Bristol Motor Speedway Explained

Bristol Motor Speedway (formerly known as the Bristol International Raceway from 1978 to 1996 and as the Bristol International Speedway from 1961 to 1978) is a 0.533miles oval short track in Bristol, Tennessee. The track has held a variety of events since its opening in 1961, including NASCAR races, NCAA FBS college football games, and sprint car races. The track has been owned by Speedway Motorsports, LLC (SMI) since 1996 with Jerry Caldwell currently serving as the track's general manager. The track is served by the concurrent U.S. Route 19 and U.S. Route 11E, along with Tennessee State Route 394.

The speedway has a capacity of 146,000 as of 2021, down from its peak of over 160,000. In addition to the Bristol Motor Speedway, the track's complex also features a two-lane, NaNmiles long drag strip. The main track has also on several occasions been temporarily covered with dirt to host various types of dirt track racing, and on occasions has acted as a football stadium and field.

On January 17, 1961, local Tennessean recreational conglomerate owner Larry Carrier announced his intentions of building a racetrack in Bristol, expanding his recreational conglomerate within the Tri-Cities, Tennessee, area. The track was constructed with no major issues, and opened in July of that same year for a speed record run by Johnson City, Tennessee, native Tommy Morgan. Since its opening, the track has gone through several owners and has overseen mass expansion since the current owners of the track bought it in 1996.

Description

Configuration

The track in its current form is measured at 0.533miles, with the track's turns ranging from 24 degrees to 30 degrees in banking. The straightaways are banked at four degrees at the bottom and progresses up to 9 degrees at the top.[1] When the track was initially constructed, the track had 27 degrees of banking.[2] Before 2007, the track marketed that the track's banking was 36 degrees; this was eventually later found to be incorrect, with the true banking being 30 degrees.[3] When the track is temporarily covered with dirt, the track uses a progressing banking system from 16 to 19 degrees.[4] The track is also the only track left on the NASCAR schedule that utilizes two pit road lanes instead of one, combined pit road lane.[5]

Amenities

At the time of the track's initial construction, the Knoxville News Sentinel reported the track had a capacity of 21,000, a press box, around 10,000 parking spaces, and shower rooms upon a 120-acre facility.[6] The track has since seen mass expansion during the ownerships of Larry Carrier and Speedway Motorsports, LLC (SMI). As of 2024, the facility features a capacity of 146,000, down from its peak of 162,000.[7] [8] The facility also features a 30-by-63 foot television screen that hangs over the middle of the track that is named Colossus TV.

Adjacent drag strip

In 1964, plans for a drag strip were announced by then-track owner Larry Carrier and National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) officials.[9] After a hasty construction process, the NaNmiles dragstrip was completed by May 1965.[10] The dragstrip has gone under renovations since the 1990s, including an $18 million renovation in 1997.[11]

Track history

Planning and construction

In 1960, businessman Larry Carrier, continuing plans to expand a local recreation conglomerate within the Tri-Cities, Tennessee, area, wanted to build a race track.[12] He drew up initial plans to build a track in Piney Flats, Tennessee, using land his real-estate agent father had bought. However, the plan was rejected by local ministers in the area. Carrier instead opted to build the track five miles south on land formerly used as a dairy farm.[13] Carrier, with later assistance from R. G. Pope and Carl R. Moore, drew up ideas for the track on paper bags.[14] [15] On January 17, 1961, the three announced plans to build a 20,000-seat, 100-acre, NaNmiles track adjacent to U.S. Route 11E at a budget from $750,000 to $1,000,000.[16] [17] Along with the announcement, two annual NASCAR-sanctioned races were announced, with further intentions to use the track for other entertainment purposes.[18]

Although groundbreaking on the facility was scheduled on January 23, it was delayed by poor weather for two days to the 25th.[19] [20] The next month, new local modified races were announced at the track.[21] By March, the track was selling tickets, with Tennessee Ernie Ford buying the first ticket.[22] Within same month, Carrier was able to negotiate with Washington Redskins owner George Preston Marshall to hold a National Football League (NFL) exhibition game between the Redskins and the Philadelphia Eagles[23] after a failed attempt by Marshall to hold the game at the Charlotte Motor Speedway.[24]

The track was met with optimism throughout Tennessee and with sports personalities. The track was praised for its layout and amenities by team owner Bud Moore, driver Cotton Owens, and Redskins public relations director Dave Slattery.[25] [26] The Governor of Tennessee at the time, Buford Ellington, declared a "Volunteer 500" week in the state of Tennessee.[27] Jimmy Smyth, a writer for the Johnson City Press, praised that local residents in the Tri-Cities area now had a track nearby instead of driving hundreds of miles to another track.[28]

Early years

The track officially opened to the public on July 23, 1961, for a paved half-mile speed record attempt by driver Tommy Morgan.[29] Two days later, the track opened for NASCAR-sanctioned activities, with a practice session for the 1961 Volunteer 500.[30] [31] The next year, Carrier announced in the Bristol Virginia–Tennessean of a new recreational building near the track along with highway renovations.[32] The track was favored in the local media by this point; the Virginia–Tennessean declared the track to be the "best" and "fastest" half-mile track in the world.[33] The track did face difficulties; according to Carrier, the 1961 NFL game lost them $36,000. As a result of the loss, Pope left the track soon after, leaving the track to be run by Carrier and Moore.[34]

In October 1964, the Bristol Herald Courier reported that the track was negotiating with National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) officials on building a proposed dragstrip.[35] Two months later, the dragstrip project was officially announced by Carrier, with the facility announced to be a 27,000-seat, NaNmiles long facility built on a 500-acre plot of land at a budget of $700,000. A month after the announcement, Russ DeVault, writer for the Herald Courier, predicted that Carrier was planning to build a bigger facility that was at least 1miles long; Carrier neither denied or admitted the predicted project.[36] In March 1965, the track announced plans to build a 2.25miles long road course that would utilize parts of the dragstrip.[37] By May, the dragstrip was finished in time for its opening in early June.[38] By the beginning of 1966, the track was beginning to construct the road course.[39]

In 1969, Carrier announced a repave and reconfiguration of the track. The banking in the turns was changed to a progressive banking system from 31 to 35 degrees and the straightaways would be changed to 20 degrees, which Carrier promised would produce speeds nearing 100mph.[40] The repave was completed by July of that year, and in the next major race, drivers saw average lap speeds of over 100 mph.[41] The next year, when Carrier created the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA), he set up the association's headquarters at the track.[42]

Lanny Hester and Gary Baker era

By the mid-1970s, Carrier wanted to focus more on his drag racing endeavors with the IHRA. On November 2, 1977, Carrier announced the sale of the track to Nashville businessmen Lanny Hester and Gary Baker for $1 million.[43] At the time of the duo's purchase, the track had seen stagnating attendance, which the duo attributed to shortening its NASCAR races to 400 laps. Upon the track's purchase, the duo announced $200,000 worth of renovations, a rebranding to "Bristol International Raceway", an increase of purse money, and a revert to the traditional 500 lap distance for its NASCAR races.[44] [45] In addition, the track planned to run its first ever night race at the 1978 Volunteer 500, with temporary lights being installed during for the night race. The renovations did see success, with increased attendance according to Kingsport Times writer Denny Darnell.[46] [47]

Short-lived Warner W. Hodgdon era

In January 1981, Baker bought out Hester's share of the track.[48] However, just 10 months later, then-public relations manager of the track, Eddie Gossage announced that California businessman Warner W. Hodgdon bought out half of Baker's share of the track's ownership.[49] [50] According to Baker, while he did not initially intend on selling some of his interest, his opinion changed when Hodgdon displayed interest of buying out some of Baker's interest.[51] With Hodgdon's investment, Hodgdon stated plans to increase the capacity of the track to 50,000.[52] In May 1982, Baker and Hodgdon also purchased the dragstrip from Carrier.[53] By October, according to Gossage in a letter to the editor of the Herald Courier, he claimed that Hodgdon increased capacity by 3,000, added new sewer and water lines, and expanded parking.[54]

