Bristol News

Maryville resident receives ultimate upgrade for NASCAR's most popular race.

May 8 marks the anniversary of V-E, or Victory in Europe, Day: the official end to fighting in Europe during World War II. Here at Bristol Motor Speedway we recognize the sacrifice of so many. We salute what was done on those beaches at Normandy and from Britain to the Bulge.

Kicking off Friday, the schedule of a two-day event showcasing the blue-ribbon fly waters as well as the growing presence of vineyards in our region is set.

The Thunder Valley Fly & Wine, raising money for the Bristol chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities, has a little something for everyone.

Just 10 days remain for race fans to get their names in the hat to watch NASCAR's fan-favorite event from the confines of a private skybox suite at Bristol Motor Speedway.

Kasey Kahne survived a wild afternoon at Bristol Motor Speedway, claiming the Food City 500 for his first-ever Sprint Cup victory in Thunder Valley.

Ten very lucky fans won 2013 Ford Mustangs Sunday, thanks to Bruton’s Big Giveaway, during pre-race activities for the Food City 500.

Dylan Kwasniewski led 96 of 125 laps to win the Drive4COPD 125 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East race Saturday at Bristol Motor Speedway.

Michael McGuire grabbed the pole for Saturday’s DRIVE4COPD 125 Thursday afternoon, touring the .533-mile oval at 120.694 mph (15.898 seconds) to grab his first career pole in the K&N Series.

Country music icon Charlie Daniels pulls double duty March 17 prior to the start of the Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway.

After the multi-platinum, Grammy-winning artist and members of the Charlie Daniels Band perform the pre-race concert, Daniels leads the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Bristol Motor Speedway today announced that NASCAR's K&N Pro Series East event at Bristol Motor Speedway, set for Saturday, March 16, will be known as the DRIVE4COPD 125.

Johnson will take part in a special youngster-focused question and answer session the morning of the Food City 500 on March 17th.  During that time, fans 15 and under will receive a Lowe’s Build and Grow kit of Johnson’s No. 48 machine to construct (Build and Grow Kits limited to the first 100 children in attendance), as well as a BMS matchbox car.

Writer Jerry Bonkowski of the digital sports media network, which boasts a monthly audience of more than 14.2 million unique users, ranked the top 10 tracks for fans to watch a race with BMS landing the No. 1 ranking.

Food City  officials recently announced that University of Tennessee Head Coach, Butch Jones will serve as the event Grand Marshal.

The ever-popular Food City Race Night, one of NASCAR’s most successful fan events, features some of racing’s biggest stars at the free festivities Friday, March 15.

Race fans visiting Bristol Motor Speedway for the March 15-17 Food City 500 NASCAR race weekend now have the opportunity to enhance their experience with a visit to the Pepsi Max Half-Mile Club.

The defending Sprint Cup champion and one of NASCAR’s most popular drivers meet with their fans prior to the start of the Food City 500 March 17.

Let's face it, some things just "belong" together. So when Roswell Food Group CEO Sean McDonough saw the chance to pair one of the South's favorite comfort foods with one of the country's favorite snack items, Grit Chips were born.

Already a popular ticket package for the Wednesday night doubleheader during the August race week...  families now have the chance to grab seats, food and something to wash it down in March.

For the third straight year, we here at Bristol Motor Speedway have worked with area/regional properties to try to provide more fan-friendly rates for our guests. The current list is below and is growing all the time. Distances to BMS vary and many of the BMS-partner properties have various options to fit the customer's needs; however, guests should research what is best for them and make their decisions accordingly.

Bristol race fans who would like attend the 2013 NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction now have the opportunity to win an all-expenses paid trip to Charlotte for the Feb. 8 ceremony.

Bristol Motor Speedway celebrates another successful Ford Speedway In Lights powered by TVA light show with a spectacular fireworks display Jan. 5.

Be on the track for Food City 500 Driver Introductions. Be stage-side at the Charlie Daniels Band Concert and walk the banks of "The World's Fastest Half-Mile." It's al available with the Food City 500 Pre-Race SuperPass.

There have been plenty of big nights and weekends at Ford Speedway In Lights powered by TVA at Bristol Motor Speedway and Dragway throughout the years but none can compare to this past weekend.

Bristol Motor Speedway's concrete surface is packed with uneasy riders on race day... But the original "Uneasy Rider" and one of Southern Rock's and Country's biggest legends brings his hard-driving act to "The Last Great Colosseum." The Charlie Daniels Band hits Bristol Motor Speedway on St. Patrick's Day for the Food City 500 pre-race show.

On Aug. 22, 2008, a 24-year-old kid from Rochester Hills, Mich., who had wanted to do nothing his entire short life but race, rolled into Victory Lane at Bristol Motor Speedway after winning the Food City 250 Nationwide Race.

How many times do you think Brad @keselowski will tweet while in Vegas? If you predict the right number, you could win a cap autographed by the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion.

The green flag drops Nov. 16 on Speedway In Lights, the South’s largest holiday light show with a major change after 15 years. A new route for the four miles of festive illumination gives visitors a fresh look at Speedway In Lights as they begin their drive-through trek at the Bristol Dragway entrance.

The last time James Buckland visited Las Vegas, it was the 1970s and Robert Urich occupied the TV screen as Dan Tanna.

It did not appear a return trip for the Beckley, W.Va. resident was in the cards … so to speak.

Runners and walkers of all ages once again can take part in the Subway 5k Nov. 11, the Sunday prior to opening night of Speedway In Lights, one of the country’s largest holiday light shows.

Thousands of rubber sharks made their way down Beaver Creek at Bristol Motor Speedway Saturday afternoon during the Sharky 500 but it was one purchased by South Carolina’s Todd Benfield that crossed the finish line first.

Chris Economaki, for more than half a century the voice of motorsports, both in print and behind a microphone has died. With it, motorsports has lost a warehouse of knowledge unparalleled in many areas of the industry and arguably will not again be matched.

Donors came out to the Tri-Cities Patriot Day Seventh Annual Blood Drive at Bristol Motor Speedway Tuesday in record numbers.

