Bristol Motor Speedway again will serve as a host for the NASCAR Foundation Fourth Annual Blood Drive presented by Nationwide Insurance, Friday, Sept. 11.

Teaming up with the NASCAR Foundation to replenish area blood supplies, BMS is one of nearly 30 facilities that host NASCAR events that are participating in the blood drive. Last year, the campaign at the World's Fastest Half Mile resulted in 120 donors giving blood, while a number of people also signed up for the National Bone Marrow registry.

The program takes place in the parking lot at the main entrance of BMS where Marsh Regional Blood Center will set up mobile units. The day begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 6 p.m. in order to better serve anyone interested in making a donation.

The first 100 donors will receive a goody bag from BMS, which includes a t-shirt from Marsh. Anyone who donates blood that day will be given the opportunity to drive their own car around NASCAR's most popular track.  Also, during the month of September, anyone who donates blood will be registered to win a pair of tickets to an Atlanta Braves' game or a gas grill. 

One blood donation can help save the lives of three people. And each year, more than 35,000 people with life-threatening illnesses could benefit from a marrow or blood cell transplant.

All donors must weigh at least 110 pounds and be at least 17 years old. Donors must have eaten a substantial, well-balanced meal four to six hours prior to making a blood donation and should be generally healthy (i.e. no colds, sore throat, fever, flu or fever blisters) within three days of their donation. Donors should not have taken antibiotics within seven days of donating blood. Also, anyone who has had a tattoo, accidental needle stick or exposure to blood in the past year will not be eligible to donate.