Bristol Magazine, Winter 2014; Volume 7, Issue 3

Page 1

SECTION SUBHEAD

Section Title

Story Title

Winter Wonderland

#ItsAprilBaby

18th Season of Ford Speedway In Lights

You Wanted It... You Got It. April 19, 2015 Food City 500

August Nights

Battle At Bristol Countdown Clock

Ford Sweeps & NASCAR Stars Light Up The Nights

Less Than Two Years and Counting.... Story Inside

Bristol Motor Speedway & Dragway

A


SECTION SUBHEAD

Section Title

Story Title

You level dirt. You level concrete. You level timber. We level the competition. B

Winter 2014


Content

FEATURES

36

22

18

42

3

6

14

Jerry’s Letter A Wonderful Year of Events

32

Battle At Bristol Countdown Clock

Chow Down... New Kids On The Block

40

Employee Spotlight Claudia Byrd

46

April Excitement It’s April Baby!

“It’s Bristol Baby!” The Circus Comes To Town

Bristol Motor Speedway & Dragway

1


Contents

DEPARTMENTS

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/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 VP/Events.......................................Tanyua Kerns VP/Public Affairs..............................Kevin Triplett Sr. Dir. Operations...............................Billy Kerns Sr. Dir. Brand Management.............Drew Bedard Dir. Ticket Sales............................. Landon Owen COMMUNICATIONS VP/Communications........................ Becky Cox 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 Xfinity including Sirius and NASCAR.com. For more information, visit the Company’s website at www.gospeedway.com.

Reserve Early! 800.356.1676 or 865.453.4400

www.dixiestampede.com FOLLOW US 2

Winter 2014

Call Toll Free

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

Follow Us @BMSupdates

Pin with Us BMSupdates

View Us ThunderValley

Like Us BristolMotorSpeedway

+ Us +bristolmotorspeedway

Do you have article ideas or comments for upcoming issues? Send your suggestions to: Drew Bedard dbedard@bristolmotorspeedway.com


SECTION SUBHEAD

Letter From Jerry

A Wonderful Year of Events

After a wonderful year of events we now turn our attention to winter where, we will spend time with friends and family and reminisce about what an amazing year we had. After a great race in non-Chamber-of-Commerce conditions for the Food City 500 weekend, June turned out to be a wonderful weekend at the NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals. Then in August, it was simply one of the best race weeks we have ever had. As most of you know by now our Chairman Bruton Smith and President Marcus Smith worked extremely hard and were able to get our race date moved from March to April for the 2015 season. The new Food City 500 weekend is April 17-19, 2015 and we could not be more excited! We hope you are, too. Hopefully, we will see a lot of your fellow fans here in April of 2015 for what is sure to be a beautiful weekend in the Tennessee hills. Also, the most electrifying race on the circuit, the IRWIN Tools Night Race, returns to its traditional late August date, August 19-22. As we look toward 2015, we also are excited about the start of Ford Speedway In Lights. The biggest and best holiday light show in the south lights up the night starting in November and runs through early January. For more information, including a Ford Speedway In Lights calendar of events, please visit SpeedwayInLights.org. With the days ticking down to the Battle at Bristol football game and the spring race date change in 2015, the future is extremely bright for Bristol Motor Speedway and Dragway. We are so appreciative that you continue to join us for our excting events. Have a blessed holiday season and if you need anything at all, please do not hesitate to reach out to any of our dedicated staff. We are here to serve you. Sincerely,

Jerry Caldwell Executive Vice President and General Manager Bristol Motor Speedway and Dragway

Bristol Motor Speedway & Dragway

3


w w w.olesmokymoonshine.com 息2013 Ole Smoky Distillery, LLC. All rights reserved. Ole Smoky速, Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine速, and Shine Responsibly速, are all registered trademarks owned by Ole Smoky Distillery, LLC.

official moonshine sponsor


Chetola Resort at Blowing Rock Blue Ridge Mountain Holiday Package Join us in North Carolina’s majestic Blue Ridge Mountains this holiday season while enjoying Chetola’s Festival of Lights featuring thousands of dazzling illuminations. From the moment you enterthe resort you’ll find yourself surrounded by a holiday wonderland.

