Bristol Magazine, Summer 2013 by Bristol Motor Speedway & Dragway

Hot Summer Nights

Great Times At The Last Great Colosseum

Bristol Battles The Battles Continue...

August Race Week Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Nothing Like It...

Thunder Valley Nationals Drivers Rewrite Record Books

Tony Stewart and Matt Kenseth battle for the lead in the 2012 IRWIN Tools Night Race

Section Title

Story Title

Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Best-Selling Brand.

SECTION SUBHEAD

*Based on 2013 CY sales to date.

Contents

FEATURES

Bristol Battles The Battles Continue...

Jerry’s Letter Summertime

Food City Family Race Night

Hot Summer Nights Great TImes...

Staff Profiles Ticket Office Pt. 2

August Race Week There’s Nothing Like It...

“It’s Bristol Baby” Things You Ought’a Know

Bristol Motor Speedway & Dragway

Section Title

Story Title

Bristol’s best drivers count on us for their care.

SECTION SUBHEAD

So can you.

The exclusive medical care provider for Bristol Motor Speedway • Infield care center • Five fan care centers • WellmontOne and Med-Flight II air transport services • Regional EMS partners • Two fully equipped trauma centers just minutes away • Lifesaving automatic external defibrillators provided courtesy of Philips Healthcare • WellmontOne base located at the speedway

For healing. For health. For life. wellmont.org 2

Summer 2013

/wellmont

@wellmontHealth

Letter From Jerrry

Summertime

Summertime. The weather heats up and so does the anticipation of one of my favorite weeks of the year, August race week. Are you all ready? To take a step back, we had an amazing NHRA Ford Thunder Valley Nationals week in June, filled with speed, good times and great friends. Jeff always called it, “homecoming” and once again, it was. We can’t thank you all enough for your continued support of every single event here at Bristol. Without you we are nothing and we are so honored by your trust and loyalty. With March and June behind us, we once again look forward to August race week as we welcome you and 150,000 other members of our family back to Northeast Tennessee. From the racing, to the tailgates, to the music and more, it’s a perfect family reunion. We hope this edition of the Bristol Magazine gets you ready and gives you the type of information that excites you to be back at the Last Great Colosseum this August. Since I don’t get to talk to each and every one of you on race weekend (and I wish I could), on page 24 you will find out a little more about me, my family, my interests and even what song I would come out to during driver introductions. We had a lot of fun putting that together and I hope you enjoy it, as well as everything else in this summertime edition of our magazine … your magazine. As always, if there is anything I can do to help make your Bristol experience better, don’t hesitate to email or call me at jerry@bristolmotorspeedway.com or 423-989-6947. Take care and I will see you soon in a few weeks!!

Bristol Motor Speedway & Dragway

Contents

YOUR

GRILLIN’

DEPARTMENTS

HEADQUARTERS Open until midnight at all six Bristol locations!

151 Speedway Blvd. Bristol, Tenn. 37620 P.O. Box 3966 Bristol, Tenn., 37625 Chairman/CEO...........................O. Bruton Smith EVP/General Manager................... Jerry Caldwell VP/General Counsel....................... Julie Bennett VP/Consumer Group...................Logan McCabe VP/Events........................................Wayne Estes VP/Finance........................................... Fred King VP/Ops. & Development................ Scott Hatcher VP/Safety & Asset Management........Dede Hash VP/Ticketing Operations................. Evelyn Hicks VP/Corporate Sales......................... Greg Harvey VP/Tickets and Guest Relations........... Ben Trout Sr. Dir. Events.................................Tanyua Kerns Sr. Dir. Operations...............................Billy Kerns Sr. Dir. Brand Management.............Drew Bedard Dir. Ticket Sales............................. Landon Owen COMMUNICATIONS VP/Communications..................... Kevin Triplett Manager/Communications.........Lynsey Wilson BRISTOL MAGAZINE Magazine Editor...........................Drew Bedard Copy Editor................................Lynsey Wilson Graphics/Design........................Patrick Savage Bristol Motor Speedway is a subsidiary of Speedway Motorsports, LLC. Speedway Motorsports is a leading marketer and promoter of motorsports entertainment in the United States. The Company owns and operates the following premiere speedways: Atlanta Motor Speedway, Bristol Motor Speedway, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Kentucky Speedway, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Sonoma Raceway, and Texas Motor Speedway. The Company provides souvenir merchandising services through its SMI Properties subsidiary, and manufactures and distributes smaller-scale, modified racing cars through its 600 Racing subsidiary. The Company also owns Performance Racing Network (PRN), which broadcasts syndicated motorsports programming to more than 725 radio stations nationwide including Sirius and NASCAR. com. For more information, visit the Company’s website at www.gospeedway.com.

Call Toll Free

855-773-5324 Visit Us www.bristolmotorspeedway.com www.bristoldragway.com

Pin with Us BMSupdates

View Us ThunderValley

Like Us BristolMotorSpeedway

Do you have article ideas or comments for upcoming issues?

www.foodcity.com

@fcpowershoppers

Summer 2013

Send your suggestions to: Drew Bedard dbedard@bristolmotorspeedway.com

SECTION SUBHEAD

Section Title

Story Title

Bristol Motor Speedway & Dragway

Contest

By: Fred King

Salt n’ Pepper One of the more challenging aspects of this side job of mine (besides having to go to fine restaurants and eat great food) is deciding exactly which one should be featured in the current Bristol magazine. For this issue the dilemma is a little different. I’ve got the place, but I’m not really sure I am ready to share it with you yet. I know that sounds selfish, but it’s hard enough getting in this place without letting more people in on the secret. Well, as you might guess it’s not much of a secret any more, but you get the point. The first thing you have to know is that Salt n’ Pepper is a place you go to eat….and only eat. You don’t go there to watch races and football on big flat screens, and it does not offer alcoholic beverages. What Salt n’ Pepper does do is serve some of the best southern soul food you will ever experience. I first found out about Salt n’ Pepper from a co-worker shortly after it opened a year or so ago. It wasn’t easy to find either; you really have to keep your eyes open. Early on, maybe because of its non-descript location, Salt n’ Pepper was nearly empty; just walk in sit down and chow down. It was great…almost like having your own personal restaurant. Well, as word got out over the past year, that sure did change. Now, around supper time, the parking lot is full and, more often than not, there’s a little bit of a wait. Word to the wise, don’t go if you’re in a hurry. It’s laid back, a perfect place for a bunch of August race fans to go to enjoy a respite from the wild and crazy lifestyle of area campgrounds during race week. As I said, the menu offers a wide variety of southern style eats. Normally there are 12-15 or so vegetable options which may include mac and cheese, soup beans, red beans and rice, scalloped potatoes, sweet potatoes, collards, corn, green beans, cabbage, homemade chips, fried green tomatoes etc., etc. The vegetable choices

Summer 2013

change daily, but you’ll find something that will please just about any taste. Meat entrées also vary daily, but you can always get that all-time favorite of fried chicken (served with waffles if you want). Depending on the night, other options could include meatloaf, catfish, pork ribs, blackened Tilapia and shrimp and grits. Salt n’ Pepper also offers hamburgers, shrimp and chicken po boys, soups and salads. Oh, I almost forgot... they also have great desserts... one in particular... the blueberry cobbler is my wife’s favorite. Oooo, Oooo, I also almost forgot, the cornbread is pretty good too. As I’m writing this, it’s just about lunchtime, and I am getting hungry. Being the southern, soul food “diner” that it is, you will be greeted by a down home, plain and simple décor. The walls are covered with a vast array of R&B LP’s, the tables and chairs are plain and the staff, although not in a particular hurry, is welcoming and very friendly. As an added treat, Salt n’ Pepper features a musical atmosphere provided by recordings of some of your favorite R&B acts, including Smokey Robinson, Gladys Knight and Jimmy Ruffin. Take note, Salt n’ Pepper is a little hard to find and (for those of you who have the little GPS lady in your dashboard) is located at 3200 Oakland Avenue in Johnson City. Urbanspoon.com rates it at a 92% like rating, with most of the detractors being those type A “in a hurry” personalities that are constantly checking their watch. People … this is a laid back place, take your time, relax and have another glass of sweet tea. Now, I guess it’s time to promote two great prize contests I’m offering to all my fans. If you haven’t been paying attention, it’s a good time for you to catch up and get in on the fun. Both contests run up to the August race and if you want to upgrade your level of enjoyment during the big race week you might want to check them out.