The Wellmont/Marsh Regional Blood Center drive made history, breaking its one-day record by collecting 192 units of blood.

The Bristol Chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities has added yet another event to its schedule in an effort to raise even more money for regional organizations.

Cars at the Castle takes place Sept. 29 at the former “Grindstaff” castle on Degrasse Drive, just off Highway 11-E in Johnson City. A number of exotic cars brought in from all over the country will be on display.

Denny Hamlin started Saturday night dancing his way to a $10,000 donation for his foundation during pre-race driver introductions for the IRWIN Tools Night Race. He ended the evening by surviving a slugfest among NASCAR’s elite at Bristol Motor Speedway.

Casey Mears earned the pole for Saturday’s IRWIN Tools Night Race, thanks not to a fast qualifying lap, but a fast lap during Friday morning’s Sprint Cup Series practice session at Bristol Motor Speedway.

Inclement weather canceled pole qualifying for the IRWIN Tools Night Race. The 20^th Anniversary Food City 250 is slated to roll off later this evening.

Timothy Peters put on a clinic in Wednesday night’s UNOH 200 Camping World Truck Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway leading every lap en route to his first career win at the “World’s Fastest Half-Mile.”

While there is definitely a new feel to the revamped Bristol Motor Speedway, the iconic track remains firmly rooted in its history.

When it comes to Bristol’s August Race Week, our fans have great advice and insider tips. Check out the list of fan “must-dos” to make your trip complete.

Fans interested in unique NASCAR items and those hard-to-find pieces must be part of the Speedway Children’s Charities Racing Memorabilia Auction at BMS on Aug. 23 for those special one-of-a-kind collectables.

Food City, sponsor of the August Nationwide Series race since 1992, has named Richard Childress as honorary starter of the 20^th Anniversary Food City 250.  Childress will wave the green flag to signal the start of the August 24, 2012 event.

Grammy Award nominated country music artist Jamey Johnson will perform Aug. 25 at the Lawless Pre-Race Concert prior to the start of the IRWIN Tools Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway.

Before Ty Dillon, Brendan Gaughan and Joey Coulter set their sights on a win in the August 22 UNOH 200 at Bristol Motor Speedway, they take aim on the targets in the Second Annual Speedway Children’s Charities Shooting Stars Tournament, and fans have a chance to shoot with them.

When Food City officials conceived the idea to host a special event for race fans prior to the NASCAR races at Bristol Motor Speedway, they weren’t entirely sure fans would embrace it.

Race fans know the famous black No. 3 and Bristol Motor Speedway share a storied history. Now, thanks to a special ticket package from BMS and Richard Childress Racing, fans have a chance to join in on the resurgence of the black No. 3 prior to the August 22 UNOH Perfect Storm Doubleheader.

Knoxville’s Trevor Bayne, a crowd favorite at Bristol Motor Speedway, is back on track in the Nationwide Series for the Food City 250 Aug. 24.

For those drivers who decide to pull double duty by first running in the Food City 250 Nationwide Series event Friday, Aug. 24, before taking on the .533-mile oval for 500 laps during the IRWIN Tools Night Race Sprint Cup event Aug. 25, the challenge can be quite daunting.

The University of Northwestern Ohio, like many drivers during a NASCAR race weekend, will be doing double duty at Bristol Motor Speedway in August, sponsoring two events.

Seats in some of the more popular locations at Bristol Motor Speedway rapidly are becoming hard to come by with the IRWIN Tools Night Race quickly approaching.

Food City will celebrate the 20^th anniversary of its sponsorship of the NASCAR Nationwide Series Food City 250 at Bristol Motor Speedway Aug. 24 with a very special guest serving as grand marshal.

Additional options are available for campers coming to Bristol Motor Speedway in August as officials continue to assist fans and their efforts to attend the upcoming IRWIN Tools Night Race events.

Sprint Cup points leader Matt Kenseth and Kyle Petty led a motorcycle ride on Tuesday afternoon from Tennessee Smokies Stadium in Sevierville, Tenn. to Bristol Motor Speedway, with a number of military veterans along for the trip.

Tony Stewart, Clint Bowyer and Jeff Burton serve up their comments following the first of a two-day Goodyear Tire test at Bristol Motor Speedway. The trio of Bristol winners represent the first to log laps around recently altered half-mile BMS surface.

Twenty-four properties stretching from East Tennessee to Southwest Virginia and Western North Carolina comprise the first group participating in the Bristol Motor Speedway Fan-Friendly Lodging Partnership Program for the IRWIN Tools Night Race in August.

BMS Honors Military Past and Present

The NASCAR Hall of Fame (NHOF) now has 20 members and the connections between the legends of the sport and the celebrated Bristol Motor Speedway continue to mount.

Bristol Motor Speedway’s newest team member finally has a name thanks to several BMS fans.

Bristol’s ultimate tailgating motorcoach now will be known as “Thunder Bus,” a name suggested by five Bristol fans. 

Five-time Bristol winner Jeff Gordon heads the list of drivers taking part in special ticket offers for the IRWIN Tools Night Race Aug. 25.

Promotions include a question-and-answer session, as well as a driver’s cap. Packages involving Brad Keselowski and Kasey Kahne also are available.

Show featuring RV transformation airs Monday, May 7 at 9 PM EST

Race fans everywhere should be on the lookout as Bristol Motor Speedway is hitting the road thanks to Outcast Kustoms and a new Bristol-themed RV designed to bring the excitement of BMS to the masses.

Legal Aid of East Tennessee and the Bristol Chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities host autocross event on May 6.

Bruton Smith, Speedway Motorsports Chairman and CEO, will announce details regarding Bristol Motor Speedway track changes during a press conference slated for 11:00 AM EST on Wednesday, April 25.

Before BMS racing movie guru Fred King hangs up his movie critic’s hat, he wants to give race fans a chance to get in on the fun and win a few unique prizes for the IRWIN Tools Night Race weekend.

After more than a week of studying requested fan input, Bruton Smith, Chairman and CEO of Speedway Motorsports, today announced he has ordered the go-ahead to make changes to the track surface at Bristol Motor Speedway.

