By ROGER SMITH, Bristol Fan

The author Thomas Wolfe wrote that "You can't go home again."  But I've learned that when it comes to Bristol, I can always go "home."

While Bristol, and the Tri-Cities region, may not be my native home, I assure you that it certainly has become become my second home.  A trip to Bristol serves as a reminder of the roots of racing.

You know what I speak of... Short, high banked action-packed bullrings; some paved and some not; tracks situated in a pure country setting; the likes of which would could easily fill an Ansel Adams photologue. They hold much of the "home" feel of the small southern town where I was raised.

While folks often find reasons to complain, I assure you that the Bristol Experience is one for the ages.  Throughout my 40+ years of visiting race tracks, I have never met a more genuine group of people.

From upper management, ticket sales, gift shop... to even the food service personnel and ushers, both at the circle track and drag strip, the Bristol folks earnestly want every fan experience to be the best ever. It's the spirit and tradition to "Exceed Expectations".

Bristol Motor Speedway through years, has been a leader in promoting a value-added enhanced fan experience, which rivals the thrill and excitement of action on "The World’s Fastest Half-Mile" and on the strip at "Thunder Valley."

You hear a lot of sporting venues state that fans are first. But clearly in that small northeast Tennessee town, fans do matter! Bristol leads the pack.

And Bristol "happens" year-round, not just on NASCAR weekends. The Dragway runs events March through October, including the the NHRA Ford Thunder Valley Nationals, and special holiday events like AutoTrader.com Speedway In Lights.

Regardless of the event you visit in Bristol, each event truly is a homecoming.  Come once, be a fan forever.