In July 1983, Hodgdon purchased the rest of Baker's interest in the track for $2 million, completely buying out the track.[55] As a result of Hodgdon's purchase, Carrier was appointed to become the general manager. The next month, Carrier announced a new renovation plan over several years.[56] However, by the late fall, staff were disgruntled; according to staff who worked with Hodgdon, he was heavily disliked. Then-public relations manager of the Hodgdon-owned Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway, Tom Roberts, had a grudge with Hodgdon, and immediately realized "I needed to be looking for another job... I looked at him as one of the biggest charlatans I had ever encountered", sharing sentiments with Gossage, who both left soon after Hodgdon bought the track.[57] [58]

By the end of 1984, Hodgdon faced a litany of legal issues. In November, The Tennesseans Larry Woody reported that Hodgdon was facing accusations of bid rigging in his home state of California along with his company, the National Engineering Company, facing bankruptcy.[59] By the end of December, he was facing additional lawsuits from the North Carolina Motor Speedway and overdue payments to the Tennessee State Fair and Exposition Commission.[60] He later failed to meet deadlines for a $102,000 payment for the Bristol track.[61] By January 1985, the Bank of Virginia planned to put the track and the dragstrip up for auction on February 8.[62] However, the auction was eventually scrapped when Hodgdon filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, requesting for protection and reorganization.[63] Despite this, Carrier declared that the track's events for the year would still occur.[64] NASCAR eventually confirmed Carrier's declaration in February,[65] with Carrier being proclaimed by the Johnson City Press as the one who was able to maintain events at the track. The track also struck a five-year deal to broadcast its NASCAR races nationally on ESPN.[66]

Larry Carrier's return

In November 1985, rumors of Kentucky businessman and drag racer Jim Ruth buying out a portion of the complex were denied by Carrier, with Carrier claiming that he was planning to buy out National Raceways, Hodgdon's company that owned the Bristol track.[67] At the end of January 1986, Carrier's purchase was officially confirmed,[68] paying $4.5–5 million for the company. Carrier also announced the sale of the dragstrip to Ruth to finance Carrier's purchase. With his purchase, Carrier announced further renovations, including a new 5,000-seat grandstand and new concrete walls.[69]

The track throughout the 1980s saw increases in popularity and continued sellouts for the track, with the success of the track being remarked as "unprecedented in NASCAR racing" by The Charlotte Observer writer Tom Higgins.[70] By the end of the decade, sellouts were guaranteed for the track months before the track's races occurred,[71] along with the striking of a five-year renewal with ESPN.[72] The track by this point had expanded to 50,000 seats and generated more than $138 million annually in economic revenue, with stated future intentions to build $400,000 worth of improvements.[73] In 1989, the track also sought to expand to hold major concerts according to then-general manager Ron Scalf.[74]

During the late 1980s and the early 1990s, the track oversaw numerous repaves. In September 1988, a $500,000 repave of the track was announced that was completed the next month.[75] To Carrier's ire, the new surface saw increased tire wear, which Carrier blamed on how the track was resurfaced.[76] In lieu of Carrier's anger of the new surface, he announced another repave in May 1989.[77] The surface received complaints by drivers for the surface being too rough and bumpy.[78] By the fall of 1991, Carrier announced a third repave.[79] [80] The surface still oversaw more complaints for being too bumpy, and after the 1992 Food City 500, Carrier announced another complete repave of the track. This time, Carrier opted to pave the surface in concrete instead of asphalt, which was what the track had been using since its inception.[81] The repave was completed in July of that year.[82]

Bruton Smith's purchase, expansion

Despite Carrier stating at the start of the 1990s that he had no intention of selling the track, sometime in the early 1990s, motorsports mogul Bruton Smith displayed interest of buying Bristol International Raceway. According to Scalf, although Carrier refused, Smith insisted on purchasing the track, stating, "everything is for sale". Within the next three weeks, Carrier, Scalf, and Smith negotiated the potential sale of the track, with the situation being described by Scalf as "where one family-owned track was basically competing with corporate America". Although Carrier stated fears to Scalf about losing NASCAR race weekends, he eventually agreed to sell off the complex with the exception of a 78-acre campground.[83] On January 23, 1996, the sale of the track was confirmed at the cost of $26 million,[84] with an executive for the sports marketing division of the R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, Jeff Byrd, replacing Scalf as general manager.[85]

Upon the track's purchase, Smith's ownership was met with suspicion. Many local businesses and fans feared that the track could lose a NASCAR race weekend as a result of NASCAR experiencing a surge in popularity in the 1990s, with Smith having a previous record of buying or building bigger tracks and taking away race weekends from smaller tracks. The loss of a race weekend spurred fears of crippling the local Tri-Cities economy.[86] In February 1996, Smith denied rumors of moving the track's spring race weekend to the new Texas Motor Speedway, along with announcing intentions of increasing capacity to 120,000, an increase from 81,000 from when Smith bought it.[87] Initial renovations started in March,[88] with further plans for expansion and events being announced by Byrd.[89] The track was also renamed "Bristol Motor Speedway" within the month.[90] By the end of the year, Byrd estimated the track had spent $20 million in renovations, with more renovations being announced in November.[91] By April 1997, the track surpassed Neyland Stadium as the largest sports arena in Tennessee by capacity.[92] The track continued to oversee further expansion in the late 1990s and early 2000s. In 1999, the track constructed the Kulwicki Tower, which was completed by 2000 and increased capacity by 12,000 seats to 147,000.[93] In 2000 and 2001, the track held its first dirt races on a temporary dirt surface; however, the races were scrapped after 2001 due to issues with lengthy cleanups.[94]

Track changes, short-lived dirt racing

In 2002, the track expanded further; the track built a new pedestrian tunnel that connected the grandstands to the infield,[95] along with stated plans to expand seating.[96] In August, the seating expansion was officially confirmed, with an intent to expand to 160,000.[97] In 2006, the track officially announced a repave of its track surface;[98] however, the repave was later rescheduled to occur in 2007.[99] By the time the new variable-banking system was complete in August, the turns varied from 24 to 30 degrees, with the racing surface being widened from 40 to 43 feet.[100]

The track repave saw criticism for removing the one-lane and rough style racing Bristol became reputable for; criticism became so prevalent that an ashamed Byrd was stated to have repeated "y'all, we're sorry" to fans leaving the track after the 2008 Sharpie 500.[101] In 2010, the track saw its streak of 55 consecutive sellouts for its NASCAR races end.[102] In October of that year, after Byrd died in October, the track promoted its vice president of corporate sales, Jerry Caldwell, to become the track's general manager.[103] Two years later, in response to both fan criticism along with Smith's stated displeasure with the progressive banking system,[104] the track announced the elimination of the progressive banking system.[105] In October 2015, the track announced the construction of Colossus TV, a 30-by-63 foot television screen that was touted as the world's largest "outdoor, permanent, center-hung digital display".[106] Construction on the screen started in November[107] and was completed in April 2016.[108] In that same year, the track began applying PJ1 TrackBite, a traction compound, on the track's lower groove in an attempt to artificially create multi-groove racing.[109]

In 2020, in response to sagging attendance to the track's spring NASCAR race weekend, the track announced that their annual spring NASCAR race weekend would take place on a dirt surface, with the track being temporarily covered with dirt in order to accommodate the change.[110] The race became the first NASCAR Cup Series event to be run on dirt since 1970.[111] However, after three years of running the event for NASCAR, the event faced significant criticism from varying groups. Drivers Kyle Larson and Chris Buescher both stated displeasure on the series racing on dirt, stating beliefs that Cup Series cars were not "built for dirt" and advocating for the track to revert to concrete;[112] a similar sentiment was shared by Alex Bowman and Bubba Wallace, who thought the event was a "gimmick". Other drivers, such as Joey Logano, thought the track should be left alone, instead advocating for modifications to other tracks.[113] In addition, within the three years, the race saw numerous issues during its races, including increased tire problems and improper maintenance.[114] [115] By 2023, the track abandoned the idea, reverting to running the event on concrete for 2024[116] along with marketing the race with a "retro" theme that throwbacks to the track in the early 1990s.[117]

