-2009)
UPDATE: A Bristol Motor Speedway emergency medical technician was seriously injured in a freak accident late Wednesday following the modified series race. Darrell Wayne Mitchell of Church Hill, Tenn., was taken by helicopter to the Bristol Regional Medical Center. A hospital spokeswoman said he was in the surgical intensive care unit Thursday afternoon. Bristol Tennessee Police Sgt. Greg Brown said Mitchell was leaving the infield on foot near the pit entrance between turns two and three about 10:45 p.m., 30 minutes after the end of the race. At the same time, a tractor-trailer turned left out of the infield and scraped the side of an elevated camera platform. The impact twisted the platform and a steel ladder attached to the unit spun around and pinned Mitchell against the infield retaining wall. Brown said Mitchell suffered a head injury, and possibly a skull fracture. There was one person standing on the platform, which a speedway representative estimated is 12 feet high, when the truck grazed the edge. Police said the man on the platform was not hurt and managed to stay on top. Brown said Mitchell was listed in stable condition late Wednesday, then in critical condition by Thursday morning. Mitchell was a paramedic with Church Hill EMS until several months ago when he went to work for the Church Hill Rescue Squad, director Stanley Arnold said. The red tractor-trailer that hit the platform is owned by TS Haulers out of Calverton, N.Y., on Long Island, police said. TS Haulers is a racing company that sponsored Jimmy Blewett, who placed 31st in Wednesday’s NASCAR Whelen Modified Series. There was only minor damage to the truck, and the driver, Thomas Grasso, from Connecticut, was not injured. Brown said he is unsure if there will be any charges filed in the accident.(Bristol Herald Courier)(8-22-2009)

Popular Legends race to return to Bristol in 2010< The legends of NASCAR will race again at Bristol Motor Speedway next spring, but the rules of engagement have been revised. Along with three former driving greats, BMS officials outlined the details for the 2010 legends race Thursday afternoon. To be eligible for the event, a driver must not have competed in a Nationwide or Sprint Cup Series event in the past seven years. That would disqualify Sterling Marlin, who led every lap of the 35-lap Scotts Saturday Night Special late-model event last spring. Rusty Wallace, who finished second, would also be ineligible. The other major switch involves the cars. Instead of allowing drivers, such as Wallace, to bring their own late models every driver will compete in a car provided by the USARacing Pro Cup Series. L.D. Ottinger, who finished third behind Wallace and Marlin, attended Thursday’s press conference along with Charlie Glotzbach and Jack Ingram. Other drivers who have committed to participate in the 2010 legends race are Phil Parsons, Larry Pearson, Harry Gant and Cale Yarborough. Details of the event are still being formalized, but it will likely be run after the Scotts Turf Builder 300 Nationwide Series event. The celebrity portion of the 35-lap race has been scrapped. Virginia Tech head football coach Frank Beamer and former National Football League star Mike Compton ran exhibition laps in the spring.(Bristol Herald Courier)(8-21-2009)

Bristol Transporter Parade on Thursday: A spectacle more than a decade in the making will bring tens of thousands of race fans to the streets of Bristol Thursday, Aug. 20 as Ford Presents the BMS Transporter Parade. The Thursday night of Bristol race week teems with traditions like Food City Family Race Night and the 13th annual parade of NASCAR Sprint Cup haulers, which carry the race cars and equipment for the Sharpie 500. Outside, thousands of fans in the area for the four NASCAR races will line the 10-mile route to watch the transporters make their way to the World’s Fastest Half-Mile. Inside, hauler drivers will help in making dreams come true as many of them will carry a child from either the Make-A-Wish Foundation or the Children’s Miracle Network. The parade starts at 9:00pm at the Bristol Mall at the conclusion of downtown Bristol’s Food City Family Race Night. More than 60 haulers then will make their way down Volunteer Parkway to BMS. The transporter leading the way will be the one belonging to the series sanctioning body, NASCAR, followed by series sponsor Sprint and the leader of the series point standings heading into the Sharpie 500, currently Tony Stewart. Adding to the fanfare of the parade, fireworks will light up the skies from four different points along the route.(BMS)(8-19-2009)

