Ten new members have been chosen to serve on Bristol Motor Speedway's Fan Advisory board for 2008.

Geared toward better serving the hundreds of thousands of spectators who visit "The World's Fastest Half-Mile" each year, Bristol Motor Speedway's Fan Advisory Board, that was formed last year, consists of a group of loyal fans who provide feedback and offer new ideas that will aid in the growth and development of the Speedway and its ability to exceed expectations by delivering the ultimate fan experience.

The newest members were chosen from nearly 500 applications. Joining the Fan Advisory Board is Wade Robinson (Madison, Miss.), Amy Cartwright (Chillicothe, Ohio), Pamela Hicks (Ft. Recovery, Ohio), Michael Sims (Bluff City, Tenn.), Bryan Gawronski (Buffalo, N.Y.), Jennifer Berry (Abingdon, Va.), Rusty Little (Greenville, S.C.), Kelley Zeigler (Yellville, Ark.), Don Freels (Vandalia, Ohio) and Bobby McCoy (Oak Ridge, Tenn.)

Via online message boards and annual meetings, the Fan Advisory Board targets visible issues, identifies challenges and presents ideas to enhance and better the "Bristol Experience." To insure all fans have the opportunity to play an active role, those who are not a part of the board can directly communicate with FAB members by utilizing the Speedway's online message board.

"Our Fan Advisory Board proved to be very beneficial last year, confirming our belief that listening to our fans is extremely important," said Jeff Byrd, BMS president and general manager. "We know 2008 will see even more positive interaction that will lead to a better Bristol experience for all."

The board will carry 40 members throughout the year. Fan Advisory Board correspondence and meetings include Bristol senior level management to ensure action items are executed in the vision of the fans and the board. Board members will serve a term that includes three NASCAR race weekends at BMS.

Byrd adds, "It is imperative that our fans realize we welcome them to contact us directly. However, the Fan Advisory Board gives fans a chance to discuss relevant topics among themselves and it also provides with an immediate sounding board that aides us in the decision-making process."

Board meetings take place during NASCAR event weekends at Bristol Motor Speedway for board members in attendance. The online message board serves as an ongoing open line of communication and involvement/activity is unlimited. Throughout the year, a series of teleconferences also take place in which board members actively participate in meetings via phone.

Ben Trout, the Speedway's director of marketing, introduced the idea of the Fan Advisory Board to BMS management after researching other major sporting teams who have similar boards in place. "We've always placed an emphasis on communicating and interacting with our fans, and this is just a natural extension of that philosophy," said Trout.

For more information on Bristol Motor Speedway's Fan Advisory Board, e-mail Ben Trout, director of marketing.