Events

Racing

NASCAR

See also: Food City 500, Bass Pro Shops Night Race, Food City 300, Weather Guard Truck Race and UNOH 200. With the track's initial announcement in 1961, the track announced two annual NASCAR Cup Series races: the Southeastern 500 and the Volunteer 500. The events have run annually since. The former, the Southeastern 500 (now known as the Food City 500 for sponsorship reasons), was first run on October 22, 1961.[118] In 1963, the race was moved to its traditional late March or early April date.[119] In 2015, the race was shifted to mid-April due to concerns with rain.[120] Throughout the 2010s, the race saw a period of major decline. In 2016, the race only saw 70,000 fans enter the race, less than half of the track's capacity.[121] [122] By the end of the decade, the situation had gotten so dire that the race saw an over 75% decline in attendance, with sections of the grandstands blocked off.[123] In 2020, in an attempt to reverse the declines in attendance, the track announced that the spring weekend would take place on a temporary dirt surface. The idea was scrapped three years later, reverting to using the concrete surface.The latter, the Volunteer 500 (now known as the Bass Pro Shops Night Race for sponsorship reasons), was first run on July 30, 1961; the first major event held at the track, with Jack Smith winning the event.[124] In 1978, the race was run at night for the first time.[125] In 2020, the race was shifted from its traditional mid-August date to mid-September to become the final race of the Round of 16 in the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs.[126] Along with its Cup Series dates, the track also hosts lower-series NASCAR races annually, including second-tier NASCAR Xfinity Series and third-tier NASCAR Truck Series races.[127]

Other racing events

Bristol hosted the fifth round of the 2013 Global Rallycross Championship. The track utilised the oval banking, but featured a tight infield section with a loose gravel surface, and a tabletop jump on the back stretch. Ken Block, Patrik Sandell, Scott Speed and Sverre Isachsen won their Heat races, while Brian Deegan, Tanner Foust and Timur Timerzyanov would advance to the Final from the Last Change Qualifier. Toomas Heikkinen won the Final, finishing ahead of Block and Deegan. The GRC Lites event was won by eventual champion Joni Wiman.[128] [129]

Since 2022, YouTuber Lawrence Garrett Mitchell, known by his alias Cleetus McFarland, has held Cleetus and Cars, an annual car festival that also holds races.[130]

Other sporting events

American football games

See also: Battle at Bristol. On various occasions, the track has held American gridiron football games at varying levels. In 1961, the track hosted an exhibition National Football League (NFL) game between the Washington Redskins and the Philadelphia Eagles after an initial failed attempt to host an event at Charlotte Motor Speedway.[131] [132] In 2013, a NCAA Division I FBS game was officially announced for the track between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Virginia Tech Hokies, to take place in 2016.[133] The game took place on September 10, with the Volunteers winning.[134] A week after the Battle at Bristol, the track played host to another football game, this time a for NCAA Division I FCS game between the East Tennessee State Buccaneers and the Western Carolina Catamounts.[135]

Baseball games

See also: MLB Speedway Classic. Bristol Motor Speedway will host a Major League Baseball game between the Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds on August 2, 2025. This will be the first regular season MLB game to be played in Tennessee.[136] [137]

Other events and uses

The track on numerous occasions has served as a facility to assist the general public in a variety of situations. In 2002, the track acted as a temporary high school for students at Sullivan East High School when their school was closed due to a black mold infection.[138] In the early 2010s, Remote Area Medical held a medical clinic at the track.[139] The track has been used as an evacuee center for several hurricanes, including Hurricane Irma in 2017,[140] Hurricane Florence in 2018,[141] and Hurricane Dorian in 2019.[142] The track has also been used as a COVID-19 vaccine distribution center.[143]

In 1968, the track served as a campaign rally for longtime Alabama Governor George Wallace for his campaign in the 1968 United States presidential election.[144] In 2021, YouTuber Jimmy Donaldson, known by his alias MrBeast, held a game of tag between 10 people at the track with a purse of $500,000 given to the winner.[145]

Lap records

As of September 2023, the fastest official race lap records at Bristol Motor Speedway are listed as:

Category Time Driver Vehicle Event
Oval: 0.858 km (1961–present)[146]
0:14.945[147] 2018 Food City 500
0:15.350[148]
0:15.650[149]
0:16.574[150] 2021 Bristol Throwdown
Temporary Dirt Oval: 0.858 km (2020–present)
0:19.003[151]
0:19.261[152] 2022 Food City Dirt Race