Brad Keselowski earned his second straight victory at Bristol Motor Speedway when he took home Sunday afternoon’s Food City 500 after a hard fought battle with runner-up Matt Kenseth.

Due to inclement weather this morning and crucial track drying procedures, NASCAR and Bristol Motor Speedway have cancelled the Kellie Pickler pre-race concert for today’s Food City 500. Green Flag is still a go for the 20^th Anniversary of the Food City 500, scheduled for 1:13 PM.

But the racin’ was just a part of a busy Saturday at Bristol. The fans, many of them dressed in green, celebrated St. Patrick’s Day… Bristol style!

Jeff Gordon signed autographs. Kevin and DeLana Harvick were quizzed on their baby knowledge in anticipation of “Otis.” Danica Patrick answered questions for a standing-room-only audience. Elliott Sadler won a fourth Wii Boxing title.

Beginning March 16 at Ford Fan Friday at BMS, Ford gives fans the chance to win the official pace car, a 2013 Ford Taurus SHO pace car that will be used to pace the field for the Ford EcoBoost 300 and Food City 500 races.  

Carl Edwards is used to seeing the green flag fly from behind the wheel of his Roush Fenway Ford Fusion or Mustang, but this weekend he’ll get a truly different perspective as he serves as Honorary Starter for Saturday’s Ford EcoBoost 300 at Bristol Motor Speedway.

Over the last 20 years, some of NASCAR’s greatest names have earned the title of Food City 500 champion. That moniker is one of the most coveted in motorsports, as winning an event at “The World’s Fastest Half-Mile” gives any driver an enviable line on his or her resume.

Three-time and defending NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Tony Stewart will be at Bristol Motor Speedway Tuesday for an exclusive question-and-answer session with race fans. Four fans will win track laps.

Jimmie Johnson makes a stop in the Bristol Motor Speedway Kids Zone on Sunday, March 18 prior to the Food City 500

As the March race weekend nears, 2012 is cause for added celebration for the folks at Food City.  This year marks the 20^th Anniversary of the retail supermarket’s sponsorship of the Food City 500.

Membership to the Pepsi Max Club comes with a number of VIP experiences, among them a scheduled appearance by No. 24 Pepsi Max Driver, four-time NASCAR Cup champion and five-time BMS winner Jeff Gordon.

Once the winners have been crowned on Saturday, March 17... The fun will continue at Bristol Motor Speedway!

Travis Pastrana was one of 32 drivers who took part in a day-long test at BMS, along with Chase Elliott, Darrell Wallace Jr., Sergio Pena, and Nelson Piquet. “Oh man, this place is just… spectacular,” said Pastrana.

Track Tours and iBelong Garage Experience put fans in the middle of the excitement of race weekend.

Fans of four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon can help the five-time Bristol Motor Speedway winner and AARP with the Drive to End Hunger at the Food City 500 March 18.

It is the ultimate dream for any race fan… riding around Bristol Motor Speedway with a NASCAR superstar during pre-race ceremonies at one of racing’s biggest events. Now, that dream can be a reality thanks to the Ride of a Lifetime online auction.

Food City Race Night features a number of racing’s biggest stars in the free event Friday, March 16 at  Bristol Motor Speedway.

Five-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Jimmie Johnson, Kasey Kahne, Danica Patrick among drivers participating in Q&A sessions with special ticket packages.

So, so many great entries. Your enthusiasm and Bristol spirit makes us wish we were were racin' here tomorrow.

We wanted to announce winners earlier on Monday, but the quality of entries made it so darn tough to choose. But without further delay, here are the recipients of a pair of 2012 Food City 500 weekend ticket packages.

George "Norm" Wendt of Cheers Fame Lending A Hand With Festivities 

Bristol Motor Speedway is "Going Green" in a big way with Go Daddy Girl Danica Patrick during a special St. Patrick's Day celebration for the Nationwide Series event March 17.

Bristol Motor Speedway, the first NASCAR Sprint Cup sanctioned venue to institute an advisory group made up of fans, now is taking applications for its Fan Advisory Board. Bristol's Fan Advisory Board debuted in 2006.

The 15^th edition of AutoTrader.com Speedway In Lights powered by TVA was the third most successful in the history of the holiday light show.

When one considers the more than 2.5 million lights that make up AutoTrader.com Speedway In Lights at Bristol Motor Speedway, it might be difficult to imagine the show being any more spectacular.

Bristol Motor Speedway officials beefed up an already jam-packed schedule for Food City 500 week by adding another race to one of NASCAR’s most exciting events. The iconic Speedway will serve as the season-opener for the K&N Pro Series with the kickoff event following the Nationwide Series race Saturday, March 17.

Sam Bass, NASCAR’s most prolific artist, has created hundreds of pieces of racing-inspired work throughout his career. Because of his normal subject matter, however, winter-related activities rarely – not surprisingly – are depicted in his vast portfolio.

Visitors to AutoTrader.com Speedway In Lights powered by TVA Monday, Dec. 19 get a special sendoff as they begin their drive through the holiday show at Bristol Motor Speedway.

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.

With the holidays quickly approaching, there is no better time for the Grand Week of Giving at AutoTrader.com Speedway In Lights at Bristol Motor Speedway.

Animal lovers need to circle Thursday, Dec. 15 on their calendars as the HVAC Chill Hill at Bristol Motor Speedway goes to the dogs that evening.

Visitors to the 15^th edition of AutoTrader.com Speedway In Lights powered by TVA can receive an early Christmas gift if they visit the show Monday, Dec. 5.

Bristol Motor Speedway and Dragway honors military veterans at AutoTrader.com Speedway In Lights powered by TVA Thursday, Dec. 1.

Bristol Motor Speedway is shifting gears this week as the 15^th season of AutoTrader.com Speedway In Lights powered by TVA begins Friday, while the Johnson Controls Ice Rink and HVAC Chill Hill open Thursday.

Susan Stafford has always wanted to visit Las Vegas. She also has wondered what it would be like to actually attend the NASCAR™ Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony.

The West Virginia native will mark both of those items off her bucket list Dec. 2.