Contest

RESTAURANT REVIEW

Contest

Salt n’ Pepper

First, for you campers out there that believe they just can’t be topped around the grill (that’s pretty much all of you, right), and who have developed a “world-famousinsert-name-of-dish”, here’s your chance to win access for two to the IRWIN Tools Night Race Sprint Cup driver’s meeting and two passes to the “Roof at Turn Four” located on top of the media center in the infield of the “World’s Fastest HalfMile.” That’s right, you are right there where the action is during this year’s August night race…. a truly once in a lifetime experience. What do you have to do to win? Just email me (see address below) your recipe for that world famous “whatever”, and if after trying it out myself, I decide it’s the best of the bunch….you and your guest are right in the middle of the action come August. Second, it’s never too early to enter my ever popular, annual “Heck yeah, I want to chow down with my hero, Fred” contest. My wife and I want to take you and your guest out to eat on Thursday night of the August 2013 Sprint Cup race weekend. We’ll pick you both up in our very large custom limousine and take you to Bristol’s finest restaurant, The Troutdale Dining Room, for a dinner you will never forget. You and your guest will both receive a gift bag filled with more than $250 dollars of BMS merchandise. To top it off, I will give each of you a pit pass good for entry to the garage area on Saturday afternoon, just prior to the running of the IRWIN Tools Night Race at Bristol.

To enter, just e-mail (fred@bristolmotorspeedway.com) or mail me the reason why you would like to chow down with me in August. Include your name, address and phone number for contact purposes. Sometime around the end of July or first week in August 2013, I will choose three names, and those lucky fans (and their guest) will join me for dinner on Thursday of the IRWIN Tools Night race week. I’ll pick you up in the aforementioned limo and take you to dinner at one of the area’s finest restaurants. You’ll meet new friends, get some great gifts and will get that rare opportunity to experience the race like you never have before, with access to the garage area the afternoon of the August night race.

Chetola Resort at Blowing Rock

Chetola Lodge :: The Bob Timberlake Inn Spacious Condominiums

Bare Essentials Package

Our most popular package. Exactly what its name implies, the Bare Essentials Package has no added extras. Two nights from $318

3rd Night Free Packages

Available in condominiums. Stay three nights and your third night is free. Condominiums sleep from 2 to 10 people. Three nights from $444 Discount packages not available 7/4-7/6, 7/26-7/27, 10/4-10/5, 10/11-10/12, 10/18-10/19, and holiday weekends.

800-243-8652 :: www.chetola.com

Bristol Motor Speedway & Dragway

HOT SUMMER NIGHTS

Speedway

Hot Summer Nights

Hot Summer Nights by: Kevin Triplett It has been called many things. It goes by many names and means many things to many people. The ultimate experience. A family reunion. A homecoming. Some even dance on the edge, or maybe smack in the middle, of semantics often referring to going there as a pilgrimage -- a metaphorical journey to find significance. Or maybe an actual journey for significance. Yet even others take the exact opposite approach, a “no-deeper-meaning-otherthan-just-more-of-an-Animal-House-kindof-road-trip-thing.” Authors have written about it (see Sharyn McCrumb and Pulitzer winner Stephen Hunter). Parody ballads have been sung about it (see John Boy and Billy). There is a magnetic pull, an appeal for participant and fan alike. As hard as granite and as American as Bluegrass, drivers who enter the gates hating the challenges seldom finish first. Drivers who embrace the difficulty leave the gate a step ahead. Regardless, those who have accomplished great things feel a void until they finally win there. Taking the checkered flag there brings out in grown men a teenage girl-you-want-tobe-seen-at-the-prom-with kind of thrill for a driver and a double-bacon-cheeseburgerwith-extra-bacon kind of comfort for fans.

Summer 2013

Winners? Those who have rolled into victory lane there read like a roll call of the sport’s greatest, a who’s who of those to grip a wheel and turn left. Great names. Superstar names. Fireball, The King, Junior .. and Senior -but not related -- DW, Rusty, Cale, Pearson and Allison. First name or last, usually just one is needed. A win there is not a fluke. And a win there, usually, leads to ever-greater success.

It has been called many things. The World’s Fastest Half-Mile, which it is, and The Last Great Colosseum, which it often seems to be... Of the 20 members currently enshrined in the NASCAR Hall of Fame, 16 of them had a hand in 84 wins there. Cream doesn’t curdle there. It truly rises to the top. Less than cream, however, has curdled, plenty. Fans have gotten married there. Named their children after it. Left their ashes there. Others put it on their bucket list and then, after checking it off, keep coming.

Those who have competed there have used rather colorful descriptors in trying to emphasize to the listener what it is like turning 500 laps at high speed on steep banks inches from the next car. Sometimes, they are separated by less than inches. Sometimes they are not separated at all, but connected. Connected by crunched sheet metal and sparks. And then, sometimes anyway, the drivers have to be separated. It has been called many things. The World’s Fastest Half-Mile, which it is, and The Last Great Colosseum, which it often seems to be, among others. The Roman Colosseum was constructed in the first century and opened with more than three months of sporting events and fights between gladiators. This modern-day arena was built in the 20th century for much the same reason. Rising from the hills, 22 stories high at one point, a combination of steel and aluminum, surrounding an arena that has seen competitors fighting in modern-day, ton-and-a-half chariots. Regardless of what they call it or where many put the classification of the “getting here” portion of the equation; the destination is the same – Bristol. Welcome...

HOT SUMMER NIGHTS

Speedway

Hot Summer Nights

Bristol Motor Speedway & Dragway

Member Profile: George Shaw

IS T O L S E A S

O N

iBelong

iBelong Member Profile

MEMBER PROFILE

E T HO L DE R

Belong Member: George Shaw Hometown: Ooltewah, Tennessee iBelong History: Season ticket holder since 1997 Family: Wife Cindy, daughter Mandy, and two race-crazy grandkids – Abby (5) and Maddy (3) Q: Why is Bristol a special place for you? A: Bristol is special to me for a variety of reasons. The racing is incredible and the staff is second-to-none. I have been to numerous racing venues around the nation (Daytona to Sears Point) and the world (Jerez, Spain), I can honestly say that nothing compares to the Bristol experience. Q: What is your most memorable Bristol experience? A: My most memorable Bristol experience, I imagine, is the same one that many have. It was when the late Dale Earnhardt spun Terry Labonte coming off Turn 2 and went on to win the 1999 Night Race. I never thought I would ever hear Earnhardt get booed, but it sure did happen that night. Q: As a loyal season ticket holder, what would you most like to share with those who are not? A: I would encourage anybody that has never attended a Bristol race to come out and give it a try. I can guarantee there is not another racing venue in the world that works harder to make the entire weekend memorable. The staff at Bristol lives by the words of Jeff Byrd in their mission to “Exceed Expectations.” They also encourage fans to share feedback, ideas and constructive criticism to make the experience even better. Q: Any other comments on Bristol? A: One of my goals is to bring a rookie to Bristol every race so they can experience the entire weekend. There’s nothing like seeing their faces light up when they see the place. And you just can’t beat the fan relationships. It’s always great getting reacquainted with your Bristol family. It’s like a family reunion that happens twice each year. And I always look forward to meeting new fans. Stop by and see me in Pearson, Sec. GG, Rows 6 and 7.

Summer 2013

Protecting Bristol Motor Speedway 877.780.ROOF Protecting Business. Building Solutions.

Speedway

Bristol Battles

BRISTOL BATTLES

Bristol Battles By: Kevin Triplett Minor differences of opinion to major disagreements are as old as time. Disagreements have led to arguments that have led to fights that have led to duels that have led to feuds. Such were so prominent in the late 18th and early 19th century a “dueling ground” overlooking the Hudson River existed in Weehawken, N.J. It was there former Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton and the SITTING Vice-President of the United States Aaron Burr aired their differences at 10 paces.

Contemporary Hamiltons and Burrs. Waltrip/Allison (Bobby and Davey); Earnhardt/Labonte, not once but twice and four years apart. Stewart/Gordon, Gordon/ Kenseth, Kenseth/Stewart and around and around we go. There are family connections -- Kyle Busch/ Edwards; Kurt Busch/Jimmy Spencer; Waltrip (Michael, not Darrell)/Dillon. Modern-day “Devil Anse” Hatfields and Randolph McCoys.

Fingers are pointed, things are thrown. Helmets even; an overall much more up-toJust a few hills and hollows north from Bristol date throwing down of the gauntlet than the Motor Speedway, the Hatfields and McCoys glove-across-the-face maneuver or finger-incarried on their feud for more than three the-eye-poke ala’ Moe, Larry and Curley. decades. Some of the sword-crossing is a result of a The Earps and Clantons met at the OK Corral build-up of animosity. Some of it is the start but never for Thanksgiving dinner. of a build-up. Time has passed but differences of opinion, disagreements, even feuds still exist. We handle them differently though. We do not openly exercise our frustration any longer. We are above that. We are just more refined as a society? Right?

Yet even other situations are not either. Simply a heated reaction on a hot night. Justifications? Sure. Plenty of them. Man, Perry Mason would have a field day with these guys.