Notes and References

  1. Web site: November 2, 2018 . Bristol Motor Speedway . February 12, 2024 . . en . February 14, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240214011522/https://www.espn.com/jayski/tracks/story/_/id/18670439/bristol-motor-speedway . live .
  2. News: April 16, 1961 . Around The Tracks . https://web.archive.org/web/20240214011533/https://www.newspapers.com/article/elizabethton-star-around-the-tracks/140780662/ . February 14, 2024 . February 12, 2024 . . 6A . . live .
  3. News: Birchfield . Jeff . July 25, 2007 . BMS banking: a few degrees of separation . https://web.archive.org/web/20240225032247/https://www.newspapers.com/article/johnson-city-press-bms-banking-a-few-de/142039033/ . February 25, 2024 . February 24, 2024 . . 1C . . live .
  4. Web site: Sturniolo . Zach . April 13, 2022 . NASCAR viewer's guide: Bristol Motor Speedway dirt . February 12, 2024 . . en-US . February 14, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240214011522/https://www.nbcsports.com/nascar/news/nascar-viewers-guide-bristol-motor-speedway-dirt . live .
  5. Web site: April 22, 2017 . Jayski: Bristol Pit Stall Selections & Pit Rules . February 24, 2024 . . en . February 25, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240225032247/https://www.espn.com/jayski/cup/2017/story/_/id/19217095/bristol-pit-stall-selections-pit-rules . live .
  6. News: Slier . Tom . June 8, 1961 . New Bristol Speedway Has Everything... Big Plans, High Banks, Powder Rooms . https://web.archive.org/web/20240214011522/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-knoxville-news-sentinel-new-bristol/140780817/ . February 14, 2024 . February 12, 2024 . . 28 . . live .
  7. Web site: Bowles . Tom . June 15, 2023 . NASCAR Racetracks, Not the Next Gen, Now at Risk . February 24, 2024 . Frontstretch . en-US . February 25, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240225021435/https://frontstretch.com/2023/06/14/did-you-notice-nascar-racetracks-not-the-next-gen-now-at-risk/ . live .
  8. Web site: Caldwell . Dave . April 8, 2019 . NASCAR's Sagging Popularity Absorbs Another Big Hit . February 24, 2024 . . en . February 25, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240225021435/https://www.forbes.com/sites/davecaldwell/2019/04/08/nascars-dented-image-absorbs-yet-another-big-hit/ . live .
  9. News: DeVault . Russ . December 6, 1964 . $700,000 Drag Strip To Be Built In Bristol . https://web.archive.org/web/20240213012730/https://www.newspapers.com/article/bristol-herald-courier-700000-drag-str/140828966/ . February 13, 2024 . February 12, 2024 . . 1, 2 . . live .
  10. News: Parker . Fred . May 18, 1965 . Quarter-mile drag strip ready for Spring Nationals . https://web.archive.org/web/20240213012736/https://www.newspapers.com/article/johnson-city-press-quarter-mile-drag-str/140830156/ . February 13, 2024 . February 12, 2024 . . 5 . . . live .
  11. Web site: Gregory . Allen . June 4, 2015 . Bristol Dragway 50 and going strong . subscription . February 24, 2024 . . en . February 25, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240225032248/https://heraldcourier.com/sports/bristol-dragway-50-and-going-strong/article_261d8346-0b1a-11e5-b1b4-87a2c9f0ea06.html . live .
  12. News: February 26, 1961 . Carrier Projects Boost Area Recreation Scene . https://web.archive.org/web/20240217224342/https://www.newspapers.com/article/bristol-herald-courier-carrier-projects/140780120/ . February 17, 2024 . February 11, 2024 . . 2E . . live .
  13. News: Gregory . Allen . October 15, 1999 . Speedway empire started as a dream . https://web.archive.org/web/20240217224344/https://www.newspapers.com/article/bristol-herald-courier-speedway-empire-s/140779687/ . February 17, 2024 . February 11, 2024 . . 4E . . live .
  14. Web site: Birchfield . Jeff . January 2, 2015 . Scalf recalls tenure at BMS in new book . subscription . February 24, 2024 . . en . February 24, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240224203336/https://www.johnsoncitypress.com/sports/scalf-recalls-tenure-at-bms-in-new-book/article_fa51ef8e-6c0f-5027-8a79-874124f62b51.html . live .
  15. Web site: Martin . Kara . August 20, 2009 . From Tailgate To Trackside: NASCAR Buckles Up For Bristol, Baby! . February 20, 2024 . . en . February 21, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240221062138/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/239777-from-tailgate-to-trackside-nascar-buckles-up-its-bristol-baby . live .
  16. News: Thompson . Gene . January 18, 1961 . Million-Dollar Speedway Launched Here . https://web.archive.org/web/20240217224346/https://www.newspapers.com/article/bristol-herald-courier-million-dollar-sp/140516185/ . February 17, 2024 . February 11, 2024 . . 7 . . live .
  17. News: Smith . Jimmy . January 18, 2024 . New Speedway To Be Constructed In Area . https://web.archive.org/web/20240217224345/https://www.newspapers.com/article/johnson-city-press-new-speedway-to-be-co/140516334/ . February 17, 2024 . February 11, 2024 . . 8 . . live .
  18. News: Captain . Bill . January 18, 1961 . Tri-Cities Area To Have International Speedway . https://web.archive.org/web/20240217224340/https://www.newspapers.com/article/elizabethton-star-tri-cities-area-to-hav/140516385/ . February 17, 2024 . February 11, 2023 . . 1, 3 . . live .
  19. News: January 20, 1961 . Work Begins On Speedway Jan. 23 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240217224342/https://www.newspapers.com/article/elizabethton-star-work-begins-on-speedwa/140516351/ . February 17, 2024 . February 11, 2024 . . 3 . . live .
  20. News: January 26, 1961 . Speedway Ground Breaking . https://web.archive.org/web/20240217224349/https://www.newspapers.com/article/bristol-herald-courier-speedway-ground-b/140779938/ . February 17, 2024 . February 11, 2024 . . 9 . . live .
  21. News: February 12, 1961 . Saturday Races Are Set At Bristol's New Track . https://web.archive.org/web/20240217224343/https://www.newspapers.com/article/bristol-herald-courier-saturday-races-ar/140780126/ . February 17, 2024 . February 11, 2024 . . 3C . . live .
  22. News: March 12, 1961 . Work Progressing On New Speedway . https://web.archive.org/web/20240217224349/https://www.newspapers.com/article/johnson-city-press-work-progressing-on-n/140780364/ . February 17, 2024 . February 11, 2024 . . 21 . . live .
  23. News: Thompson . Gene . March 16, 1961 . Redskins, Eagles To Play Exhibition Here . https://web.archive.org/web/20240214011523/https://www.newspapers.com/article/bristol-herald-courier-redskins-eagles/140780611/ . February 14, 2024 . February 12, 2024 . . 1, 2 . . live .
  24. News: Allgood . Don . June 25, 1961 . Point Of View . https://web.archive.org/web/20240214011525/https://www.newspapers.com/article/kingsport-times-news-point-of-view/140780994/ . February 14, 2024 . February 12, 2024 . . 1C . . live .
  25. News: July 17, 1961 . Much Pre-Race Interest In BI Speedway . https://web.archive.org/web/20240214011540/https://www.newspapers.com/article/bristol-virginia-tennessean-much-pre-rac/140780985/ . February 14, 2024 . February 12, 2024 . . 8 . . live .
  26. News: Thompson . Gene . May 25, 1961 . Speedway Impresses Redskins' Dave Slattery . https://web.archive.org/web/20240214011537/https://www.newspapers.com/article/bristol-herald-courier-speedway-impresse/140780765/ . February 14, 2024 . February 12, 2024 . . 20 . . live .
  27. News: May 18, 1961 . Governor Ellington Proclaims 'Volunteer 500 Week' In State . https://web.archive.org/web/20240214011536/https://www.newspapers.com/article/bristol-herald-courier-governor-ellingto/140780732/ . February 14, 2024 . February 12, 2024 . . 13 . . live .
  28. News: Smyth . Jimmy . July 23, 1961 . Bench Views . https://web.archive.org/web/20240214011527/https://www.newspapers.com/article/johnson-city-press-bench-views/140781035/ . February 14, 2024 . February 12, 2024 . . 17 . . live .
  29. News: July 24, 1961 . Unofficial Half-Mile Paved Track Record Established . https://web.archive.org/web/20240214011526/https://www.newspapers.com/article/bristol-herald-courier-unofficial-half-m/140781032/ . February 14, 2024 . February 12, 2024 . . 9 . . live .
  30. News: July 25, 1961 . Practice For 'Volunteer 500' Will Begin Today . https://web.archive.org/web/20240214011524/https://www.newspapers.com/article/bristol-herald-courier-practice-for-vol/140781052/ . February 14, 2024 . February 12, 2024 . . 7 . . live .
  31. News: Thompson . Gene . July 26, 1961 . Test Runs Lure Speedway Fans . https://web.archive.org/web/20240214011530/https://www.newspapers.com/article/bristol-herald-courier-test-runs-lure-sp/140781063/ . February 14, 2024 . February 12, 2024 . . 9 . . live .