Visitors to AutoTrader.com SIL receive the Light Looker Club Card upon entry. Guests presenting the card at the SIL ticket booth on three subsequent visits receive a free pass for a fourth trip.

With thousands of rubber sharks inhabiting the creek at Bristol Motor Speedway Saturday afternoon, the one that sprinted across the finish line first in the Sharky 500 ended up belonging to a local resident.

Just five days before Nov. 18 opening night of one of the largest holiday light shows in America, the Speedway In Lights 5k Run/Walk Presented by Fleet Feet takes place.

Jason Blonde, who holds the half mile world record in a winged sprint car, will take on a full field of his fellow MustSeeRacing Xtreme Sprint Series competitors in the TruFuel "Xtreme Speed Classic" on October 1.

While parents line the creek at Bristol Motor Speedway cheering for their rubber sharks to cross the finish line first, their children will have numerous activities of their own to keep them entertained at the Kids Expo, part of the Fourth Annual Sharky 500 at BMS Oct. 1.

 Bristol Motor Speedway hosts the final Accident Avoidance Workshops of the year October 6, 8-9. Parents interested in the course should visit www.accidentavoidanceworkshops.org.

Brad Keselowski drove to victory in Saturday’s IRWIN Tools Night Race, overcoming a broken ankle and a host of tough competition, and capped an exciting weekend of racing at “The World’s Fastest Half-Mile.”

If Carl Edwards’ song selection for driver introductions before Saturday’s IRWIN Tools Night Race is any indication, he is feeling rather optimistic about his chances for a third Sprint Cup win at Bristol Motor Speedway.

Bristol Motor Speedway’s thousands of loyal fans are being recognized in a rather unique way during its 50^th anniversary celebration throughout August race weekend.

Ryan Newman took home the UNOH Perfect Storm 150 victory Wednesday night in a hotly contested opening stanza for August race weekend at Bristol Motor Speedway.

Kyle Busch and Kevin Harvick are entered in Wednesday's O'Reilly Auto Parts 200, but that doesn't bother Austin Dillon.

"Bristol Turns 50:  Half Century Half Mile", an hour-long television program that chronicles the history of the iconic NASCAR facility, airs in a number of local television markets this week.  Check your local listings to determine if this special presentation is airing in your market, and see a preview of the show here. 

Newman excited about racing modified in UNOH Perfect Storm 150 at BMS on Wednesday.

Food City officials recently announced that country music artist Billy Dean will serve as Honorary Starter for the August 26^th Food City 250 at Bristol Motor Speedway.

Some of Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s earliest memories of racing are of him hanging out in the infield at Bristol Motor Speedway, watching his dad, Dale Earnhardt, dominate on the high-banked oval.

Exclusive NASCAR driver and reality-tv star packages, including appearances and Q&A sessions  available for Bristol's IRWIN Tools Night Race

The folks at Food City are gearing up for the annual Food City Race Night, which paves the way for a weekend of action-packed Nationwide and Sprint Cup racing at one of NASCAR’s most popular venues

Veteran motorsports writer Joe Menzer has selected Bristol Motor Speedway as his top choice of tracks in his recent NASCAR.com article entitled “Seven More Wonders.”

Bristol Motor Speedway amps up its year-long celebration of its 50^th anniversary with a specially designed paint scheme featured on the car of NASCAR’s most popular driver at the IRWIN Tools Night Race Aug. 27.

The Richard Petty Driving Experience returns to BMS with its Ride-Along program during the upcoming NASCAR race week on Aug. 25 and Aug. 28.

Race fans gathered at Bristol Motor Speedway for the Aug. 27 running of the IRWIN Tools Night Race now have an opportunity to take a trip around the World’s Fastest Half-Mile with David Ragan.

Food City officials recently announced that Deputy Carolyn Gudger has been named Grand Marshal for the August 26^th Food City 250 at Bristol Motor Speedway.

Bristol Motor Speedway and Victory Weekend Ministries have joined forces to offer a unique week of Christian-themed entertainment, including concerts, driver testimonies, motivational speakers and exhibitions, during the upcoming NASCAR Race weekend.

As technology advances every day and the demand to meet the need increases with it, Bristol Motor Speedway kicks off the month leading into the IRWIN Tools Night Race by launching a new, greatly enhanced website.

Easier to navigate, the website has added features to help fans discover all the information they need to plan their trip to NASCAR’s most popular track.

Bristol Motor Speedway officials today announced another low-cost option for fans interested in attending the IRWIN Tools Night Race week Aug. 24-27.

Teaming with Bristol Motor Speedway, AARP and the AARP Foundation, Gordon, a four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champ, is offering a new, enhanced ticket package for the Aug. 27 IRWIN Tools Night Race.

For a limited number of fans, autographed tickets will be available Saturday, July 30, which is also Fan Appreciation Day at BMS.

Sprint recently announced the biggest promotion in its history as title sponsor of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series with the Sprint Summer Showdown presented by HTC EVO 3D, which puts $3 million on the line for a driver, driver’s charity and one lucky race fan.

Bristol Motor Speedway, last week launched a social media contest -- 50 Days of Giveaways -- in conjunction with its summer-long celebration of NASCAR’s most popular track and the venue’s 50^th Anniversary.

NASCAR’s eight-time most popular driver and the sport’s preeminent track – it is a combination that always makes for a spectacular race weekend at Bristol Motor Speedway.

When Cale Yarborough won the Volunteer 500 Aug. 26, 1978 at Bristol Motor Speedway, he certainly was happy, but there was one thing about that particular victory that made it a little different than the seven others that came before it.

Johnson City’s Pam Dick won $1,000 in furnishings while the Greater Kingsport Family YMCA was awarded $2,000 in furnishings from Grand. Dick earned her prize through a random draw of visitors to AutoTrader.com Speedway In Lights while the Greater Kingsport Family YMCA received more votes than any of the other qualifying agencies. 

Watch & win! View this video and enter to win tickets to the 2011 Food City 500

Tonight, Monday, Jan. 3, 2011 is Meet News 5 Night at AutoTrader.com Speedway In Lights at Bristol Motor Speedway. A number of the on-air personalities at WCYB TV-5 will be at Speedway In Lights to meet with fans in the Victory Lane building from 6-9 p.m.