Your Package includes: • Discounted accommodations in Chetola Lodge, The Bob Timberlake Inn or a spacious Condominium • $50 Gift Card to Timberlake’s Restaurant

Nov. 30 - Dec. 24, 2014 2 night Packages from $375

Main St | Blowing Rock | 800-243-8652 | Chetola.com


SECTION SUBHEAD Section Title

Story Title

6

Spring 2014


THE NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK

Restaurant Review

The New Kids On The Block

THE NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK Eighteen years ago this past January, Bruton Smith acquired Bristol International Raceway and transformed it into Bristol Motor Speedway, the greatest place to race stock cars (and watch them do it) in the world. I’ve been lucky enough to participate in the growth of BMS from the very first day. Where else can you earn a living reviewing restaurants two or three times a year? Heck, the people who write for the big shot newspapers have to do it every week. When I think about it, it’s a good thing that I don’t do it that often; the Tri-Cities economy couldn’t take it. You might have noticed during one of your visits that you had difficulty finding a restaurant I had emphatically hyped in a past magazine. Unfortunately, many of the restaurants I have reviewed disappeared sometime afterward. So far the list includes Joe’s Crab Shack, Tony Roma’s, and Skoby’s, with an honorable mention for Galloway’s (they closed and moved to a new location in Johnson City, trying their best to make sure I wouldn’t discover the new address, but alas that wasn’t enough to save them). This could give a guy a complex. To make matters worse, we’re not talking “fly-by-night” operations here. Joe’s and Tony’s are national chains and Skoby’s was an institution in this area for years… at least until I showed up.

in Johnson City and Bristol, and a local Bristol institution has added a second location just down the highway from the track. In Johnson City, we welcome both the southern favorite, Tupelo Honey, and an East Coast Wings franchise. Additionally, a Bristol original, The Mad Greek, expands by adding a second location, just off State of Franklin Road in Johnson City. Finally, the national buffalo wing juggernaut, Quaker Steak and Lube, has opened on State Street in Bristol. I have visited each of these fine establishments (multiple times) and would always go back for more. What a surprise!!! With two new wing places, as a race fan, what more could you ask for? Both Quaker Steak and East Coast feature multiple flat screens and your favorite comfort foods and adult beverages. Tupelo Honey is a famous regional (North and South Carolina; and Tennessee) restaurant that recently opened in the renovated train station in Johnson City. Although it features really great food (shrimp and grits, nutty fried chicken, not your mama’s meatloaf, etc.) the best thing about it is the complimentary dish of piping hot biscuits and honey that arrive at your table within minutes of your arrival. As far as The Mad Greek goes, I’ll let you guess what their specialty is …. Gyro’s and pizza, anyone?

When you’re here in April (yes, April, how about that!), stop in Well, fortunately everybody’s got to eat, so there will always at one or more of these fine places and tell them Fred sent you. be some brave entrepreneur to take the place of those that On second thought, maybe you ought to keep that to yourself. have gone before. Good News! New eateries have opened

3 LUCKY COUPLES WIN • • • •

DINNER AT ONE OF THE FINEST TRI-CITIES AREA RESTURANTS PRIVATE LIMO SERVICE BRISTOL PRIZE PACK VALUED AT OVER $250 COLD PIT PASSES FOR THE IRWIN TOOLS NIGHT RACE

TO ENTER: EMAIL FRED@BRISTOLMOTORSPEEDWAY.COM AND TELL ME WHY YOU SHOULD WIN.

CONTEST

“HECK YEAH! I WANT TO CHOW DOWN WITH FRED!”