Explanation No. 1 from, well, let’s just call him the plaintiff in a 2006 confrontation: Wrong. “… You know he was holding guys up and I got to him a couple of times and showed This current dueling ground overlooking my nose and he shut the door on me and Beaver Creek sits in these hills and the next time I got an opportunity I definitely sometimes, well, folks just need to get things moved him. But I didn’t wreck him. And, uh, off their chest; and battles ensue. we just went down into (Turn) 1 afterwards and he just wrecked me. I’m sure he didn’t Some are quick, over almost before one mean to do it and all that stuff but I wasn’t realized trouble was brewing. happy about it and I showed it to him after the race.” Others last for races, years even. Here is where Mason would back the

Summer 2013

defendant into a corner with a retort along the lines of “So you ADMIT you held a grudge and were JUSTIFIED in your actions. Plaintiff again. “ … That stuff rarely ever happens with him but I am going to give back to him what he gives to me and I guess that’s what he felt like except I got wrecked instead.” There are reasons. Unanticipated results of unintentional actions. “It was my fault. He did bump me out of the way and I did wreck him but it was not intentional,” explained one defendant. Next case on the docket. Reason, rationalization, result from a 2008 situation. “I couldn’t get by ‘im and I couldn’t get by ‘im and I just had to ask myself ‘would he do that to me?’ and he has before so … that’s the way it goes.” “I wasn’t gonna wreck him,” said another defendant. “But I got to him and turned him around. Didn’t really mean to turn him around, meant to rattle his cage though.” Rebuttal? “Have you ever heard him say he meant to spin anyone out?” August 2012. March 2013. From Weehawken to West Virginia. From Earp to Earnhardt. The battles continue.

BRISTOL BATTLES

Speedway

Bristol Battles

Bristol Motor Speedway & Dragway

SECTION SUBHEAD Section Title

Story Title

Summer 2013

SECTION SUBHEAD

Section Title

Story Title

Bristol Motor Speedway & Dragway

THUNDER VALLEY NATIONALS

Dragway

Drivers Rewrite Record Books

Drivers Rewrite Record Books at Ford NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals Force, Torrence, Brogdon Weekend’s Big Winners By: Lynsey Wilson

When the NHRA’s extreme machines roar into Thunder Valley each year, there are a few things on which drag racing fans always can depend: feeling a tremble in the mountains of Northeast Tennessee, a tremor in the ground beneath their feet, and unparalleled access to the series biggest stars. And, almost as guaranteed, history is made.

Force, the 15-time NHRA Funny Car champ, may have started his day getting Father’s Day wishes from his family but the initial hurdle when he went to work was a first-round elimination match with youngest daughter Courtney. After topping Courtney, Force knocked off Virginia drivers Matt Hagan and Blake Alexander to extend his first record – career finals appearances – to 216, drawing a matchup The 13th running of the Ford NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals did not with longtime rival Cruz Pedregon. The patriarch of John Force disappoint on any of these fronts, featuring lightning-quick speeds, Racing empire powered his Ford Mustang to a 4.148 elapsed time at electrifying finishes and enough heart-stopping action to enthrall the 305.29 mph in his win, expanding his second record – career Funny entire family. Car wins – to 135.

Spectators cheered as recordsetting runs abounded in Friday’s night qualifying session, and again on Sunday when longtime stars of the sport cemented their legendary status.

Torrence earned his Top Fuel win, his first in Thunder Valley, over Spencer Massey with a pass of 320.13 mph and an elapsed time of 3.871 seconds. Roger Brogdon’s

When the nitromethane cleared, Rodger Brogdon claimed the first national event Pro Stock victory of his career; Steve Torrence captured his first Top Fuel title after swapping crew chiefs and John Force padded the numbers that already qualify him for numerous motorsports halls of fame.

But Sunday’s finals were not the only moments for the highlight reel. The action started fast during Friday’s nighttime qualifying session and, frankly, just got faster.

Summer 2013

emotional Pro Stock win came with a 6.745 ET at 205.38 mph, besting fellow Texan Erica Enders-Stevens. To cap off the day, Rickie Smith, one of the early inductees into the “Legends of Thunder Valley,” added to his impressive win list by capturing the weekend’s Pro Mod title.

With headers flaming and track lights gleaming, favorable weather combined with incredible track conditions paved the way for recordshattering runs in the Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock divisions.

THUNDER VALLEY NATIONALS

Dragway

Drivers Rewrite Record Books

Don Schumacher Racing driver Massey sprinted to a 3.775 elapsed time at 326.79 mph, giving him the track record in Top Fuel and placing him atop the leaderboard, a position he still held at the start of Sunday’s elimination round. Funny Car driver Del Worsham did not just make the fastest Funny Car pass of the weekend Friday night, but to this point in the 2013 NHRA season. He entered Sunday’s elimination round as the top qualifier after posting a track and career best 4.008 ET at 314.83 mph, and four-time Bristol winner Mike Edwards capped off the monumental evening setting the track Pro Stock speed record at 208.23 mph. Action continued on track Saturday as competitors struggled to overcome Friday’s thrilling pace. In a sport where every ticket doubles as a pit pass, fans were allowed to watch as teams scrambled to make adjustments and improve upon earlier speeds. In addition to being welcome in the pits, fans were also given access to more than two dozen of the sport’s most popular drivers during Saturday night’s Fan Fest. Stars such as Antron Brown, Ronn Capps, Leah Pruett and Alexis Dejoria signed memorabilia and interacted with guests at what has become one of the most popular autograph sessions on the circuit. It is this interaction among fans and drivers that Don Shumacher Racing Funny Car driver Ron Capps believes makes attending a drag racing event at Bristol such a unique experience. “This place is a special blend of a modern facility that still retains

elements of old school drag racing,” he said. “They’ve been able to mix in campgrounds and keep the fan interaction, so at the end of the day you’re able to take your uniform off and go have a beer with the fans, eat some good food, play some cornhole and just hang out. It’s a great experience for the fans, and it’s a great experience for us to just come down, hang out and relax.” However, while fans hung out and celebrated Father’s Day with a doughnut breakfast courtesy of Krispy Kreme and Track Walk led by father-son driving duos Ron and Allen Johnson and Johnny and Shane Gray, tension among the drivers notched noticeably upward as drivers prepared to make their mark on the iconic dragway’s history books.

“There are certain races and certain holidays that you seem to try a little harder to win,” said Capps. Knowing that drivers already have next year’s date circled on their calendars, you’ll also want to make sure your seats are reserved now for Father’s Day weekend 2014 when the NHRA once again thunders into the valley. Bristol Dragway is offering a 10 percent discount on adult tickets for those who reserve their seat prior to October 15, 2013. With Sunday tickets starting at just $20, anyone can afford to experience the action of the Ford NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals. To join us next year, visit ThunderValleyTix.com or call (423)-BRISTOL.

Bristol Motor Speedway & Dragway

THUNDER VALLEY NATIONALS

Dragway

Drivers Rewrite Record Books

Summer 2013

Bristol

Motor Speedway

championship series

The Oshkosh families of Fire & Emergency and Access vehicles are proud to set the pace in performance and response. With every turn, we are there. And in every circle we run, we lead. That’s the power of Oshkosh.

Pierce and Jerr-Dan are Oshkosh Corporation Companies. www.piercemfg.com / www.jerr-dan.com

©2013 PIERCE, JERR-DAN AND THEIR RESPECTIVE LOGOS ARE REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OF PIERCE MANUFACTURING AND JERR-DAN CORPORATION, RESPECTIVELY. BRISTOL MOTOR SPEEDWAY is a registered trademark of Speedway Motorsports, Inc. used with permission.

Bristol Motor Speedway & Dragway

AUGUST RACE WEEK

Speedway

There’s Nothing Like It

AUGUST RACE WEEK AT BMS THERE’S NOTHING LIKE IT By: Lori Worley Night Racing at Bristol Motor Speedway returns in a big way during August race week with four events under the lights on tap. This year’s edition of the IRWIN Tools Night Race Aug. 24 marks the 35th running of the event at night. And you can pretty much bet the action will be just as heated as it was a year ago when Tony Stewart flung his helmet at Matt Kenseth’s car after the two tangled on the .533-mile oval.

The Night Race has yielded some of the most exciting events in NASCAR history...

the lights at BMS. The Food City 250 Nationwide Series race, which takes place on Aug. 23, is always plenty entertaining as a number of Sprint Cup drivers try to keep the Nationwide regulars at bay. A year ago it was Joey Logano nabbing his first Bristol win but with Elliott Sadler, Trevor Bayne, Austin Dillon and Justin Allgaier in the field, this year’s trophy might well go to one of them.