Area hockey fans are in for a treat Wednesday, Jan. 5 as several players from the Knoxville Ice Bears will visit the Johnson Controls Ice Rink at Bristol Motor Speedway.

The Ice Bears, who play in the Southern Professional Hockey League, will be at the rink from approximately 5 p.m.-8 p.m. and will show off their skills, pose for pictures, sign autographs and give away Ice Bears souvenirs. The players also will take part in activities on the ice involving guests who come out to see them that evening.

Maroon and orange will be the prevalent colors at the Johnson Controls Ice Rink Wednesday, Dec. 15 during Virginia Tech Hokie Night.

Any fan sporting the Hokie colors will receive a free skate rental. Skaters also will be eligible for a drawing for tickets to see the men’s basketball team play Longwood Jan. 22 in Cassell Coliseum and the women’s team play Georgia Tech Jan. 27, also in Blacksburg. Virginia Tech schedules and calendars, as well as other Hokie items, will be given away that evening.

Meet News 5 Night at AutoTrader.com Speedway In Lights, originally scheduled for Monday, December 13, has been cancelled due to weather.

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 $6 million since 1997.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday have come and gone but there are still great deals to with today's "Early Bird Wednesday" for those looking to give the gift of Bristol to race fans on their holiday shopping lists.

Visitors to the Nov. 19-Jan. 8 AutoTrader.com Speedway In Lights powered by TVA have a number of holiday-themed activities to take advantage of while in the infield of Bristol Motor Speedway. 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, will be the highlight of this season’s event. Each light will be synchronized to music, creating an amazing display, sure to delight young and old alike. The new dancing lights, located in the Darrell Waltrip Grandstand, will be particularly entertaining for guests who take part in Christmas Village activities. The show, which is nearly 20 minutes in length, is programmed to dance to six holiday songs. 

Autotrader.com Speedway In Lights, one of the country's largest holiday light shows, kicks off the season Nov. 19 and remains open through Jan. 8, 2011.

The World's Fastest Half-Mile, home to NASCAR’s most popular events, transforms into an enchanted holiday attraction, decorated with nearly two million dazzling lights and more than 200 animated displays to delight both young and old. The show features a 4.5-mile drive-through route that allows spectators to take a lap around the World’s Fastest-Half Mile, as well as tour Bristol Dragway.

Greg Harvey today was named Senior Director of Corporate Sales for Bristol Motor Speedway and Dragway by BMS general manager Jerry Caldwell.

Harvey has served as a senior corporate sales account manager since joining the Bristol Motor Speedway and Dragway team in 2009.

Recently named Bristol Motor Speedway and Dragway General Manager, Jerry Caldwell will open Wednesday’s edition of BristolLive!. Also on the show, hosts Ben Trout and Jose Castillo will announce the name of the season ticket holder that wins the trip to Las Vegas for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony.

Visitors to Autotrader.com Speedway In Lights have always driven around Bristol Motor Speedway and Bristol Dragway during the holiday light show but this year, if they choose to, they also can run or walk through 3.1 miles of the route.

Spectators gathered along the banks of Beaver Creek at Bristol Motor Speedway Saturday afternoon, each hoping their rubber shark would take victory in the third annual Sharky 500.

Marlene Reiske’s trip to the IRWIN Tools Night Race turned out to be a lucky one, as she purchased the winning shark during August Race weekend. The Brookefield, Conn. resident won the grand prize, the 2010 Ford Mustang GT BMS pace car, thanks to her rubber shark which beat more than 5,000 others across the finish line. Reiske, and everyone else who purchased sharks, helped raise in excess of $50,000 for the Bristol Chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities.

The second round of inductees into the NASCAR Hall of Fame were announced today, Oct. 13, 2010, in Charlotte, N.C., and it should come as no shock that some of the biggest names in the history of Bristol Motor Speedway made the cut.

While parents have visions of a 2010 Ford Mustang dancing in their heads, younger family members have the Kid’s Expo to keep them entertained at the Third Annual Sharky 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway Oct. 16.

The free Kid’s Expo is one of the most popular parts of the Sharky 500, a Speedway Children’s Charities rubber shark race that raises funds for agencies in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia.

Being seen in the pit area at Bristol Motor Speedway is nothing unusual for Bill Elliott. The 1988 Sprint Cup champion has logged quite a few miles at the World’s Fastest Half-Mile.

But seeing him with his head stuck under the hood of a car – one he isn’t racing – is a bit out of the ordinary. Until Chase Elliott pokes his head out of the driver’s side window.

Fresh off the IRWIN Tools Night Race, Bristol Motor Speedway hosts the USARacing Pro Cup Series American Freedom Spectacular Saturday, Sept. 11, an event which will showcase plenty of talent from a number of drivers eager to prove themselves on a bigger stage.

While USARacing Pro Cup drivers run the gamut from experienced short track veterans to young and exuberant rookies, all of them hope to be standing in victory lane once the checkered flag falls at the end of their 200-lap battle. For them, a win at Bristol puts them one step closer to finding their way through the ranks of stock car racing.

Bristol Motor Speedway’s Fifth Annual Blood Drive allows race fans the chance to give back to the community while also enjoying some great action on the track.

Anyone donating blood during the September 11 drive receives one free ticket to the American Freedom Spectacular that afternoon at BMS. The USA Racing Pro Cup Series is in action, along with the Frank Kimmel Street Stock Spectacular.

A very good thing for Ford and Bristol Motor Speedway is getting even better.

Region Area Ford Dealers announced today an extension of their official vehicle sponsorship agreement with Bristol Motor Speedway that will now go through the 2014 season.  Currently, the dealership group is in the second of an original three-year deal that was signed in 2009.

Kyle Busch raced his way in to the pages of the NASCAR history books by using a dominating drive to claim the IRWIN Tools Night Race on Saturday at Bristol Motor Speedway.

After victories in Wednesday’s O’Reilly 200 and Friday’s Food City 250, the NASCAR world waited to see if Busch, who had come this far several times before, could finally make his mark.