Bristol Motor Speedway & Dragway

7


SECTION SUBHEAD Section Title

Story Title

8

Winter 2014


iBelong Profile Tennessee Volunteers or Virginia Tech In fact, a couple of years ago we learned Hokies: there was a possibility the track may need to move our seats to accommodate changes Neither. Being from Detroit, I’m a Michigan to their handicap seating and I told them, fan so I just hope it’s a good game. “Hopefully you won’t need those seats, but if you do you have to move all nine of us Tell me about your first trip to Bristol together. We’re a packaged deal.” Motor Speedway. Just recently I was on my way back from My first race was Spring 2003, right after Cincinnati and stopped to see some Bristol they built Earnhardt Terrace. I remember friends who live in London, Ky. , and we sitting dialing and redialing and redialing made our plans for Speedway In Lights this for about 5 hours the day tickets went on year. sale. The phone finally rang at 1 p.m. and I thought there was no way there would still So you attend Speedway In Lights be tickets, but they had tickets. I was just so each year too? excited, and I’ve been to every race since. Yes. We had a little drive-thru light display What sets Bristol apart for you? not too far from where I lived in Michigan, and it was cool so when I heard they did it The races here are unlike anywhere else, here I wanted to come. I brought my mom between the sound created by the track down the first time, and we were amazed as being totally enclosed the way it is and the we drove through – especially the moment tight racing. I started out going to races at we realized there really was an hour-andbigger tracks – 1.5 miles, 2 miles – and the a-half worth of light displays. It’s just such first time I came here was the first time I’d an awesome experience and it benefits seen a NASCAR short track in person and Speedway Children’s Charities, so why WOW! I’m watching the cars go around for wouldn’t you go? the first practice thinking, “This track’s about the size of the block I live on. This is a city They change it a little bit each year so we block and you have 43 cars going 100 plus make sure to come back every year, and if miles per hour around it.” That’s what I tell you have kids the infield village is really cool people when they ask what’s different about with the rides and marshmallow roasting Bristol. and everything. Our Fan Advisory Board Group may have even been in to see Santa What’s been your favorite NASCAR a couple of times… moment at Bristol? So you’re originally from Michigan but Every race is different, and they’ve all been have recently moved to the Bristol fun. I was a huge Rusty Wallace fan so area. What drew you here? probably his last race here would be my favorite Bristol moment – that and when The track drew me here to start with. Then they did the tribute to Dale Jarrett during coming down 2-3 times a year between the his last race, but they’re all fun. I’ve made races and Speedway In Lights, I just fell in family here between people I’ve met on the love with the area and decided that when message boards and the people who sit on I retired I wanted to move here so I did. I’d both sides of me – we’ve become family. been moving stuff slowly for a couple of We keep in contact all year round and even years and officially moved over the Aug. exchange Christmas cards. 2014 race weekend.

As a new local and Bristol veteran, any recommendations for our newer guests? In April, come early enough for Food City Race Night and in August don’t miss the NASCAR Transporter Parade on Thursday night. Any restaurants or places to see in town? Well I haven’t been here long enough to really visit the sightseeing spots, but restaurants I’d recommend are Ridgewood BBQ (Bluff City, Tenn.), Freiberg’s German Restaurant in Johnson City and Cootie Brown's. The fact that they’re opening a Cootie Brown’s in Bristol is awesome because you won’t have to go to Johnson City. I love that place. They’re so much fun there. Along with both NASCAR events and Speedway In Lights, I think you’ve also reserved your tickets for the Battle at Bristol. Since you’re a Michigan fan, what appeals to you about the 2016 game? I think it’s just going to be such an awesome experience. In basketball they talk about the impact of the 6th man or the 12th man in football, and I think about the crowd here. It’s going to be so loud. The number of fans attending is really going to add to the game itself. If anyone’s still on the fence about attending Bristol, what’s the one thing you would tell them? When you watch it on TV, you don’t get the sounds and smells of the race – even when they have the “Turn It Up” spot on TV, it still doesn’t sound like a race and the sound here is unlike any other. You MUST have ear protection to come here.

Bristol Motor Speedway & Dragway

9

GLORIA FLUCKS

Name: Gloria Flucks Reside: Bluff City, TN iBelong Member: 11 years Favorite NASCAR Driver: Denny Hamlin

