On a day when many take time to remember the terrorist attacks against our nation that took place Sept. 11, 2001, the Tri-Cities community rallied together to to take part in the Third Annual Bristol Motor Speedway and NASCAR Foundation Blood and Marrow Drive.

The community responded by providing 110 pints of blood to the Marsh Regional Blood Center.

"We want to thank BMS and NASCAR for supporting our community and helping us honor the victims of 9/11," said Debra Wampler, Donor Recruiter for Marsh Regional Blood Center.  "We appreciate what they do for us and we look forward to it with excitement each year."

"We need 25,000 units of blood to service the 17 regional hospitals throughout Southwest Virginia and upper East Tennessee we supply. Every time we go out, we hope to need a U-Haul to bring back what the community gives."

Every person donating blood or registering for the National Bone Marrow Registry was given the opportunity to drive their own car around NASCAR's most popular track, free of charge. The first 100 donors also took home a BMS goody bag, which included a t-shirt from Marsh Regional Blood Center.

This is the third year the Bristol Motor Speedway has taken part in the NASCAR Foundation Blood and Marrow Drive in which NASCAR facilities from around the country take part.