Jimmie Johnson earned his first-ever pole at Bristol Motor Speedway, taking the top spot for Saturday night’s IRWIN Tools Night Race.

It was the 24th career pole for the four-time and defending Sprint Cup points champion, who scored his first Bristol win this past March.

Ryan Newman began his August race week on a high note taking home the victory in the UNOH Perfect Storm 150 at Bristol Motor Speedway after battling with modified legends Ted Christopher and Mike Stefanik at the front of the pack all evening.

After leading much of the event, Christopher’s evening went up in smoke near the end of the race due to engine problems, leaving the door open for Stefanik to steal the win. Newman, however, had other plans and raced his way by Stefanik and in to victory lane.

Food City officials recently announced that Virginia House Majority Leader and 9^th District Candidate for Congress, Morgan Griffith has been named Honorary Starter of the Food City 250 Aug. 20.

“Food City operates 20 locations in Southwest Virginia and we’re proud to have one of the area’s top legislators serve as Honorary Starter of our event,” said Steven C. Smith, Food City president and chief executive officer. 

Food City officials recently announced that Tennessee Republican gubernatorial candidate and Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam has been named Grand Marshal of the Food City 250 Aug. 20.

“Food City operates 17 locations within metro Knoxville and we’re proud to have one of the area’s top business leaders to serve as Grand Marshal of our event,” said Steven C. Smith, Food City president and chief executive officer. 

Six lucky fans will have their dreams come true during next week’s events when their hero, Fred King, takes them for a night on the town as part of the “Heck Yeah, I Want To Chow Down With My Hero Fred” contest.

Bob and Jack Pirner of Barrackville, W. Va., James and Donna Lamb of Monroe, N.C., and Cheryl Myers and Ian Aker of Delran, N.J. are the winners of this season’s contest and should prepare for the racing experience of a lifetime.

As the area prepares for the onslaught of race fans and RV’s, the folks at Food City are gearing up for the annual Food City Race Night.  The event will take place Thursday, August 19, 2010 on State Street in downtown Bristol, Va./Tenn.

Food City has hosted the highly popular events, which have contributed over $500,000 in proceeds to area non-profits for over twenty years.  Race Night paves the way for a weekend of action-packed Nationwide and Sprint Cup racing at Bristol Motor Speedway, one of NASCAR’s most popular venues.

Race fans look for that special one-of-a-kind item to complete their souvenir collections. Bristol Motor Speedway makes that search much easier as the annual Racing Memorabilia Auction returns Aug. 19.

A number of race teams and drivers have donated items for auction, including sheet metal, autographed shirts, jackets and diecasts from drivers such as Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kasey Kahne. Sheet metal from one of Danica Patrick’s Nationwide cars also will be up for bids.

Could it get any more exciting for race fans than having AMP Energy/National Guard driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Bristol Motor Speedway together for two nights of unparalleled racing action?

It can for fans who would like to like to be in the audience when Earnhardt is scheduled for an appearance in the Amp Energy Club before the IRWIN Tools Night Race Saturday, Aug. 21.

On Friday, May 14, Bristol Motor Speedway and many of it's sponsor partners kicked off a 100-day long promotion which will see 100 straight days of awarding lucky fans with a wide array of prizes. It's the 100 to the 100th Give-Away and it's taking place at BMS100.com.  

Tailgating is a time-honored tradition at any number of sporting events and the addition of any type of competitive contest only makes for more fun for fans.

A year ago, Bristol Motor Speedway introduced the Scotts Turf Builder Cornhole Classic to fans during its August race week. The tournament met with incredible success, making it a regular part of every NASCAR race weekend in Bristol.

Monster truck pilot Jim Koehler has earned the nickname, “Mr. Excitement,” and he intends to show the Bristol Motor Speedway crowd why during the July 29 Thompson Metal Monster Truck Madness.

Koehler, a mainstay on SPEED’s Monster Jam coverage, will maneuver his 1957 Chevy-bodied monster truck through massive obstacles during the BMS event. For him, the freestyle portion of the evening is always a highlight, and the reason he earned the “Mr. Excitement” moniker.

Ask Joe Sylvester and he will agree Bristol Motor Speedway is the perfect place for a monster truck freestyle session. He returns to the July 29 Thompson Metal Monster Truck Madness as the defending freestyle champion.  

In just five short years, Sylvester has turned himself into one of monster truck racing’s up-and-coming freestyle stars.

Want to spend some time with one of NASCAR’s top stars or hang out in the pit area before the IRWIN Tools Night Race? Fans now have that opportunity with the Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Bristol Experiences Online Auction.

Several unique events for fans are available Saturday, Aug. 21 during NASCAR’s most popular race, including the Ride of a Lifetime auction, as well as the BMS All-Access and Speed Channel’s Trackside Live packages.

Bristol Motor Speedway prepares for a high-flyin’, car-crushin’ good time during the Thompson Metal Monster Truck Madness on Thursday night, July 29.

Eight of the biggest names in monster truck racing come to town for a show that will be just exciting as the ones on television. Trucks currently scheduled to appear are War Wizard, Avenger, Brutus, Equalizer, Samson, Tailgator, Raminator and Bad Habit.

Drivers Denny Hamlin and David Ragan took time to chat with media about racing at Bristol Motor Speedway following their participation in a test for Goodyear Tire on Tuesday, June 29.

The 2011 Ford Mustang, which made history when it became the first car ever to deliver more than 30 mpg and 305 horsepower, has set a new record by running 1,457 laps at Bristol Motor Speedway while averaging 48.5 mpg. 

The Mustang 1,000 Lap Challenge was designed to demonstrate that a stock production Mustang V-6 could run 1,000 laps and 533 miles on a single of tank of fuel.  With the aid of fuel efficient driving techniques by Ford engineers, the Mustang far surpassed its goal of 1,000 laps. 

Over the years, race fans never have been shy about expressing their feelings about Bristol Motor Speedway, NASCAR’s most popular race track. They have consistently named the World’s Fastest Half-Mile their favorite NASCAR venue, and a recent poll on SceneDaily.com solidifies that standing.