Race week action kicks off Wednesday night, Aug. 21, with the UNOH 200 Camping World Truck Series race and the Titan Roof 150 Whelen Modified event. Last August, for the first time in five years the winner wasn’t a Cup driver but series regular Timothy including the fans’ all-time favorites – the 1999 classic between Dale Peters, who grabbed his first-ever win on the concrete oval. After Earnhardt and Terry Labonte, which resulted in an Earnhardt victory two straight Whelen Modified wins for Ryan Newman, Ron Silk took after he moved Labonte out of the way on the last lap, and the 1995 the title in 2013 and will be looking to repeat. jewel that saw Labonte drive a crashed ride into Victory Lane after a Wednesday’s action kicks off with a 6 p.m. green flag for the Titan clash with Earnhardt in the waning laps. Roof 150, followed by an 8 p.m. start for the UNOH 200. On Friday, A year ago it was Denny Hamlin surviving a slugfest to capture what qualifying for the Food City 250 is set for 3:40 p.m., followed by qualifying for the IRWIN Tools Night Race at 5:40 p.m. The Food was his very first Cup win at BMS. City 250 goes green at 7:30 p.m. that evening. “You count down the laps and you start thinking about it with about Saturday night’s IRWIN Tools Night Race gets under way at 7:30 10 to go about what it would mean to win,” said Hamlin afterward. “You struggle to say what it means. You grow up watching this race. p.m. This is a milestone type of race you want to win. It’s one of the best While there’s no on-track action on Thursday, there’s plenty to do trophies of all the tracks. It will be one of my prized possessions, in the area. The Ford Transporter Parade, a fan favorite, takes place and it is my biggest win.” that evening. Starting at the Bristol Mall at 9 p.m. the NASCAR Sprint Cup transporters will make the 10-mile trek to BMS with Can Hamlin repeat this year? Or will Brad Keselowski pick up his fans and fireworks all along the route. Food City Race Night, in third victory at the World’s Fastest Half-Mile? Then there’s Kasey downtown Bristol, also takes place that day, starting at 1 p.m. and Kahne who captured the Food City 500 at BMS in March to earn going through 9 p.m. The event features plenty of live entertainment, his first Cup win on the storied track. And you can’t forget Matt driver autograph sessions, free food and much more. Kenseth, Carl Edwards and Kyle Busch, all of whom have a pair of Night Race wins, or Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart, Kurt Busch, all of whom have found their way to Victory Lane under

Summer 2013

AUGUST RACE WEEK

Speedway

There’s Nothing Like It

Bristol Motor Speedway & Dragway

EMPLOYEE PROFILE

Speedway

GM, Jerry Caldwell

One-on-One With Jerry Caldwell By: Lynsey Wilson

Summer 2013

Speedway

GM, Jerry Caldwell

NAME: JERRY CALDWELL TITLE: GENERAL MANAGER OF BRISTOL MOTOR SPEEDWAY AND DRAGWAY HOMETOWN: LEXINGTON, NC SPOUSE: BELTON CALDWELL COLLEGE: KING COLLEGE, 1997 DEGREE: BUSINESS WITH EMPHASIS IN ECONOMICS CURRENTLY READING: THE CIRCLE MAKER, MARK BATTERS FAVORITE SPORTS TEAMS: ATLANTA BRAVES, WAKE FOREST DEMON DEACONS FAVORITE VACATION SPOT: OCEAN ISLE BEACH, NC FIRST BRISTOL RACE (SPECTATOR/EMPLOYEE): 1995 AS FAN, 1997 AS AN EMPLOYEE

How do you spend your time away from track?

How did you grow from Events intern to General Manager?

At this season of my life, most of my free time is spent with my kids. They’re very active and love being outside, so we spend a lot of time playing outdoors. I also love to go hiking and exploring, and I enjoy running.

I came on full time in May of 1997 in the sales department, which wasn’t a role I’d ever seen myself in before. From there, I moved to Vice President of Corporate Sales then into the Interim General Manager position after Jeff got sick. In 2010, I was named General Manager.

What are two songs you always include in your running playlist? Was this the career you always wanted? Probably something from Darius Rucker or the Zac Brown Band. What are some of your other favorites? I listen to a wide variety of music, everything from country to contemporary Christian to 80’s. Other than Darius Rucker and the Zac Brown Band, I would say my two all-time favorites are George Strait and Jimmy Buffet. I also listen to a lot of sports talk and NASCAR radio, and I’ve been really into podcasts lately.

I can’t say this is what I always wanted to do, but once I started working here I knew it was where I wanted to be. If you weren’t General Manager of Bristol Motor Speedway, where would you be working?

It’s hard to say because what I get to do now is so much fun; it’s not like working a real job. I had the opportunity to pursue a career in banking before I took a full-time position at the Speedway, but now I Outside of your career, what are some other causes you’re think I’d probably own my own business. passionate about? What is the most challenging thing about your current Adoption. We adopted all of our children, so it’s definitely something role? I’m passionate about. I also support the local chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities because I’ve seen the huge impact it makes Continuing to exceed expectations. It can also be my greatest on our region, and YoungLife. My wife and I serve on the YoungLife source of frustration if there are circumstances that prevent me from committee in Johnson City, and I just love the way they reach out to being able to achieve that. kids and how they approach sharing the message with them. What would you say is your favorite thing about your job? How did you get started at Bristol Motor Speedway? The people – both the ones I work with every day and the race fans Attending King College brought me to the region, and in 1997 I I have the opportunity to meet. Our job is to create a place where took an internship with the Speedway’s Events Department. My people come to have fun, and to make that happen we need to be first project as an intern, which was assigned to me by Jeff [Byrd, having fun as well. General Manager, 1996-2010] my first day on the job, was to meet with a sign company and develop a uniform, comprehensive sign What is the best career advice you received? package for the entire property. I’d only been to the racetrack once, and that was as a fan two years earlier. Jeff was very much a sink or There are actually three pieces of advice I sort of embrace and cling swim guy though; either you worked or you didn’t. to. One is to never ask anyone to do something you aren’t willing to do yourself, another is biblically based – “to whom much is given, much will be required,” and finally the harder you work the luckier you get. Actually, I’m not a big proponent of luck so I adjust that last one to say, “the harder you work the more blessed you’ll be or the more opportunities you’ll receive.”

Bristol Motor Speedway & Dragway

EMPLOYEE PROFILE

CHILDREN: 4 CHILDREN, AGES: 7, 5, 5, AND 2

EMPLOYEE PROFILE

Speedway

GM, Jerry Caldwell What advice would you give to someone hoping to pursue a career in motorsports? I would advise them to know what it is that interests them, what drives them and to pursue that angle. For me, it’s the events piece. I love the creativity involved with putting on an event and trying to develop new ways to top what we did last year. I would also tell people that if their motivation is simply to meet a driver, this isn’t the industry for them because it won’t last, but if you just love the sport then follow your heart, work hard and don’t expect too much too early. I think people are easily frustrated that after working hard for a year or two they haven’t reached a certain level, but if you keep plugging along and love what you do then the rest will come. What are your favorite Bristol memories? My favorite racing memory is the Earnhardt/Labonte feud, both in 1995 and 1999. I was here as a fan in 1995 when Labonte won the race after Earnhardt spun him out and working here in 1999 when Earnhardt won the race. How can that not be a favorite? My other favorite memory is every prerace here at Bristol. I love standing down near the start/finish line with all of the patriotic tributes happening and feeling the energy of 150,000 excited race fans. Everyone’s so close and so pumped up. There’s just nothing like it. What would you say to someone who was debating purchasing a ticket to Bristol? Do the research for yourself. See what track more drivers have said they would choose to attend as a fan sitting in the grandstands. Time and time again they choose Bristol. The action on our track is like no other, and it’s one of the few places where you’re not going to get a better view sitting at home. It’s impossible for television to keep up with everything that’s going on here.

Summer 2013

I also think this region makes us special. There’s nothing like the Southern hospitality and sense of community created when 150,000 people descend on our facility in Northeast Tennessee. We basically become a family. You hear stories all the time about guests who’ve met some of their best friends years ago at Bristol and now their families’ vacation together every March and August. For guests attending the race, what would you say is an activity they can’t miss outside the track? Get here for the races on Wednesday night, it is some of the best racing of the weekend. Also, I would tell them to get here on Thursday for two things – Food City Race Night and the Ford Transporter Parade. Food City Race Night is unique to Bristol, there’s nothing else in the sport like it, and the parade is one of the coolest things you’ll ever see. What are two restaurants you would recommend to guests? Simply Delicious which is located right down from the track, and they also need to experience Ridgewood BBQ. One last question. You mentioned earlier how much you love the prerace show. A few years ago Bristol began the tradition of allowing drivers to pick what song they are introduced to. What would your intro song be? I’d let my kids pick my song. So... I would probably end up with some kids music from Dora the Explorer or Batman.

Bristol Motor Speedway & Dragway

FOOD CITY RACE NIGHT

Speedway

So Big It’s Held In Two States

RACE NIGHT 2013

Food City Race Night: So Big It’s Held in Two States By: Lori Worley Where Food City Race Night is concerned, there’s one thing for certain: there’s not a bigger or more successful fan event held in conjunction with NASCAR races anywhere.

race weekend at BMS. In March, it is held at BMS in the hospitality area and it remains in downtown Bristol prior to the August race weekend.