  32. News: Carrier . Larry . April 27, 1962 . Track Has Big Slate Of Plans . https://web.archive.org/web/20240221022039/https://www.newspapers.com/article/bristol-virginia-tennessean-track-has-bi/141498294/ . February 21, 2024 . February 18, 2024 . . 1B . . live .
  33. News: April 27, 1962 . BIS Has Earned Reputation As World's Best Half-Mile Track . https://web.archive.org/web/20240221022043/https://www.newspapers.com/article/bristol-virginia-tennessean-bis-has-earn/141498647/ . February 21, 2024 . February 19, 2024 . . 1B, 4B . . live .
  34. News: Worley . Lori . April 8, 1990 . BIR is Carrier's pride and joy . https://web.archive.org/web/20240224102456/https://www.newspapers.com/article/bristol-herald-courier-bir-is-carriers/141972803/ . February 24, 2024 . February 24, 2024 . . 1A, 12A . . live .
  35. News: October 6, 1964 . Drag Strip Construction Likely Here . https://web.archive.org/web/20240213012733/https://www.newspapers.com/article/bristol-herald-courier-drag-strip-constr/140828905/ . February 13, 2024 . February 12, 2024 . . 11 . . live .
  36. News: DeVault . Russ . January 31, 1965 . Bristol Speedway Considering Addition Of Mile-Plus Track? . https://web.archive.org/web/20240213012735/https://www.newspapers.com/article/bristol-herald-courier-bristol-speedway/140828750/ . February 13, 2024 . February 12, 2024 . . 1C . . live .
  37. News: March 11, 1965 . Bristol To Build Road Course . https://web.archive.org/web/20240213012731/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-knoxville-news-sentinel-bristol-to-b/140829982/ . February 13, 2024 . February 12, 2024 . . 34 . . . live .
  38. News: DeVault . Russ . June 7, 1965 . Little Maynard Rupp Takes Dragway Win . https://web.archive.org/web/20240213012739/https://www.newspapers.com/article/bristol-herald-courier-little-maynard-ru/140830653/ . February 13, 2024 . February 12, 2024 . . 9 . . live .
  39. News: Mink . Ken . February 27, 1966 . Bristol Fast Becoming Speed Capital Of U.S. . https://web.archive.org/web/20240213012738/https://www.newspapers.com/article/bristol-herald-courier-bristol-fast-beco/140830230/ . February 13, 2024 . February 12, 2024 . . 7F . . live .
  40. News: May 28, 1969 . Racing Roundup . https://web.archive.org/web/20240221022036/https://www.newspapers.com/article/statesville-record-and-landmark-racing-r/141698519/ . February 21, 2024 . February 20, 2024 . . 7B . . live .
  41. News: Smyth . Jimmy . July 18, 1969 . Bench Views . https://web.archive.org/web/20240221022038/https://www.newspapers.com/article/johnson-city-press-bench-views/141699287/ . February 21, 2024 . February 20, 2024 . . 12 . . live .
  42. News: November 10, 1970 . Carrier Named President of IHRA . https://web.archive.org/web/20240221022041/https://www.newspapers.com/article/bristol-herald-courier-carrier-named-pre/141697995/ . February 21, 2024 . February 20, 2024 . . 12 . . live .
  43. News: Sparks . Dave . November 2, 1977 . Bristol Speedway Sold To Nashville Investors . https://web.archive.org/web/20240224102451/https://www.newspapers.com/article/bristol-herald-courier-bristol-speedway/141700975/ . February 24, 2024 . February 24, 2024 . . 1, 2 . . live .
  44. News: Darnell . Denny . February 3, 1978 . Bristol Raceway Refurbishing In Response To Fans . https://web.archive.org/web/20240224203336/https://www.newspapers.com/article/kingsport-times-bristol-raceway-refurbis/141976338/ . February 24, 2024 . February 24, 2024 . . 2B . . live .
  45. News: February 26, 1978 . New Owners, New Plans For Raceway... . https://web.archive.org/web/20240224204908/https://www.newspapers.com/article/bristol-herald-courier-new-owners-new-p/141976304/ . February 24, 2024 . February 24, 2024 . . 7EE . . live .
  46. News: Darnell . Denny . April 6, 1978 . New Owners Bringing About BIR Rebirth . https://web.archive.org/web/20240224203338/https://www.newspapers.com/article/kingsport-times-new-owners-bringing-abou/141976381/ . February 24, 2024 . February 24, 2024 . . 2C . . live .
  47. News: July 26, 1978 . Lights Going Up At BIR For Night Races . https://web.archive.org/web/20240225021441/https://www.newspapers.com/article/kingsport-times-lights-going-up-at-bir-f/142027437/ . February 25, 2024 . February 24, 2024 . . 8C . . live .
  48. News: January 24, 1981 . Gary Baker Takes Full Control Of BIR . August 22, 2023 . . 11 . . August 24, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230824002119/https://www.newspapers.com/article/bristol-herald-courier-gary-baker-takes/130494639/ . live .
  49. News: November 4, 1981 . Baker sells 50 percent of interest in Bristol track to Warner Hodgdon . February 20, 2024 . . 41 . . February 21, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240221062137/https://www.newspapers.com/article/johnson-city-press-baker-sells-50-percen/141744017/ . live .
  50. News: Bays . Coy . November 4, 1981 . Californian Buys Interest In BIR . August 24, 2023 . . 13 . . August 24, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230824184644/https://www.newspapers.com/article/bristol-herald-courier-californian-buys/130438041/ . live .
  51. News: March 7, 1982 . Future looks bright for BIR success . February 20, 2024 . . 74 . . February 21, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240221062142/https://www.newspapers.com/article/kingsport-times-news-future-looks-bright/141743886/ . live .
  52. News: Bays . Coy . March 28, 1982 . Recent Acquisition Forebodes Expansion For BIR . https://web.archive.org/web/20240221062138/https://www.newspapers.com/article/bristol-herald-courier-recent-acquisitio/141743855/ . February 21, 2024 . February 20, 2024 . . 4D . . live .
  53. News: May 16, 1982 . National Raceways buys Thunder Valley Dragway . https://web.archive.org/web/20240221062143/https://www.newspapers.com/article/elizabethton-star-national-raceways-buys/141749670/ . February 21, 2024 . February 20, 2024 . . 1B . . live .
  54. News: Gossage . Eddie . Eddie Gossage . October 3, 1982 . Can't See The Forest... . https://web.archive.org/web/20240221062141/https://www.newspapers.com/article/bristol-herald-courier-cant-see-the-for/141749907/ . February 21, 2024 . February 20, 2024 . . 10D . . live .
  55. News: Bays . Coy . July 8, 1983 . Track Sold To Hodgdon . February 20, 2024 . . 13 . . February 21, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240221062139/https://www.newspapers.com/article/bristol-herald-courier-track-sold-to-hod/141742530/ . live .
  56. News: August 26, 1983 . More Improvements Planned For Raceway . https://web.archive.org/web/20240222023111/https://www.newspapers.com/article/bristol-herald-courier-more-improvements/141750742/ . February 22, 2024 . February 21, 2024 . . 78 . . live .
  57. Web site: Roberts . Tom . TRPR through the years #1 . August 22, 2023 . Tom Roberts Public Relations . August 24, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230824002122/https://www.trpr.com/TRstory2013/Feb02_2013/TRStory1.html . live .
  58. News: Bays . Coy . September 9, 1983 . Allison Comes Through With Pressure On . August 23, 2023 . . 14 . . August 24, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230824185039/https://www.newspapers.com/article/bristol-herald-courier-allison-comes-thr/130555587/ . live .
  59. News: Woody . Larry . Larry Woody . November 6, 1984 . Speedway Called Sound . February 21, 2024 . . 4C . . February 22, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240222023108/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tennessean-speedway-called-sound/141807746/ . live .
  60. News: Woody . Larry . December 28, 1984 . Baker, Hodgdon Tussle for Track Ownership . February 21, 2024 . . 1C . . February 22, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240222023109/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tennessean-baker-hodgdon-tussle-for/141807886/ . live .
  61. News: Bays . Coy . January 4, 1985 . Clock winds down on Hodgdon . February 21, 2024 . . 11 . . February 22, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240222021604/https://www.newspapers.com/article/bristol-herald-courier-clock-winds-down/141811177/ . live .
  62. News: Woody . Larry . Larry Woody . January 11, 1985 . Decision Today on Nashville Track . February 21, 2024 . . 1C . . February 22, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240222023107/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tennessean-decision-today-on-nashvil/141750893/ . live .