SceneDaily.com polled fans to find out which track they would choose to attend their first NASCAR event and once again, Bristol Motor Speedway, was their top choice, garnering 25 percent of the votes among the nine tracks listed.

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 100^th Cup race. The first 500-lap NASCAR race at BMS took place July 30, 1961.

Bristol Motor Speedway’s slots on the NASCAR schedule traditionally draw guests from 50 states and as many as 12 countries.

But as a stop on the state of Tennessee’s new Sunny Side Trail, Bristol Motor Speedway welcomes folks year-round as well.

After participating in an exciting inaugural event in 2009, three NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour drivers will return to the high-banks of Bristol Motor Speedway for a Hoosier Tire test Thursday, May 13. The test session is open to the public.

Whelen modified legend Mike Stefanik will be among the drivers helping Hoosier engineers select the tire compound that will be used during the Aug. 18 UNOH Perfect Storm 150. Burt Myers, of History Channel’s Madhouse fame, and James Civali also will take part in the session.

Bristol Motor Speedway hits a major milestone August 21, with the running of the IRWIN Tools Night Race. The Sprint Cup event will be the 100^th in the popular short track’s storied history and tickets are still available for the special race.

BMS opened in 1961, hosting its very first Sprint Cup event on July 30, with Jack Smith taking the checkered flag, kicking off  what has been nearly half a century of unrivaled action and excitement at NASCAR’s famed half-mile track.

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.

Since first coming off the assembly line 45 years ago, Mustang has always been known for its sheer power and speed.  Now you can add another element to that reputation - best-in-class fuel economy.

One year after the Ford Fusion Hybrid, America's most fuel-efficient mid-sized sedan, successfully eclipsed 1,000 miles on a single tank of gas, Ford will put its new 2011 Mustang V-6 on a similar quest as it attempts to run 1,000 laps on a single tank of gas at Bristol Motor Speedway on June 23, and they're inviting consumers to be involved.

Justin Allgaier drove through multiple wrecks and spins to collect his first career victory in the Scotts Turf Builder 300 after a wild Saturday afternoon at Bristol Motor Speedway.

While he qualified deep in the field, the Riverton, Ill. native was able to steadily move from his 30^th place starting position as soon as the green flag dropped.

After a successful two-race partnership with Bristol Motor Speedway, Scotts Miracle-Gro Company has extended the relationship through the 2011 season.

Scotts, the world's largest marketer of branded consumer lawn and garden products, joined the BMS family in 2009 as sponsor of the March Nationwide Series event, the Scotts Turf Builder 300, as well as the Scotts EZ Seed Showdown. The Nationwide event is one of the most popular on the NASCAR circuit.

Jack Roush has reason to smile when he thinks about this weekend's NASCAR races at Bristol Motor Speedway.

Roush's drivers are good at the .533-mile short track. Really good. Until an uncustomary slump a year ago, they had scored Sprint Cup wins at the legendary bullring every year from 2002 through 2008.  Since Roush teams began competing at Bristol in 1988, they have notched an incredible 17 wins - 10 Cup, five Nationwide and a pair in the Truck Series.

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.

Over the years, Bristol Motor Speedway has seen more than a few on-track skirmishes between drivers whose emotions have gotten the best of them, much like the recent incident between Carl Edwards and Brad Keselowski at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

Many times the differences of opinion begin before they ever get to BMS and then, with the close-quarters action and physicality of the race itself at the World's Fastest Half-Mile, dispositions rapidly change and emotions boil over, resulting in some memorable scenes.

Fans have the opportunity to see their favorite drivers in a totally different atmosphere at Food City Race Night March 19 at Bristol Motor Speedway.

Once all on-track activities at Ford Fan Friday are completed on Friday, the party moves to the hospitality area at BMS. Some of NASCAR's finest wheelmen will then participate in several on-stage activities, including a question and answer session, Wii Boxing and Family Feud.

Dallas Cowboy standout Jason Witten has been named the Honorary Starter for the Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway Sunday, March 21.

Hopefully you've seen our TV spot promoting the Food City 500 race weekend by now. It's all about how fans belong at Bristol. Sure, it's about selling tickets, but it's also about the bonds formed with fellow fans, campground experiences and that good ol' Bristol Hospitality. 

4TROOPS, four combat veterans of the United States military will honor America before the Food City 500 March 21 with a rousing rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner.

The four military members all have served on the front lines in Iraq and Afghanistan. During their respective tours of duty they, came together to sing at large military events, as well as more somber occasions such as memorial services, where they sang to remember those troops who lost their lives fighting for our country.

One week before his 71^st birthday, Cale Yarborough will once again climb into a race car at Bristol Motor Speedway to take part in the Scotts EZ Seed Showdown, set for March 20.

What true NASCAR fan wouldn't want to play Family Feud with their favorite drivers or join them for a ride around the World's Fastest Half-Mile during pre-race introductions?

Fans now have that opportunity as the Bristol Chapter of Speedway Children's Charities will host the Ultimate Bristol Experiences Auction. The online sale at www.bristol.speedwaycharities.org  provides fans the opportunity to participate in those events and others during the March 19-21 race weekend at Bristol Motor Speedway.

The Business Journal of Tri-Cities, TN/VA named Bristol Motor Speedway its Business of the Year in the January issue of the magazine.

Criteria for the honor were: the success of the company had to be newsworthy, it did not have to take the form of an increase in revenues, or even profitability for the year, the company had to have stated a goal or goals and to have met or exceeded them, and the company's success had to have made an impact on the region in a measurable way.

Bristol Motor Speedway officials today 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.

If a ride around the high banks of Bristol Motor Speedway sounds like a dream, wake up and come to the Richard Petty Driving Experience Ride-Along program at BMS on Friday, March 19.

The Richard Petty Driving Experience Ride-Alongs will be available at Bristol Motor Speedway from 7 p.m.-11 p.m. and will give every wannabe racer the chance to tackle "The World's Fastest Half-Mile." After slipping on a fire suit, participants will climb in the passenger's seat of a replica Sprint Cup Series machine for three laps with a RPDE instructor around NASCAR's most popular track.