That’s not surprising when you consider that the event goes for most of the day – always the Thursday of August race week at Bristol Motor Speedway – and the cities of Bristol, Tennessee and Bristol, Virginia basically close State Street down for it.

This year’s Food City Race Night, set for Aug. 22, once again features plenty of autograph sessions with drivers and other NASCAR personalities, live music, free food, racing simulators and more.

Food City Race Night is so big in fact, that it’s actually held in two states. Half of the driver autograph sessions, entertainment, etc. will be in Bristol, Tennessee and half in Bristol, Virginia. You can’t get much more unique than that.

Food City Race Night kicks off at 1 p.m. and continues through 9 p.m. Advance tickets are $5 and can be purchased at selected Food City locations. Tickets will be $6 the day of the event with children 12 and under being admitted free of charge.

This is the 26th year of an event that started out in 1987 with only two stars – Terry Labonte and Junior Johnson – as the main draws. These days, there many more driver appearances – and much bigger crowds.

As always, proceeds from Food City Race Night will benefit a local children’s organization. More than $500,000 has been raised through Food City Race Night and donated to various area organizations over the past 25 years.

Richard Petty is a regular at Food City Race Night and most of today’s biggest stars, like Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon and Kevin Harvick, have all taken part in it.

Futher details concerning this August’s Food City Race Night can be found in the coming weeks at www.foodcity.com.

The event, which now routinely draws 25-30,000 people, became so popular in August that it now takes place before each NASCAR

Summer 2013

FOOD CITY RACE NIGHT

Speedway

So Big It’s Held In Two States

Bristol Motor Speedway & Dragway

2014 SEASON RENEWAL

Speedway

2014 Season Renewal

2014 Season Renewal Loyal Bristol Motor Speedway guests will have more choices than ever when renewing for the 2014 season here at the World’s Fastest Half-Mile. Not only are all options from 2013 returning, which include your choice of Cold Pit Passes (for March or August), $40 Gift Certificate to the Bruton Smith Building Speedway World store ($40 per ticket renewed), free parking passes for March and August or 10% off each ticket, we have introduced a new option for 2014, two (2) FREE Truck Tickets for the August 2014 event. Our mission is to exceed your expectations and with that in mind, we have upped the ante for 2014. Simply call 423-Bristol or stop by any ticket booth during August race week to renew your tickets. You’ll also have time after the August race week as these options to renew the best Season ticket in NASCAR will be available through Nov. 7, 2013. The only thing better than returning to Bristol year after year, is getting new and exciting options to enhance your experience to make each year more memorable. Don’t wait, call today!

Summer 2013

Story Title

SECTION SUBHEAD

Section Title

Did you know that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD is slowly robbing 24 million Americans of their ability to breathe?

MY GRANDFATHER WAS TAKEN TOO SOON AND NOW I WANT TO RAISE AWARENESS ABOUT THIS DISEASE - AUSTIN DILLON

THERE IS SOMETHING YOU CAN DO TO COMBAT THE THIRD LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH IN AMERICA. VISIT WWW.DRIVE4COPD.ORG OR CALL 1-866-316-COPD (2673) TO FIND OUT IF YOU OR A LOVED ONE IS AT RISK.

Bristol Motor Speedway & Dragway

Ticket Office Staff

EMPLOYEE PROFILE

Speedway

Meet the Ticket Office Staff Just some of the friendly faces on the other side of the phone. By: Landon Owen Greetings from your BMS Ticket Office. I say your ticket office because we are truly here for you every single day of the year. Not only are we available to field questions or help you find your dream seats inside the World’s Last Great Colosseum, but you may have noticed over the past year that we reached out to you on occasion to gain some feedback, let you know about a cool new promotion, or even just to say thank you. That’s all part of our new outreach initiative designed solely around the purpose of making that legendary Bristol experience even better.

delight, our fans wrote many of the featured players and let them know how great it was to put a face with the voice that they’ve worked with for many years. I’ve got to admit, when you come to work at a place like Bristol that is already one of the World’s architectural and sporting marvels, it’s pretty awesome. When you throw in the fact that we get to work with such great people and that we actually get to know each of you on a personal level, it takes it to another level.

KIMBERLYN KING

LISA BUNN

As I wrote last time, YOU are the reason we come to work each morning. Our goal is to In the last edition of Bristol Magazine, I have the best customer service staff not just introduced you to some of our talented in this business, but in any business. Nothing members of our ticketing staff. To our team’s makes us happier when we here about a fan

I became part of the Bristol Motor Speedway My name is Lisa Bunn and I’m from Bristol, team in June of 2010 upon graduating high Tennessee. I’ve been working at Bristol school. Motor Speedway for 13 years. I love working at Bristol because of the fan interaction, Born and raised in Piney Flats, I now attend whether it’s over the phone, email or in King University where I am working towards person. I also work with our corporate sales a degree in marketing. Aside from working team and take care of the Premium areas. at BMS, I enjoy being a cheerleader at King, traveling, and spending any extra I have two sons, Eric and Tyler. Eric is time shopping for the best bargains. I’ll be married to Christy who also works in the working with the marketing department as ticket office. I have one beautiful 3 year old an intern this summer, but will be back in the granddaughter, Addison. I love sports and “T.O.” this fall. enjoy playing golf. Anyone who has been to Bristol Motor Speedway knows that we The two and a half years I have been at go over and above to make our customers Bristol have been some of the best years of happy. I am very proud to be a part of the my life. I am blessed to work with so many Bristol Team. amazing people who I am proud to call my friends. I also get to interact with the best fans on the racing circuit. I fully believe that our fans are the best and that they make my job so fun and exciting. I wouldn’t trade my Bristol friends and family for anything.

that had the time of their lives at Bristol. As August approaches, we’ll be announcing all sorts of driver appearances, VIP experiences and just plain FUN STUFF. If there’s anything you need, pick up that phone and give one of these folks a call. If there is something we can do to make your Bristol experience better, I would like to know about it. Give me a call anytime. My direct line is 423-989-6403. My email is lowen@ bristolmotorspeedway.com. Thank you all for being such a big part of our lives. We would not be here if it were not for you.

DANIEL WARREN

What’s up y’all? My name is Daniel Warren. I joined the ticket office in August of 2012 as an event staff member to help during the 2012 August Race weekend. I will be working with the Dragway team this summer as an intern, but plan to be back in the ticket office this fall. I am originally from Christiansburg, VA, which is located in the heart of Virginia Tech Hokie Country. I moved to Johnson City, TN in 2009 to begin my undergraduate studies at East Tennessee State University, majoring in Sports Management. In my free time, I like to play sports and keep up with my favorite sports teams (Go Hokies.). I love knowing that I work for THE BEST race track in the country alongside the best group of employees in the industry. It definitely makes it easy to come to work each day.

See our next issue for more team members from our ticket office 30

Summer 2013

NATASHA SHELLMYER

I started working for the ticket department in March of 2012 as a customer service representative. Born and raised in Johnson City, TN, I am still there today with a family of my own. My husband Cory and I were married in September 2012 and I now have two beautiful step daughters, Lauren and Audrey. Both of my parents have worked for Bristol during the races for several years. My mother works with Welmont Health Care Systems and my father is a Sullivan County police officer. It was through them that I developed the appreciation of Bristol that I have. The reason why I came to work here is – unlike other sports – racing can be truly unpredictable. I love being able to talk to fans and hear about their experiences at Bristol and at other tracks. In doing this, you really develop a relationship with the customers that you don’t get in any other work place.

JOHNATHAN MOORE

media assistant. I love hiking and camping whenever the opportunity arises. Some of my favorite times are spent just hanging out with my friends and listening to good music (all kinds). There are many reasons that I love working at BMS but I think most of all is just the pure excitement of knowing that I am now a part of the Bristol Family. I feel we have the best team around and that working together we provide fans with the most exciting race experience.

BEVERLY BUSTER

Hi, my name is Jonathan Moore and I have been working at Bristol Motor Speedway since September 2012. I am from Roan Mountain, Tennessee and I currently attend East Tennessee State University where I am pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Sport Management.

I was born and raised in Florida, but in 1995 I broke free for the hills of Tennessee.

I am an avid sports fan and have been all my life. I have played sports since I was little and now I enjoy traveling to different sporting venues; but I call Bristol Motor Speedway home. I have been to several events at Bristol Motor Speedway which sparked my interest in working here. I have learned since working here that my coworkers are more than just friends, they are my extended family and I am grateful for the opportunity to work with them. The best part about working at Bristol Motor Speedway is interacting with and getting to know our fans. We have the best, most passionate fans in Motorsports. Our fans are always excited about coming here to Bristol.