  63. News: Bays . Coy . January 18, 1985 . Bankruptcy stops BIR sale . February 21, 2024 . . 1B . . February 22, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240222021602/https://www.newspapers.com/article/bristol-herald-courier-bankruptcy-stops/141750849/ . live .
  64. News: Smyth . Jimmy . January 20, 1985 . 'What's going on' in sports today? . February 21, 2024 . . 26 . . February 22, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240222023113/https://www.newspapers.com/article/johnson-city-press-whats-going-on-in/141750967/ . live .
  65. News: Bays . Coy . February 9, 1985 . Financial snarl won't stop races at Bristol's track . February 21, 2024 . . 1A, 12A . . February 22, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240222021603/https://www.newspapers.com/article/bristol-herald-courier-financial-snarl-w/141811091/ . live .
  66. News: Hodge . Kelly . March 28, 1985 . Carrier's efforts saved race . February 21, 2024 . . 25 . . February 22, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240222023113/https://www.newspapers.com/article/johnson-city-press-carriers-efforts-sav/141811308/ . live .
  67. News: Bays . Coy . November 5, 1985 . Manager denies racetrack rumors . https://web.archive.org/web/20240224032349/https://www.newspapers.com/article/bristol-herald-courier-manager-denies-ra/141811370/ . February 24, 2024 . February 23, 2024 . . 1A, 10A . . live .
  68. News: Singleton . Vincent . January 30, 1986 . BIR to announce end to financial difficulties . https://web.archive.org/web/20240224032400/https://www.newspapers.com/article/bristol-herald-courier-bir-to-announce-e/141813786/ . February 24, 2024 . February 23, 2024 . . 1A, 12A . . live .
  69. News: Singleton . Vincent . January 31, 1986 . Carrier, once again owner of raceway, sells dragway . https://web.archive.org/web/20240224032358/https://www.newspapers.com/article/bristol-herald-courier-carrier-once-aga/141813487/ . February 24, 2024 . February 23, 2024 . . 1A, 14A . . live .
  70. News: Higgins . Tom . August 23, 1987 . Sellout At Bristol Brings On Expansion . https://web.archive.org/web/20240224102415/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-charlotte-observer-sellout-at-bristo/141972794/ . February 24, 2024 . February 23, 2024 . . 7B . . live .
  71. News: Worley . Lori . July 26, 1990 . Seat for Winston Cup's only night race is one hot ticket . https://web.archive.org/web/20240224102434/https://www.newspapers.com/article/bristol-herald-courier-seat-for-winston/141972710/ . February 24, 2024 . February 23, 2024 . . 1C . . live .
  72. News: October 11, 1989 . BIR signs 5-year deal with ESPN . https://web.archive.org/web/20240224102449/https://www.newspapers.com/article/johnson-city-press-bir-signs-5-year-deal/141972695/ . February 24, 2024 . February 24, 2024 . . 34 . . live .
  73. News: Worley . Lori . February 25, 1990 . Tracking the future of BIR . https://web.archive.org/web/20240224102432/https://www.newspapers.com/article/bristol-herald-courier-tracking-the-futu/141961689/ . February 24, 2024 . February 24, 2024 . . 92 . . live .
  74. News: Whitlock . Becky . August 4, 1989 . Bristol raceway switching lanes . https://web.archive.org/web/20240224102451/https://www.newspapers.com/article/kingsport-times-news-bristol-raceway-swi/141961719/ . February 24, 2024 . February 24, 2024 . . 3D . . live .
  75. News: Worley . Lori . September 15, 1988 . BIR prepares for repave . https://web.archive.org/web/20240224102415/https://www.newspapers.com/article/bristol-herald-courier-bir-prepares-for/141972864/ . February 24, 2024 . February 24, 2024 . . 2C . . live .
  76. News: Worley . Lori . May 10, 1989 . Bristol International Raceway gets another black dress . https://web.archive.org/web/20240224102455/https://www.newspapers.com/article/bristol-herald-courier-bristol-internati/141972970/ . February 24, 2024 . February 24, 2024 . . 1C . . live .
  77. News: Hodge . Kelly . May 6, 1989 . BIR's surface to be repaved again . https://web.archive.org/web/20240224102424/https://www.newspapers.com/article/johnson-city-press-birs-surface-to-be-r/141972874/ . February 24, 2024 . February 24, 2024 . . 19, 32 . . live .
  78. News: Bawden . Steve . August 25, 1991 . Tire tales: Drivers tired of rough, rocky surface at BIR . https://web.archive.org/web/20240224102458/https://www.newspapers.com/article/bristol-herald-courier-tire-tales-drive/141975711/ . February 24, 2024 . February 24, 2024 . . 1D . . live .
  79. News: Bliss . Ron . October 10, 1991 . New surface put on BIR . https://web.archive.org/web/20240224102433/https://www.newspapers.com/article/kingsport-times-news-new-surface-put-on/141975846/ . February 24, 2024 . February 24, 2024 . . 1D, 4D . . live .
  80. News: December 20, 1991 . Track officials racing ahead with improvements . https://web.archive.org/web/20240224102442/https://www.newspapers.com/article/kingsport-times-news-track-officials-rac/141975723/ . February 24, 2024 . February 24, 2024 . . 1C . . live .
  81. News: Sheek . Rick . June 10, 1992 . BIR officials concrete on new-surface decision . https://web.archive.org/web/20240120073959/https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-cleaning-up-wit/139137236/ . January 20, 2024 . February 24, 2024 . . 25, 32 . . live .
  82. News: Worley . Lori . July 8, 1992 . BIR now the 'Lady in White' . https://web.archive.org/web/20240224102441/https://www.newspapers.com/article/bristol-herald-courier-bir-now-the-lady/141973018/ . February 24, 2024 . February 24, 2024 . . 1C, 3C . . live .
  83. Web site: Gregory . Allen . April 19, 2015 . New book explores formative days at BMS . subscription . February 24, 2024 . . en . February 24, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240224203336/https://heraldcourier.com/sports/new-book-explores-formative-days-at-bms/article_42901432-e714-11e4-b771-4fc5331741d5.html . live .
  84. News: Stone . George . January 23, 1996 . BIR sold; Carrier will retire . https://web.archive.org/web/20240224204913/https://www.newspapers.com/article/bristol-herald-courier-bir-sold-carrier/142003255/ . February 24, 2024 . February 24, 2024 . . 1A, 10A . . live .
  85. News: Stone . George . February 21, 1996 . Jeff Byrd named to new position at BIR . March 6, 2024 . . 1C, 2C . Newspapers.com.
  86. News: Hyler . Mark . January 24, 1996 . Jitters over BIR races persist . https://web.archive.org/web/20240224203340/https://www.newspapers.com/article/bristol-herald-courier-jitters-over-bir/142003752/ . February 24, 2024 . January 19, 2024 . . 1A, 5A . . live .
  87. News: Worley . Lori . February 25, 1996 . BIR riding with NASCAR explosion . https://web.archive.org/web/20240224204912/https://www.newspapers.com/article/bristol-herald-courier-bir-riding-with-n/142003399/ . February 24, 2024 . February 24, 2024 . . 1G, 8G . . live .
  88. News: Hyler . Mark . March 31, 1996 . Improvement pace shifts into overdrive . https://web.archive.org/web/20240224203339/https://www.newspapers.com/article/bristol-herald-courier-improvement-pace/142003572/ . February 24, 2024 . February 24, 2024 . . 1A, 10A . . live .
  89. News: Hyler . Mark . March 31, 1996 . Raising revenues key to BIR's future . https://web.archive.org/web/20240224204909/https://www.newspapers.com/article/bristol-herald-courier-raising-revenues/142003492/ . February 24, 2024 . February 24, 2024 . . 1A, 10A . . live .
  90. News: Johnson . Phyills . March 17, 1996 . Prospectus shows SMI driving toward rapid growth . https://web.archive.org/web/20240224204906/https://www.newspapers.com/article/johnson-city-press-prospectus-shows-smi/142008000/ . February 24, 2024 . February 24, 2024 . . 24 . . live .
  91. News: White . Michael . November 7, 1996 . More improvements . https://web.archive.org/web/20240225021443/https://www.newspapers.com/article/elizabethton-star-more-improvements-par/142015129/ . February 25, 2024 . February 24, 2024 . . 1B, 8B . . live .
  92. News: Woody . Larry . Larry Woody . April 13, 1997 . Bristol race biggest draw in Tennessee . https://web.archive.org/web/20240225021457/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tennessean-bristol-race-biggest-draw/142022011/ . February 25, 2024 . February 24, 2024 . . 12C . . live .
  93. News: White . Michael . March 23, 2000 . Bowled-Over . https://web.archive.org/web/20240225032257/https://www.newspapers.com/article/bristol-herald-courier-bowl-ed-over-par/142037826/ . February 25, 2024 . February 24, 2024 . . 1C, 5C . . live .