Big Stone Gap's Melinda Gardner is the latest winner in the 12 Days of Christmas ticket giveaway at Bristol Motor Speedway's Autotrader.com Speedway In Lights.

Gardner visited the holiday light show, one of the largest in the country, Tuesday, Dec. 22, and registered for the ultimate fan package.

Dan Holland of Bristol, Tenn., is the latest winner in the 12 Days of Christmas ticket giveaway at Bristol Motor Speedway's Autotrader.com Speedway In Lights.

Holland visited the holiday light show, one of the largest in the country, Thursday, Nov. 17, and registered for the ultimate fan package.

Jonesborough's Pat Runion is the second winner in the 12 Days of Christmas ticket giveaway at Bristol Motor Speedway's Autotrader.com Speedway In Lights.

Runion visited the holiday light show, one of the largest in the country, Tuesday, Nov. 15, and registered for the ultimate fan package.

For race fans, the perfect Christmas gift would be tickets to a NASCAR race at Bristol Motor Speedway. But how spectacular would that present be if it included ALL the races at the World's Fastest Half-Mile?

IRWIN® Tools is helping visitors to Autotrader.com Speedway In Lights Powered by TVA build the ultimate Christmas gift for fans - season tickets to all NASCAR events at BMS in 2010. During the Speedway in Lights version of the12 Days of Christmas, beginning Dec. 14 and ending Dec. 25, guests may enter each night to win two sets of season tickets, along with parking, pit passes and tool bags full of IRWIN products. Winners will be notified the following day.

Visitors to Autotrader.com Speedway In Lights Powered by TVA this Thursday evening, Dec. 10, will enjoy a special treat as it will be News5Night at the holiday light show at Bristol Motor Speedway.

WCYB has teamed up with one of the largest holiday light shows in the country, to bring its on-air news team to Subway Christmas Village in the infield at BMS Thursday evening. Members of the news team will greet visitors between 6:30 and 9 p.m. Johnny Wood, Steve Hawkins, Ann Carter, Dave Dierks, Jordan Conigliaro, Garick Zikan, Tarah Taylor, Marcus Lynch, Preston Ayers, Leah Rubertino and Sherrie Evans will be present at varying intervals to meet viewers and sign autographs.

Jim and Linda Teske have been coming to races at Bristol Motor Speedway for years. Now, the couple is going to Las Vegas because of it.

Natives of Edwardsburg, Mich., and season ticket holders for more than a decade at BMS, the Teskes are winners of a free trip to Las Vegas and the NASCAR Sprint Cup Awards banquet courtesy of Bristol Motor Speedway.

If visitors to Bristol Motor Speedway for Autotrader.com Speedway In Lights Powered by TVA need extra incentive to come out to one of the country's largest holiday light shows, they can find it in several special nightly promotions.

Now through Jan. 2, Speedway In Lights guests will receive $2 off the admission price due to special promotions taking place Sundays through Thursdays throughout the show.

Opening night of the 13^th season of Autotrader.com Speedway In Lights Powered by TVA falls on Friday, Nov. 13 this year and that will prove to be lucky for certain visitors.

Every 13^th car to come through Speedway In lights on Friday, Nov. 13, will receive free entry into what has become one of the premier holiday shows in the country.

Visitors to Bristol Motor Speedway know they will see plenty of action on the high-banked half-mile oval during NASCAR races. Now, they can participate in some action of a different kind, on another type of banking, just outside the Speedway itself.

As part of this year's Autotrader.com Speedway In Lights Powered by TVA holiday show, the HVAC Chill Hill Tube Slide will open Nov. 10, giving BMS guests even more to do during a fun outing at BMS.

Each year, the Miss Food City 500 Pageant is a highly popular event.  The 2010 edition showcased 14 young women from across the region. Each girl entered the beautiful Paramount Center for the Arts in downtown Bristol, TN with hopes of winning the title of Miss Food City 2010.

When the moment arrived, it was Melissa Lynn O'Neal of Crossville, Tennessee who was crowned 2010 Miss Food City. Melissa is a 23 year-old student at Belmont University.  

"I am so honored to be the new Miss Food City," O'Neal commented. "I'm looking forward to working with this outstanding company during the next year. Thank you to everyone that made this special event possible."

As the weather turns cooler and the holiday season fast approaches, Bristol Motor Speedway and Dragway prepares to transition from one sport to another, from a concrete surface to the ice.

The Johnson Controls Ice Rink opens for its eighth season Tuesday, Nov. 10 and skaters, particularly younger ones, are counting down the days until they can take to the ice again.

Members of the Tri-Cities Miata Club had a zoomin' good time at BMS in early June and the Bristol Chapter of Speedway Children's Charities was the lucky beneficiary.

Each year, the TCMC hosts a special event that is the highlight of the year for every Miata owner. During the get-together, participants take part in an autocross competition, drive some of the area's best two-lane roads and take a few laps around the "World's Fastest Half-Mile."

On the strength of two NASCAR Sprint Cup sellouts, signing new sponsors and garnering national attention for bucking current economic trends, Bristol Motor Speedway officials are not sitting still. BMS president and general manager Jeff Byrd today announced several promotions and a restructuring to strategically position NASCAR's most popular track for the next several years.

NASCAR's two Sprint Cup and Nationwide events at Bristol Motor Speedway will remain on the same weekends in 2010, while the NHRA date moves to June.

Bristol Motor Speedway, the lone track on the NASCAR circuit to sell out both Sprint Cup races in 2009, will again host its popular races, the Food City 500 and the Irwin Tools Night Race, the weekends of March 21 and Aug. 21. The Nationwide Series races, the Scotts Turf Builder 300 and the Food City 250, will take place March 20 and Aug. 20, while the O'Reilly 200 Camping World Truck Series race is slated for Aug. 18.

Three-plus tons of aluminum will find new life following the recent Sharpie 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway, track officials and their partners announced today.

With continuing help from Thompson Metals, of Kingsport, Tenn., and Anheuser-Busch Recycling Corporation (A-BRC) of St. Louis, nearly 6,200 pounds of aluminum was processed through the recycling bins and post-race collections following the NASCAR weekend less than two weeks ago.