World’s Largest Group Karaoke attempt at Bristol: Over the years, Bristol Motor Speedway has involved its rabid fans in a number of fantastic card stunts, as well as Guinness Book of World Records. These fan feats have played a major role in the unparalleled excitement and unique atmosphere offered by the overall BMS experience. And on Aug. 22, prior to the start of the Sharpie 500, BMS again will ask its fans to take part in what will be the World’s Largest Group Karaoke attempt. With nearly 160,000 fans in attendance, this will shatter the old mark of 80,000 set in Europe earlier this year. The Sharpie 500 Sprint Cup event is the last of four electrifying night races that will take place at the World’s Fastest Half-Mile in August. Race week kicks off with a doubleheader Wednesday, Aug. 19 as the Whelen Modified Series takes to the track for the first time in the UNOH Perfect Storm 150, followed by the O’Reilly 200 Camping World Truck Series. Next up is the Food City 250 Nationwide race Friday, which will again feature a host of Sprint Cup stars.(BMS)(8-19-2009)

Bristol Nights CD featuring Bristol related songs: The sights and sounds of Bristol Motor Speedway are distinctive, unique and instantly recognizable. Now, fans can enjoy NASCAR’s most popular track in an entirely different way with the release of “Bristol Nights,” a 12-song CD that honors the World’s Fastest Half-Mile. The dozen original songs in a multitude of musical styles commemorate the excitement of racing on “The World’s Fastest Half Mile,” Bristol’s signature Night Race, the raw power of the Bristol Dragway and the unmatched Bristol fan experience. “Bristol Nights,” which is the result of a partnership with Banshee Music, digitally debuted at Amazon.com and iTunes earlier this week (BMS), more info at the BMS site.(8-13-2009)

Bristol Sprint Cup race sold out: Bristol Motor Speedway President and General Manager Jeff Byrd announced today the facility’s 55th consecutive sell out of a NASCAR Sprint Cup race. “A lot of effort by our staff here at BMS went into making this happen,” said Byrd. “But the biggest tip of the hat goes to the fans. Those members of the extended Bristol Motor Speedway family, who continue, even in tougher times, to come back for the Bristol Experience are the ones who put us in this position. We commit ourselves every race to enhance the Bristol Experience for our loyal fans and the fans responded again.” The streak began Aug. 28, 1982 when Darrell Waltrip edged Bobby Allison by less than a second in front of an estimated 30,000 fans. Since then, the facility’s seating capacity has increased more than five-fold. Fans may place their orders now for 2010 season ticket packages by calling (423) BRISTOL (274-7865).(BMS)(8-11-2009)

Stewart to sell tix at Bristol: #14-Tony Stewart not only will be in the Bristol Motor Speedway ticket office on Thursday, July 30th, helping sell some of the few remaining tickets to the Sharpie 500 race, but some fans also can look forward to getting a little something extra from him upon purchasing tickets. Stewart has some of his own Sharpie 500 tickets that he will give away to a few lucky fans that afternoon. The former Bristol winner is scheduled to arrive at BMS around 1:30pm/et on Thursday where he will then head to “work” in the ticket office. The Sharpie 500 Sprint Cup event is the last of four exciting night races that will take place at the BMS in August. Race week kicks off with a doubleheader Wednesday, Aug. 19 as the Whelen Modified Series takes to the track for the first time in the UNOH Perfect Storm 150, followed by the O’Reilly 200 Camping World Truck Series. Next up is the Food City 250 Nationwide race Friday, which will again feature a host of Sprint Cup stars. Tickets packages for the Sharpie 500 and the Food City 250 are currently available, starting at only $145. Tickets also are on sale for the Wednesday night doubleheader – the UNOH Perfect Storm 150 and the O’Reilly 200 – for $30 and tickets for the Food City 250 begin at $45. Anyone purchasing a package for the Sharpie 500 and Food City 250 will be eligible for the buy one, get one free Wednesday night ticket. Tickets may be purchased by calling the BMS ticket office at (423) BRISTOL (274-7865), (423) 989-6900 or by visiting www.bristoltix.com.(BMS)(7-28-2009)