  94. News: Moats . Michael . June 6, 2010 . A decade later, Bristol dirt race still resonates . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20121010230400/http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2010/jun/06/a-decade-later-bristol-dirt-race-still-resonates/ . October 10, 2012 . August 30, 2016 . . Gannett Company.
  95. News: Woodson . Brian . March 21, 2002 . Tunnel means more access . https://web.archive.org/web/20240225032318/https://www.newspapers.com/article/bristol-herald-courier-tunnel-means-more/142038361/ . February 25, 2024 . February 24, 2024 . . 8F, 9F . . live .
  96. News: Woodson . Brian . March 21, 2002 . More seats? . https://web.archive.org/web/20240225032248/https://www.newspapers.com/article/bristol-herald-courier-more-seats/142038392/ . February 25, 2024 . February 24, 2024 . . 9F . . live .
  97. News: Woody . Larry . Larry Woody . August 25, 2002 . Bristol increasing capacity to 160,000 seats . https://web.archive.org/web/20240225032305/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tennessean-bristol-increasing-capaci/142039565/ . February 25, 2024 . February 24, 2024 . . 3C . . live .
  98. News: Gregory . Allen . January 27, 2006 . High expectations follow Johnson again . https://web.archive.org/web/20240225032311/https://www.newspapers.com/article/bristol-herald-courier-high-expectations/142039851/ . February 25, 2024 . February 24, 2024 . . 1C, 7C . . live .
  99. News: Bobo . Jeff . March 8, 2006 . BMS resurfacing rescheduled for 2007 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240225032258/https://www.newspapers.com/article/johnson-city-press-bms-resurfacing-resch/140850424/ . February 25, 2024 . February 24, 2024 . . 3C . . live .
  100. News: Birchfield . Jeff . August 22, 2007 . BMS improves with changes . https://web.archive.org/web/20240225032319/https://www.newspapers.com/article/johnson-city-press-bms-improves-with-cha/142039286/ . February 25, 2024 . February 24, 2024 . . 34, 35 . . live .
  101. Web site: Hinton . Ed . March 18, 2011 . Jeff Byrd 500 a fitting tribute to the man . February 24, 2024 . . en . February 25, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240225032248/https://www.espn.com/racing/nascar/cup/columns/story?columnist=hinton_ed&id=6232086 . live .
  102. Web site: Hubbard . Nate . March 22, 2010 . Ticket sellout streak rolls to an end at Bristol Motor Speedway . subscription . February 25, 2024 . . en . February 25, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240225032249/https://heraldcourier.com/sports/ticket-sellout-streak-rolls-to-an-end-at-bristol-motor-speedway/article_86487d73-54be-5b95-8835-0f64682084ef.html . live .
  103. News: McGee . David . November 2, 2010 . Bristol speedway names Jerry Caldwell general manager . https://web.archive.org/web/20240224102453/https://www.newspapers.com/article/bristol-herald-courier-bristol-speedway/141976280/ . February 24, 2024 . February 24, 2024 . . 1A, 10A . . live .
  104. Web site: Newton . David . March 22, 2012 . Chairman against new track at Bristol . February 24, 2024 . . en . February 25, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240225032247/https://www.espn.com/racing/nascar/cup/story/_/id/7722864/chairman-bruton-smith-progressive-banking-bristol-motor-speedway . live .
  105. News: Hubbard . Nate . April 26, 2012 . Change is on the way . https://web.archive.org/web/20240225032256/https://www.newspapers.com/article/bristol-herald-courier-change-is-on-the/142035972/ . February 25, 2024 . February 24, 2024 . . B1, B4 . . live .
  106. News: Gregory . Allen . October 8, 2015 . Colossus coming soon to BMS . https://web.archive.org/web/20240225021512/https://www.newspapers.com/article/bristol-herald-courier-colossus-coming-s/142022888/ . February 25, 2024 . February 24, 2024 . . B1, B6 . . live .
  107. News: Childress . Tammy . November 12, 2015 . Raising up Colossus . . A5 . . February 25, 2024 . February 25, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240225021444/https://www.newspapers.com/article/bristol-herald-courier-raising-up-coloss/142023069/ . live .
  108. News: Sorrell . Robert . April 15, 2016 . BMS hits play on Colossus . March 18, 2024 . . A1, A3 . . February 25, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240225021548/https://www.newspapers.com/article/bristol-herald-courier-bms-hits-play-on/142023039/ . live .
  109. Web site: Gluck . Jeff . August 18, 2016 . Will high grip in low lane give Bristol missing drama? . February 24, 2024 . . February 25, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240225021435/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nascar/columnist/jeff-gluck/2016/08/18/high-grip-low-lane-give-bristol-missing-drama/88969226/ . live .
  110. Web site: Weaver . Matt . October 1, 2020 . The Reason NASCAR Is Going Dirt Racing, Why Bristol, And Why Now . February 24, 2024 . . October 5, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231005230826/https://www.autoweek.com/racing/nascar/a34242527/the-reason-nascar-is-going-dirt-racing-why-bristol-and-why-now/ . live .
  111. Web site: Crandall . Kelly . September 30, 2020 . Fan demand led Bristol back to dirt . February 24, 2024 . . en-US . February 24, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240224102415/https://racer.com/2020/09/30/fan-demand-led-bristol-back-to-dirt/ . live .
  112. News: Zietlow . Alex . April 9, 2023 . 'They're not dirt cars.' NASCAR drivers wish they could race on Bristol's pavement . subscription . February 24, 2024 . . April 9, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230409140651/https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nascar-auto-racing/article274124645.html . live .
  113. Web site: Williams . Deb . April 11, 2023 . Why The Jury Is Still Out On The Future Of NASCAR Dirt Racing At Bristol . February 24, 2024 . . February 24, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240224102415/https://www.autoweek.com/racing/nascar/a43566963/why-the-jury-is-still-out-on-the-future-of-nascar-dirt-racing-at-bristol/ . live .
  114. Web site: Fryer . Jenna . March 27, 2021 . What a Mess: NASCAR worried about first Bristol dirt race . February 24, 2024 . . en . February 24, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240224102415/https://apnews.com/article/indiana-tennessee-nascar-5a72d45886b92fef59842b2cd4639d91 . live .
  115. Web site: Gaines . Cork . April 18, 2022 . NASCAR's dirt race was a mess and even their best dirt racer says it is a mistake . February 24, 2024 . . en-US . February 24, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240224102415/https://www.businessinsider.com/nascar-bristol-dirt-race-kyle-larson-says-mistake-2022-4 . live .
  116. Web site: Gluck . Jeff . September 15, 2023 . NASCAR's Bristol dirt track won't return in 2024 . subscription . February 24, 2024 . . en . February 24, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240224102420/https://theathletic.com/4866644/2023/09/15/nascar-bristol-dirt-race-discontinued/ . live .
  117. Web site: Gregory . Allen . February 9, 2024 . BRISTOL MOTOR SPEEDWAY: Food City 500 to feature throwback theme . February 24, 2024 . . en . February 24, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240224102415/https://heraldcourier.com/sports/bristol-motor-speedway-food-city-500-to-feature-throwback-theme/article_06cc6342-c77f-11ee-9e0f-7748c81e2e04.html . live .
  118. News: Miller . Ron . October 23, 1961 . Joe Weatherly Wins 'Southeastern 500' . https://web.archive.org/web/20240225021513/https://www.newspapers.com/article/bristol-herald-courier-joe-weatherly-win/142033131/ . February 25, 2024 . February 24, 2024 . . 8 . . live .
  119. News: March 31, 1963 . Auto Race Draws Many . https://web.archive.org/web/20240225021442/https://www.newspapers.com/article/bristol-herald-courier-auto-race-draws-m/142035276/ . February 25, 2024 . February 24, 2024 . . 1 . . live .
  120. Web site: Gregory . Allen . August 18, 2014 . Source: 2015 Food City 500 moving to April . subscription . February 24, 2024 . . en . February 25, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240225021435/https://heraldcourier.com/sports/source-2015-food-city-500-moving-to-april/article_03ad69aa-2742-11e4-b89c-001a4bcf6878.html . live .
  121. Web site: Bianchi . Jordan . April 20, 2016 . NASCAR mailbag: Where were the fans at Bristol? . February 24, 2024 . . en . February 25, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240225021435/https://www.sbnation.com/nascar/2016/4/20/11476068/nascar-mailbag-bristol-motor-speedway-attendance . live .
