Bristol Motor Speedway President and General Manager Jerry Caldwell was inducted into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2026 on July 11th during a ceremony at the Omni Hotel in Nashville. The Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame honors individuals who have made a lasting impact on the history of sports in the state of Tennessee.
“Jerry Caldwell has played a pivotal role in shaping one of the most iconic venues in American motorsports,” said Brad Willis, Executive Director of the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame. “Through vision, innovation, and leadership, he has helped expand the reach of Bristol Motor Speedway while preserving the tradition that makes it one of the most beloved tracks in racing. We are proud to welcome Jerry Caldwell into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2026.”
Rising from an Events Department Intern to become President and General Manager of the versatile venue, Caldwell has spent nearly three decades at Bristol Motor Speedway. Since joining the organization full-time in the late 1990s, Caldwell has been instrumental in the growth of Bristol Motor Speedway and Bristol Dragway, overseeing race operations, major event planning, and the development of new entertainment opportunities for fans.
Under Caldwell’s leadership, Bristol Motor Speedway has continued to host some of the most prestigious events in motorsports, including annual NASCAR Cup Series races that drew international attention to Northeast Tennessee. The track hosts two historic NASCAR Cup Series races each season, including the tradition-rich Food City 500 in April and the crown jewel Bass Pro Shops Night Race in September, that bring visitors from all 50 U.S. states and nearly 20 foreign countries.
His tenure has also been marked by creative venue transformations and landmark events, most notably the 2016 Pilot Flying J Battle at Bristol college football game between the University of Tennessee and Virginia Tech which set an NCAA-attendance record at 156,990. The Volunteers won the game 45-24.
In 2025, the Bristol Motor Speedway team under Caldwell’s direction, once again drew international attention to Thunder Valley by transforming the race track into a Major League Baseball field. The historic MLB Speedway Classic between the Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds, the first MLB game to be played in the state of Tennessee, set an MLB regular season attendance record at 91,032. The Braves won the game 4-2 thanks to multiple homeruns hit by Atlanta’s Eli White.
“It means a lot just to be associated with the names that are in the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame,” Caldwell said. “A lot of great people there and honored. This award is for the Bristol Motor Speedway team.
“Some of my favorite moments are just being able to work with our team, when we’ve taken on hard things and been able to accomplish them as a group. To see the pride after hosting some of the biggest NASCAR races on the circuit to iconic events like (the football and baseball games).”
Caldwell also was recognized for his community leadership. After Hurricane Helene in late 2024, he mobilized the speedway as the Northeast Tennessee Disaster Relief Center, serving as a vital hub for search-and-rescue teams and distributing essential supplies. His efforts through Speedway Children’s Charities—Bristol Chapter have also raised more than $21 million for child-focused organizations throughout the Appalachian Highlands region.
“Jerry’s leadership has helped make Bristol Motor Speedway more than just a racetrack,” Willis added. “It’s a gathering place for fans and families, a driver of economic activity for the region, and a cornerstone of Tennessee’s sports landscape.”
The 2026 Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame class members include:
Monica Abbott, University of Tennessee softball pitcher
Jennifer Azzi, one of Tennessee’s most accomplished basketball players
Matt Cain, one of the most accomplished MLB Pitchers from the state of Tennessee
Jerry Caldwell, Bristol Motor Speedway President and General Manager
Mike Clary, a distinguished athlete from Rhodes College
Reggie Cobb, standout running back for the Tennessee Volunteers (deceased)
Antone Davis, a dominant offensive lineman in the late 1980s for the Tennessee Volunteers
Kermit Davis, winningest coach in Middle Tenn. St. Univ. men’s basketball history
Bubba Luckett, an amazing player and coach of men’s basketball in state of Tennessee
Charles McRae, tough offensive linemen for University of Tennessee
Ron Mercer, Nashville native and two-time Tennessee Mr. Basketball, led Univ. of Kentucky to the 1996 NCAA championship and also had an impactful NBA career with seven teams
David Price, the most accomplished pitcher in Vanderbilt University history with 441 career strikeouts; In MLB play, he earned a Cy Young Award in 2012 and a World Series title as a pitcher for the Boston Red Sox in 2018
Pete Weber, the Voice of the Nashville Predators since the team’s inaugural season in 1998
About the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame
Established in 1966, the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame, sponsored by the Tennessee Lottery, honors athletes, teams, coaches, sports writers, and sports administrators who have made a meaningful impact on the history of Tennessee sports. The Hall serves as a platform to connect athletes, coaches, fans, and supporters while celebrating achievements shaped through sports. The Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame also seeks to educate youth on the importance of healthy habits and the positive role sports play in developing character and leadership. For more information, visit www.tshf.net.