Racing has always been a part of my family. I have not missed an Indianapolis 500 on TV since 1971 at the tender age of 5 ½ months (ok, I don’t remember it well, but I was there and awake the whole time). I’m a fourth generation IndyCar fan. My greatgrandparents served box lunches to the drivers/teams during the month of May. My grandparents bought the first TV on their block to host 500 parties. NASCAR caught my attention when John Andretti attempted to complete “The Double” in 1994. That same year my drivers began migrating to NASCAR from the IRL, but I now love all forms of auto racing. I came to Bristol Motor Speedway as an event worker in the ticket office for the March & August 2011 races. I came back right after the March 2012 race and began working on a regular basis in September 2012. I love talking to race fans from around the country and around the world. I am very proud to say I work at Bristol Motor Speedway.

Bristol Motor Speedway & Dragway

EMPLOYEE PROFILE

LISA GAMBLE

Hi y’all. Lisa Gamble here. I joined the ticket office as a customer service/ticket sales representative in April 2012 after coming in as an event staff worker in February 2012. I grew up a race fan and began working as event staff over 10 years ago. I love the sport, but more than anything I love the fans.   I was born, raised and continue to live in Johnson City, Tennessee. I have two children, a son Michael and daughter, Alysha. I worked 16 years for Johnson City Schools where I was an instructional assistant and then spent eight years as a

Speedway

Ticket Office Staff

FAN-FRIENDLY LODGING

Speedway

Fan-Friendly Lodging

BMS FAN-FRIENDLY LODGING PARTNERS TAKING SHAPE FOR AUGUST Guests attending the IRWIN Tools Night Race activities at Bristol Motor Speedway in August have various lodging options, including pricing from $60 to $80 and a dozen offering accommodations for under $110 a night. “We continue to try to find ways to make the Bristol experience more pleasurable for our guests,” said BMS General Manager Jerry Caldwell. “That goes from amenities on our property, to finding lodging partners and offering breaks on rates and night minimums. “We work to find partners closer to Bristol Motor Speedway, but the ones we have are located in areas to accommodate our guests coming from nearly any direction on the map. Many have gone beyond rates and night minimums too with some adding shuttle service or breakfast and other options.” This list, with properties in Tennessee, Virginia and North Carolina, not only includes various options in pricing, but by style of property as well. Chain and privately-owned hotels, cabins, lodges and even an historic Inn make up the list for August. BMS officials encourage UNDER $55 (No Night Minimums) Hemlock Hollow Inn; 645 Chandler Circle (Corners of Log Cabin Drive and Viking Mountain Road); Greeneville, TN, 37743; (423) 787-9017 FREE BREAKFAST Hotel Pigeon Forge; 2179 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN, 37863; (865) 4287305 UNDER $70 (No Night Minimums) Parkview Lodge and Cabins; 10345 Linville Falls Hwy (US Hwy 221), Linville Falls, NC 28675; (828) 765-4787 UNDER $78 (August, No Night Minimums) Willow Brook Lodge; 3035 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN; (865) 453-5334: Mention you are in town for the races at Bristol Motor Speedway UNDER $80 (No Night Minimums) Hemlock Hollow Inn; 645 Chandler Circle (Corners of Log Cabin Drive and Viking Mountain Road); Greeneville, TN, 37743; (423) 787-9017

Summer 2013

guests to research the alternatives to choose which one best fits their needs. For more information on the participating properties go to: http:// www.bristolmotorspeedway.com/news_media/news_releases/2013fan-friendly-lodging.html For guests looking for more than a place to stay, there are several ticket options available with packages for the IRWIN Tools Night Race with tickets starting at just $75. Weekend offerings are available starting at $99. Prices for the Food City 250 are as low as $35 and half-price for youth, 15-and-under. Those interested in Wednesday night’s Titan Roof 150 Whelen Modified and the UNOH 200 Camping World Truck Series doubleheader can grab tickets for $30 and 15-and-under are free. For more information, please contact the BMS ticket office toll-free at 1-866-415-4158 or at www.bristoltix.com.

UNDER $90 (No Night Minimums) Parkview Lodge and Cabins; 10345 Linville Falls Hwy (US Hwy 221), Linville Falls, NC 28675; (828) 765-4787 UNDER $100 (No Night Minimums) The Inn on the River; 2492 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863; (865) 428-5500; Discount Code FC250 Parkview Lodge and Cabins; 10345 Linville Falls Hwy (US Hwy 221), Linville Falls, NC 28675; (828) 765-4787 Sleep Inn and Suites; 5625 Dickenson Highway, Clintwood, Va., 24228; (276) 796-1058 UNDER $105 (No Night Minimums) Fairfield Inn & Suites, Marriott; 1650 Parkway US Highway 441 · Sevierville, TN, 37862; (865) 429-8300 –Special Race Weekend Pricing for a Standard Two Queen room. Just mention you are coming to the Bristol races! Hemlock Hollow Inn; 645 Chandler Circle (Corners of Log Cabin Drive and Viking Mountain Road); Greeneville, TN, 37743; (423) 787-9017

UNDER $110 (March) (No Night Minimums) Hampton Inn Pigeon Forge; 2497 Teaster Lane, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863; (865) 365-1588; (Rate for two queen bed, just mention “Bristol Pricing Promotion”) Hampton Inn & Suites, Hilton; 11340 Campbell Lakes Drive, Farragut, Tenn., 37934; (865) 966-0303 (Rate for two queens or one king) Parkview Lodge and Cabins; 10345 Linville Falls Hwy (US Hwy 221), Linville Falls, NC 28675; (828) 765-4787 (efficiency cabin) UNDER $120 (No Night Minimums) Comfort Suites East; I-40 at Exit 398 (Strawberry Plains Pike exit); 7230 Region Lane, Knoxville, TN 37914; (865) 246-2426; Race fans can call the hotel directly & mention the Bristol Race to receive the discount. Courtyard Marriott; 216 Langley Place, Knoxville, TN 37922; (865) 539-0600 The Inn at Norton; 551 Highway 58E, Norton, Va., (276) 679-7000

FAN-FRIENDLY LODGING

Speedway

Fan-Friendly Lodging

UNDER $125 (No Night Minimums) Holiday Inn Express & Suites; 1022 Cosby Hwy, Newport, TN 37821; (423) 623-2121 Sugar Hollow Retreat, 197 Elk Ridge, Butler, TN, 37640; (800) 957-1776 UNDER $130 (No Night Minimums, March) Hale Springs Inn, 110 West Main Street, Rogersville, TN 37857; (877) 222-1616 UNDER $135 (No Night Minimums) Holiday Inn Express & Suites; 1022 Cosby Hwy, Newport, TN 37821; (423) 623-2121 The Inn at Norton; 551 Highway 58E, Norton, Va., (276) 679-7000, including dinner in the restaurant and a free pass to property night club (ask for BMS Special) UNDER $145 Holiday Inn Express & Suites; 1022 Cosby Hwy, Newport, TN 37821; (423) 623-2121 UNDER $150 Americourt Hotel, 450 Dotson Lane, Mountain City, TN 37683; (423) 7277311

UNDER $150 (Cont.)

UNDER $170

Hale Springs Inn, 110 West Main Street, Rogersville, TN 37857; (877) 222-1616 Sugar Hollow Retreat, 197 Elk Ridge, Butler, TN, 37640; (800) 957-1776

Hale Springs Inn, 110 West Main Street, Rogersville, TN 37857; (877) 222-1616 UNDER $200

Parkview Lodge and Cabins; 10345 Linville Falls Hwy (US Hwy 221), Linville Falls, NC 28675; (828) 765-4787 (Two bedroom cabin) UNDER $155 Holiday Inn Express & Suites; 1022 Cosby Hwy, Newport, TN 37821; (423) 623-2121

Americourt Hotel & Conference Center, 1900 American Way, Kingsport, TN, 37660; (423) 245-0271 Hampton Inn, 3130 E. Andrew Johnson Hwy., Greeneville, TN 37745; (423) 638-3735; (423) 638-4413 (fax); (Ask about the shuttle!) UNDER $230 (Two Night Minimums) Americourt Hotel, 1515 Hwy 19E Bypass, Elizabethton, TN, 37643; (423) 542-4466

RiverStone Resort & Spa, 212 Dollywood Lane, Pigeon Forge, TN; 37868; (865) 908-0660 (One-Bedroom Condo)

Mountain Inn & Suites (Formerly Holiday Inn Express) 2002 Temple Hill Road, Erwin, TN, call the property direct toll free at (800) 304-7958. Will match all published internet rates at the property direct. (Ask about the shuttle.)

UNDER $160 Comfort Inn Mars Hill, NC; 167 J.F. Robinson Lane; Mars Hill, NC 28754; (828) 689-9000 or (877) 689-9555. Hale Springs Inn, 110 West Main Street, Rogersville, TN 37857; (877) 222-1616 Hampton Inn & Suites; 105 Stadium Drive, Kodak, TN 37764; (865) 465-0590; Mention Bristol Motor Speedway and receive 10% off rack room rate; (Ask about the shuttle.)