  122. Web site: McCarter . Mark . August 20, 2016 . MR. NASCAR: It's a shame what's happening with Bristol . February 24, 2024 . . en-US . April 27, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240427200712/https://www.tuscaloosanews.com/story/sports/2016/08/18/mr-nascar-its-a-shame-whats-happening-with-bristol/25620021007/ . live .
  123. Web site: Eubanks . Michael . April 10, 2019 . NASCAR: Despite attendance woes, NASCAR continues to roll on . February 24, 2024 . Beyond the Flag . en-US . February 25, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240225021440/https://beyondtheflag.com/2019/04/10/nascar-despite-attendance-woes-nascar-continues-roll/ . live .
  124. News: Miller . Ron . July 31, 1961 . Atlanta Team Wins The 500 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240213012734/https://www.newspapers.com/article/bristol-herald-courier-atlanta-team-wins/140832647/ . February 13, 2024 . February 12, 2024 . . 1, 2 . . live .
  125. News: Smyth . Jimmy . August 27, 1978 . Yarborough wins Volunteer . https://web.archive.org/web/20240225021504/https://www.newspapers.com/article/johnson-city-press-yarborough-wins-volun/142031134/ . February 25, 2024 . February 24, 2024 . . 33 . . live .
  126. Web site: Martinelli . Michelle R. . March 26, 2019 . NASCAR's 2020 schedule gets mixed reviews from fans, but drivers love it . February 24, 2024 . For The Win . . en-US . February 25, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240225021435/https://ftw.usatoday.com/2019/03/nascar-2020-schedule-changes-homestead-reaction . live .
  127. Web site: September 29, 2021 . Back to the Future: New venues, return of familiar locations highlight 2022 NASCAR Xfinity Series, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series slates . September 30, 2021 . NASCAR.
  128. Web site: July 22, 2013 . Global Rallycross Race Recap: Bristol Motor Speedway . August 18, 2024 . . en-US .
  129. Web site: Wilde . Dominic . October 4, 2020 . When rallycross raced at Bristol on dirt . August 18, 2024 . . en-US .
  130. Web site: Hawkins . Kenny . August 11, 2022 . Cleetus & Cars will invade the Bristol Motor Speedway in early September . February 24, 2024 . . en-US . February 25, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240225021435/https://www.wjhl.com/sports/racing/cleetus-cars-will-invade-the-bristol-motor-speedway-in-early-september/ . live .
  131. News: Kelley . Whitey . February 12, 1961 . Marshall Must Give A Little . February 5, 2024 . . 5D . . February 5, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240205205751/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-charlotte-observer-marshall-must-giv/140327383/ . live .
  132. News: Thompson . Gene . September 3, 1961 . Champions Edge Redskins, 17-10 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240214011529/https://www.newspapers.com/article/bristol-herald-courier-champions-edge-re/140795063/ . February 14, 2024 . February 12, 2024 . . 1A, 1C . . live .
  133. Web site: October 14, 2013 . College football game at NASCAR track officially set . February 24, 2024 . . en-US . February 25, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240225021435/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2013/10/14/tennessee-virginia-tech-2016-game-bristol-motor-speedway/2980493/ . live .
  134. News: Strange . Mike . September 11, 2016 . Vols Battle Tested . https://web.archive.org/web/20240225021444/https://www.newspapers.com/article/bristol-herald-courier-vols-battle-teste/142035636/ . February 25, 2024 . February 24, 2024 . . D1, D6 . . live .
  135. News: Hayes . Tim . September 18, 2016 . Bucs Bash At BMS . https://web.archive.org/web/20240224032351/https://www.newspapers.com/article/bristol-herald-courier-bucs-bash-at-bms/141960469/ . February 24, 2024 . February 23, 2024 . . D1, D5 . . live .
  136. News: Bianchi . Jordan . Drellich . Evan . August 6, 2024 . Braves, Reds to play game next season at Bristol Motor Speedway: Sources . live . https://archive.today/20240806233939/https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5684541/2024/08/06/braves-reds-game-bristol-motor-speedway-2025/ . August 6, 2024 . August 7, 2024 . . . en-US . 0362-4331.
  137. News: MLB will host its first game at a NASCAR track, aiming to break attendance record . Arcodia . Juliette . . August 9, 2024 . August 9, 2024 . en.
  138. News: Watson . Sam . November 2, 2002 . Sullivan East mold woes not just an isolated experience . https://web.archive.org/web/20240214011532/https://www.newspapers.com/article/johnson-city-press-sullivan-east-mold-wo/140797238/ . February 14, 2024 . February 12, 2024 . . 1, 6 . . live .
  139. News: McGee . David . June 20, 2013 . Remote Area Medical clinic under way at BMS . subscription . February 12, 2024 . Bristol Herald Courier.
  140. Web site: September 8, 2017 . Bristol Motor Speedway campground open to Irma evacuees . February 12, 2024 . . September 12, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180912022443/https://wcyb.com/news/tennessee-news/bristol-motor-speedway-campground-open-to-irma-evacuees . live .
  141. Web site: September 11, 2018 . Bristol Motor Speedway opens campground for Hurricane Florence evacuees . February 12, 2024 . . March 6, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230306210527/https://www.wbir.com/article/news/crime/bristol-motor-speedway-opens-campground-for-hurricane-florence-evacuees/51-593144476 . live .
  142. Web site: September 2, 2019 . Bristol Motor Speedway opens campground to help Hurricane Dorian evacuees . February 12, 2024 . . en-US . April 27, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240427200719/https://www.wbir.com/article/weather/bristol-speedway-opens-to-hurricane-dorian-evacuees/51-c43b00cc-b51e-40cf-a75e-74273302a0ce . live .
  143. Web site: Sadler . Megan . January 19, 2021 . Bristol Motor Speedway serves as COVID-19 vaccination drive-thru . February 12, 2024 . . en . April 19, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230419075427/https://www.wvlt.tv/2021/01/19/bristol-motor-speedway-serves-as-covid-19-vaccination-drive-thru/ . live .
  144. News: October 22, 1968 . Large Crowd Hears Wallace . https://web.archive.org/web/20240221022037/https://www.newspapers.com/article/elizabethton-star-large-crowd-hears-wall/141699443/ . February 21, 2024 . February 20, 2024 . . 1, 5 . . live .
  145. Web site: Teague . Slater . September 6, 2021 . YouTube star MrBeast holds $500K game of tag at Bristol Motor Speedway . February 12, 2024 . . en-US . February 14, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240214011522/https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/youtube-star-mrbeast-holds-500k-game-of-tag-at-bristol-motor-speedway/ . live .
  146. Web site: Bristol - Motorsport Magazine . . March 18, 2024 . December 2, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231202205531/https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/circuits/bristol/ . live .
  147. Web site: NASCAR Cup 2018 Bristol Race Fastest Laps . April 15, 2018 . March 18, 2024 . April 15, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230415222352/https://www.motorsport.com/nascar-cup/results/2018/bristol-190362/?st=FL . live .
  148. Web site: 2023 UNOH 200 Race Statistics . September 14, 2023 . March 18, 2024 . March 18, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240318184304/https://motorsportstats.com/results/nascar-craftsman-truck-series/2023/unoh-200-presented-by-ohio-logistics/stats . live .
  149. Web site: NASCAR Xfinity 2019 Bristol Race Fastest Laps . April 6, 2019 . March 18, 2024 . April 19, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230419154509/https://www.motorsport.com/nascar-xs/results/2019/bristol-427505/?st=FL . live .
  150. Web site: Gravel rockets to World of Outlaws Sprint Car win at Bristol Throwdown . https://web.archive.org/web/20220526162144/https://www.johnsoncitypress.com/sports/gravel-rockets-to-world-of-outlaws-sprint-car-win-at-bristol-throwdown/article_43091944-a483-11eb-9b9a-1ba2ee12cfd0.html . April 23, 2021 . May 26, 2022 . March 18, 2024 . dead.
  151. Web site: 2021 Pinty's Truck Race on Dirt Race Statistics . March 28, 2021 . March 18, 2024 . March 18, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240318184303/https://motorsportstats.com/results/nascar-craftsman-truck-series/2021/pinty-s-truck-race-on-dirt/stats . live .
  152. Web site: 2022 Bristol NASCAR . . April 17, 2022 . March 18, 2024 . March 18, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240318184302/https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/races/2022-bristol-nascar/ . live .

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