FOR AN UPDATED LIST, VISIT: WWW.BRISTOLMOTORSPEEDWAY.COM

Bristol Motor Speedway & Dragway

Speedway

Travel Tips

Traffic Tips, August 2013 Race Weekend

TRAVEL TIPS

By: David Metzger, Traffic Engineer, City of Bristol, Tennessee

Ok – to help your race weekend travel and to help us keep traffic flowing as safely as possible, let’s review a few basics: > > >

> >

A little planning ahead goes a long way. Allow plenty of time for travel; you never know when you will be delayed because of a traffic situation. Arrive early; there is plenty to see and do at BMS -- and you may just get to park a little closer to the speedway.

Think your departure route and a location that allows you to go straight or make right turns to get there. After the race, left turns and U-turns are prohibited in many locations, and planning your parking location to avoid those will help a lot after the race. Investigate your route. Most GPS devices and map-generating software are great for everyday travel, but they do not include information on temporary pre- and post-race turn prohibitions, contraflow lanes, ramp closures, and other race traffic features we use for race traffic. It might lead you the wrong way, not knowing that no left turns are allowed up ahead. The BMS website contains directions from many locations around the compass to BMS and back. If you have parking/ camping/hotel reservations at a particular location, you may want to ask about race routes there as well. Pay attention to the signs and law enforcement directing traffic. The race routes are designed to make as many vehicles flow as quickly and safely as possible. This is especially true after the race, when nine signed routes all lead to Interstates 26 and 81. Not everyone has to go the same way. Some routes are longer but traffic volumes are less. All of the post-race routes are clearly marked to lead you to the Interstates.

Summer 2013

Be a responsible driver. Don’t drink and drive, watch out for pedestrians (especially after dark), don’t drive through the medians or make turns where you are not supposed to, and have patience. A new road project is starting up in Bluff City just a few miles south of BMS, where the Tennessee DOT is converting the intersection of US 11E and US 19E into a four-ramp diamond interchange, much like the existing one at US 11E and State Route 394. This project is just starting up, and is going to take several Race Weekends to complete. However design features have been added to minimize the impact on race traffic during construction, and enhance race traffic when the work is complete. For the motorists coming from Knoxville, the Exit 8 interchange upgrade near Morristown is still underway, but all the Interstate 81 lanes will be open for race weekend. No major work zones are anticipated on I-81 in southwestern Virginia between the Tennessee line and Interstate 77 in Wytheville. Please see the directions on the BMS website for more details.

Those of us working in race traffic operations throughout Tennessee, Virginia, and Kentucky hope that you have an enjoyable and safe experience this August at the World’s Fastest Half-Mile. If you have race traffic questions and the BMS website directions don’t answer it for you, please e-mail me at dmetzger@bristoltn.org and I will try to help you.

Speedway

Upgrades

Add more fun to August Race Week! Race weekends at Bristol Motor Speedway are unforgettable to begin with but when you add experiences and tools that enhance the enjoyment, a good weekend becomes great!

UPGRADES

From the best pre-race Sprint Cup hospitality in NASCAR, the Bristol Half-Mile Club, to Souvenir Programs, Scanners, FanVisionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and more, Bristol has the right add-on to make your race experience the best it possibly can be. Stop by BristolTix.com today or call (866) 415-4158 to find out more about every add-on experience Bristol has to offer. Scanners and FanVisions (Live TV, in-car cameras, scanner audio and more) have advanced pricing specials through August 17th so donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait any longer, upgrade your Bristol experience today and make this August one you will never forget!

Bristol Motor Speedway & Dragway

OLE SMOKY MOONSHINE HOLLER

Destinations

Ole Smoky Moonshine Holler

Summer 2013

OLE SMOKY MOONSHINE HOLLER

Destinations

Ole Smoky Moonshine Holler

Ole Smoky Moonshine Holler Just one of the many great stops in Gatlinburg, TN Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine is more than just Tennessee’s first legal moonshine, it’s also a major attraction in the scenic town of Gatlinburg. Nestled just outside the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Gatlinburg is a retreat town that combines the comfort and virtues of small town living with the attractions of a true must-see destination. Surrounded by majestic mountain scenery, Gatlinburg offers visitors something for all tastes and interests while staying true to the heritage of Appalachian culture. Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine is one of the best known and most popular attractions in town and welcomes guests with a true moonshine experience. However Gatlinburg and East Tennessee are more than just moonshine and mountains. With a rich culture, amazing food and activities for everyone from the outdoorsmen to the museum lover, exploring Gatlinburg has never been more fun!

Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine Distillery In 2009 Tennessee legalized the distillation of moonshine for the first time in state history, and with that Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine™ was born. Established in a renovated space on the downtown Parkway, the three founders set out to make an authentic moonshine that connected with the region’s longstanding tradition of making quality mountain-made moonshine. The Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine™ recipe is the product of the hard work and experience of local families who have made moonshine in the mountains for the last 200 years. The Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine Distillery Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine™ is a corn whiskey born in the fertile soil of Eastern Tennessee’s farms where the corn is raised and then transported to their family’s mill to be ground for Tennessee’s original moonshine. At the distillery, you can see the gains converted into the clear corn liquor that the Appalachia region is famous for. In addition to their craft moonshine, the Ole Smoky Moonshine Holler where they distill and bottle the shine is also a major tourist attraction for the Great Smoky Mountains. Live music, free moonshine tastings, rocking chairs for break in the action and tons of authentic Ole Smoky merchandise make the Holler a great place to spend an afternoon. The working still, delicious and native flavored moonshine and family friendly approach to moonshine’s heritage in the Smoky Mountains has made the Ole Smoky Holler

the most visited distillery in the U.S. with over two million visitors just last year. From Ole Smoke Moonshine’s recipe to its founder, the history of this traditional spirit ties back to families who were among the early European settlers of the Great Smoky Mountains. Embracing the early settlers coming to the Smokies from Virginia and North Carolina, Ole Smoky Moonshine honors the art of whisky making as their source of prosperity. Visit the Great Smoky Mountain National Park Formed roughly 200-300 million years ago, the Great Smoky Mountains are among the oldest mountains in the world. Today, the park bearing the name of these mountains encompasses more than 521,000 acres (more than 800 square miles). Just over half of this landmass lies within the state of North Carolina, with the rest in Tennessee. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park receives more than 9 million visitors a year, making it the most visited national park in the country. The Grand Canyon, the second most visited national park, receives roughly 4.4 million visitors per year. June, July, August and October are the most popular months for visitors and the park sees more than a million visitors during each of these months. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park was established in 1934, and the Great Smoky Mountains is one of the only major national parks that does not charge an entrance fee.

Bristol Motor Speedway & Dragway

OLE SMOKY MOONSHINE HOLLER

Destinations

Ole Smoky Moonshine Holler Get a taste of Gatlinburg at The Pancake Pantry

Shopping and sightseeing at The Village

It’s been said that the only thing that could possibly outnumber the trees in the Smokies are the number of pancake shops in Gatlinburg. While there are a number to choose from throughout the town, the most famous and beloved is the Pancake Pantry. Established in 1960 as Tennessee’s first pancake specialty restaurant, the Pancake Pantry has become a landmark in Gatlinburg and a destination for anyone looking to try delicious homemade pancakes of every possible combination. Renowned for its signature building with its majestic slate roof, gables, large windows and warm white oak interior, the restaurant prides itself on being a staple of the community and a welcome reminder of Gatlinburg’s quaint history. Over the last half-century the Pancake Pantry continues produce innovative and memorable dishes that keep the line out the door most days and keep generations of visitors to Gatlinburg coming back for more.

The Village offers Gatlinburg shopping at its best, with 27 unique shops and eateries set in a quaint European village atmosphere. This fun and memorable shopping experience features traditional brick pathways, abundant landscaping and bubbling fountains that provide a tranquil escape from the Parkway traffic. Tucked away in this charming haven are gift and specialty shops, clothiers, galleries and eateries that break away from the average variety of retailers, making any visit to Gatlinburg incomplete without a stop in The Village!

Enjoy the sweeter side of the Smokies

In order to create the development in a style true to the faraway places that inspired the concept, the families searched out architecturally appropriate building materials. Their search for old homes, churches and buildings that were being demolished yielded numerous unique items they could use for construction. They acquired thick roofing slates, heavy carved doors, antique trim moldings and gas lighting fixtures and handmade bricks to complete a sense of the Old World. Construction began 1968, and the first 18 shops were completed in 1970. The remaining 9 shops were added in 1982 to complete The Village as we see it today.

In 1949, When David and Peggy Dych decided to head west from their New Jersey home and look for work in California, a stop in Sevierville was meant to be only a temporary layover. Visiting an uncle who ran an orphanage in the area, the Dych family stayed in East Tennessee and took up work at the orphanage with every intention of heading further west in the months that followed. That all changed one night when David offered to give someone a ride home during a Christmas snowstorm, and he saw the little town of Gatlinburg for the first time. Upon returning home he told Peggy that he had seen the most adorable little town, and they decided to stay and make Gatlinburg their new home. David had remembered the saltwater taffy he had seen on the boardwalk in Atlantic City, and decided that a simple candy shop was just what the town needed. They started making Ole Smoky Taffy Logs, symbolic of the trees in the mountains, and began carting it into neighboring Cherokee and North Carolina. By 1951 the first Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen opened and signature candies like the famed Brown Bears became a draw for visitors to the Great Smoky Mountains. When The Village was created by Dych and Gerding families in 1969, the Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen was renovated to its current state, where they produce all of their confections on-site. A second location was opened further up the street to cater to the demand, and offers the same quality and products as the original establishment. Taffy remains the main attraction at the Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen and during the peak season, candy makers turn 300 pounds of taffy a day. Several of the employees have been involved in this candy factory for 40 to 50 years, with one of the perks being sampling the candy daily as part of the shops quality control.

Summer 2013

The land where The Village is located was purchased in 1965 by two local families. The founders traveled extensively in search of ideas for the property and over a three year period compiled hundreds of pictures with unique architectural and cultural ideas for a beautiful and unique shopping complex.

“It’s Bristol Baby!” Some Things You Ought’a Know By: Ben Trout Make the most of your August Race Week visit. Guests regularly tell us their annual August trip to Bristol is unlike any other visit to a motorsports venue. We often hear that for many of you, your Race Week is indeed your summer vacation. Trust us… we want it to be one you’ll remember forever. As you’ve seen throughout this issue of Bristol Magazine, there’s plenty of action on the track with practice sessions, qualifying runs and four spectacular races. You also know that when it comes to August, you’ll find a wide variety of off-track events that can make your visit extra-special. So here are some insider tips, links and info you’ll want to make note of to make the most of your August Race Week trek to Thunder Valley.

> BE IN THE KNOW Leading up to Race Week, visit bristolmotorspeedway.com often. A wealth of knowledge exists here. Pay particular attention to the large banners at the top of the page, and the events to which they link. Also visit the NEWS/MEDIA link – all breaking news regarding events appears here. Be on the lookout for our “Everything August” schedule. This will appear under FAN INFO and SCHEDULES/FAN EVENTS.

> JOIN US ON FACEBOOK and TWITTER Our Social Media provides endless knowledge as to what’s happening here at Bristol. “Like” us on Facebook and “Follow” us on Twitter. You never know what you might learn. It’s always up-to-date with the latest happenings.

> iBELONG MEMBERS INFO At press time, details are still being added; and will be added leading up until Race Week. All iBelong members should click on FAN INFO, then iBELONG. Here is where you’ll find details about all iBelong events/opportunities that exist throughout the weekend.

> FOOD CITY RACE NIGHT Our incredible partners at Food City host and operate this event that takes place on Thursday, Aug. 22. They list everything happening at Race Night under the COMMUNITY heading at foodcity.com.

> SPEEDWAY CHILDREN’S CHARITIES EVENTS From Richard Petty Driving Experience Rides, to Track Laps for Kids to the ever-popular Cornhole Tournament, you can find it all at bristol.speedwaycharities.org/events.

> KNOW THE REGION Outside of Race Week and all that’s going on, there’s plenty to do/see throughout the region. A great resource is the Northeast Tennessee Tourism web site at www.netta.com.

> JUST GIVE US A CALL/EMAIL We realize not everyone uses the computer, tablet or smart phone. So just give us a toll-free call to 1.866.415.4158 or email bristol@bristolmotorspeedway.com and we’ll be happy to assist. We can’t wait for the August 2013 Family Reunion! It’s going to be a great one and we look forward to welcoming you home.

Bristol Motor Speedway & Dragway

SOME THINGS YOU OUGHT’A KNOW

“It’s Bristol Baby!”

Some Things You Ought’a Know

Bristol Motor Speedway asks guests using state-issued ADA placards to apply for a Bristol-issued pass to help these visitors park closer to their seats. Anyone planning to use state-issued placards should send copies of the permit and the supporting documentation in advance, along with an application form, so that the BMS Events Department can send advance passes for the appropriate parking lots. The documentation required (registration card, receipt, state-recognized disabilities ID card, driver’s license, or original approved application forms) is the same reviewed by law enforcement officials at the entrances to handicap lots. If a guest’s state does not issue supporting documentation with a permit, the guest should use a copy of the same documentation used to obtain the original permit. Individuals with temporary disabilities should submit medical documentation with an application to receive the BMS-issued permit. Space is limited in the South (B-side) Lot closest to the Earnhardt, Yarborough,

Johnson and Petty grandstands and terraces, and spaces in this lot will be allocated first to guests with seats in these grandstands, and second, on a first-apply, first-served basis. In the South Lot, only 400 spaces are available for Truck and Nationwide Series events and 600 spaces are available for Sprint Cup events. The number increases for the Cup races because after the Nationwide Series race, BMS opens Nationwide Series competitor spaces for special needs requests.

a BMS-issued permit to another person should be considered the same violation of Tennessee law as fraudulently using a stateissued placard, and anyone doing so may face the same penalties.

In the North (A-side) Lot, cars with BMS-issued passes will park closer to the grandstand than cars using state-issued placards.

Please note that these permit procedures do not apply to reserved seat wheelchair guests. Reserved wheelchair seating and parking guests should contact Becky Fulwider at (423) 989-6931.

After applications have been received, notification will be sent to the applicant confirming or denying the request. Passes will be mailed approximately one month before the race.

State-issued placards will be admitted at the Dragway Entrance only. Law enforcement officials will check documentation to ensure that the person to whom the permit is issued is in the vehicle.

For all other handicap parking questions, contact Alice Dawson at (423) 989-6941 or alice@bristolmotorspeedway.com.

Law enforcement officials will check the permits at the South and Dragway Entrances to ensure that the name on the BMS-issued permit matches a photo ID of the occupant of the vehicle using the permit. Transferring

If you applied for parking in 2012, you must apply again for 2013 parking.

2013 Advance Special Needs Parking Permit Application Deadline for application: Two Months Before Each Race or Once Annually (User must have state-issued disabilities placard to apply for this permit)

10.875"

Speedway Section Title

2013 ADVANCE HANDICAP PERMIT APPLICATION

PARKING FOR SPECIAL NEEDS GUESTS

Full Name___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ (as it appears on documentation and photo ID)

Address:_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

AR E L C T

City, State, ZIP_______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Daytime Phone_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

PR E S A LE

State Issued Plate/Placard Permit Number_______________________________________________________________________________

SEAT LOCATIONS (please fill out seat information per event) P

Nationwide Race___________________________________________________________________ Acct #____________________________ (March - Saturday Nationwide)

Grandstand

Section

Row

Seat

Food City 500______________________________________________________________________ Acct #____________________________ (March - Sunday Sprint Cup)

Grandstand

Section

Row

Seat

UNOH 200_________________________________________________________________________ Acct #____________________________ (August - Wednesday Truck/Modified)

Grandstand

Section

Row

Seat

Food City 250______________________________________________________________________ Acct #____________________________ (August - Friday Nationwide)

Grandstand

Section

Row

Seat

IRWIN Tools Night Race_____________________________________________________________ Acct #____________________________ (August - Saturday Sprint Cup)

Grandstand

Section

Row

Seat

Note: Seat Location and Ticket Account Number are required. Ticket holder and parking permit user may or may not be the same person. Parking will be assigned by seat location. Send this COMPLETED form, PLUS a photo copy of the state-issued permit, PLUS a copy of supporting documentation (registration card, receipt, handicap ID card, driver’s license, or original approved application forms) to obtain or use the permit TO: ATT: Alice, BMS Events Dept., PO Box 3966, Bristol, TN, 37625. Retain a copy of completed application for your records.

Signature of permit user ____________________________________________________________________________ Downloadable applications are available at www.bristolmotorspeedway.com

Summer 2013

REV UP THE

TASTE

NOT THE CALORIES

ÂŠ 2013 Jeff Gordon, Inc. The name, likeness and signature of Jeff Gordon and the likeness of the #24 Pepsi Max Chevrolet SS are used with the permission of Jeff Gordon, Inc. PEPSI MAX and the Pepsi Globe are registered trademarks of PepsiCo, Inc.

When you’re in a tight spot

you have to

adjust quickly

IRWIN VISE-GRIP GrooveLock Pliers: Simple Push of a Button Adjusts Jaws Two Times Faster* IRWIN® VISE-GRIP® GrooveLock pliers get the job done fast. A simple touch of the press-n-slide button adjusts the jaw twice as fast as any other traditional groove joint pliers in the market. The multi-groove ratcheting system provides precise jaw positioning on any type of surface. Plus, anti-pinch, non-slip ProTouchTM Grips provide comfort, control and less hand fatigue. Now available in straight, smooth, and v-shaped jaws, GrooveLock pliers are backed by the IRWIN VISE-GRIP Lifetime Guarantee. When you need tools that help you do the job the way it was meant to be done, IRWIN delivers. *Compared to traditional groove joint pliers.