Member Profile


SECTION SUBHEAD Section Title

Story Title

10

Winter 2014


Season Tickets

Why Season Tickets Are A Great Vlaue

Why Season Tickets Are A Great Value By Drew Bedard

Season tickets are a tough sell in most parts of the sports world. My question is, why? Well first, more and more consumers today are looking for single servings. One-time events. But savvy consumers are the ones who look for great value, perks and recognition through reward programs. That’s exactly what our iBelong Season Ticket Holder Program is. Not only can you save 26% on race tickets, but the discounts and perks add up to more than $300. Yes, you read that right. Discounts and coupons for more than $300 and our lowest season ticket package is $149. I’m not a mathematician, but I think that works in your favor. Our research shows that the iBelong Member program has still not reached its saturation point, meaning not everyone knows about it. So, Bristol family member and avid reader of this charming magazine, I want you to do me a favor. I want you, within the next week (only if you are comfortable of course) to tell someone about Bristol and if you are (or are about to become) an iBelong Member through acquiring season tickets, tell THEM about the iBelong program. Many of our family members say it’s the best season ticket program on the NASCAR circuit, maybe the best in the sport’s world. But enough from me, why don’t I let one of our iBelong members tell you how they feel. Take it away Ron... I am a racing junkie and a motor head. I enjoy going to or being a part of any sort of motorized competition that may involve cars, motorcycles, off road, snowmobiles, tractor pulls, you name it and I am ready to go. Of all the events I attend during a year, Bristol has always been the one that I look forward to most. I have been attending races at Bristol since the early 80's. Through the years there have been many changes to the facility, to the ownership, to the cars and drivers. As these changes have evolved one thing has remained the same, the track has always challenged man and machine to do their best and at the end of the day to be first. There is no place for the

competitors to hide as every seat in the track allows you to see it all. I so enjoy that competition, it brings me back year after year to see what the next installment will bring. Every time I drive down Volunteer Parkway and see the stands towering in the air I get excited. I know what will happen inside, as the weekend progresses, from practice, to qualifying, to racing, the drama builds. There is only one way to feel this excitement and that is to be there. The smell, the sound, the drama cannot be matched. I know that I will be a part of it because I have staked out my turf by being a season ticket holder at Bristol Motor Speedway. I have been a season ticket holder at Bristol Motor Speedway for many years. One of the main reasons I became a season ticket holder was because not too long ago you could not get a ticket to the races at Bristol as the races were sold out. That is not the case today as there are tickets available for both the April and August race weekends at Bristol. So why do I STILL want to be a season ticket holder? A few years back, the folks at Bristol, created a name for season ticket holders, "iBelong" @ Bristol. Not only did they come up with this name but they also included a number of "perks" available only to season ticket holders. A few of them, which I use often, include race ticket discounts, souvenir discounts, concession stand discounts and first opportunity to upgrade seating. Another really nice touch is seeing my name listed on the iBelong Fan Wall down on the track. Two events that I never miss are the reception in downtown Bristol during Food City Race Night and Brunch on Bruton Sunday morning after the August Night Race. There are a number of other benefits which are always being added exclusively for iBelong members. I do not know of any other track that does this much and more for their season ticket holders. I’m in! Ron Spence Columbus, NC I think Ron sums it up nicely. Our team at Bristol works extremely hard to give our fans the absolute best value and experience money can buy. We are looking forward to seeing all of our Bristol family together again for our BRAND NEW Spring race dates of April 17 - 19 and all season here at the Last Great Colosseum.

Bristol Motor Speedway & Dragway

11


SECTION SUBHEAD Section Title

Story Title

12

Winter 2014


Bristol Motor Speedway & Dragway

13



NEW SPRING DATE

Food City 500

You Wanted It, You Got It!

You Wanted It, You Got it!

New April Date Announced for Food City 500 By: Kevin Kelly Signs were unveiled with #ItsAprilBaby and fireworks were launched as Bristol Motor Speedway shared the good news with race fans on Aug. 22. The Food City 500 race weekend at Bristol Motor Speedway is moving back a month, to April 17-19. It’s been held in March since 2005. “We have the most passionate race fans in all of the sport and the greatest partners in all of the sport,” Bristol Motor Speedway general manager Jerry Caldwell said. “This wouldn’t be possible without the race fans. They asked for this. They repeatedly asked that we be moved to a more traditional spring date.” Fans from every state and 25 foreign countries are in town for the IRWIN Tools Night Race, he said. Shifting the spring race weekend to mid-April will help those traveling to Bristol from colder climates. “Being in the northeast or the midwest, they had a real challenge de-winterizing that RV and coming down,” Caldwell said. “So we’ve given them another five weeks almost for the weather to warm up, so they don’t have to battle that when they go home.” Fans at Bristol Motor Speedway learned of the date shift Friday from Steve Smith, president and chief executive officer of K-VA-T Food Stores. He announced the news over the public address system at the track. “You wanted it, and you got it,” Smith said. Fans seated in the stands before Food City 300 qualifying in August responded to the news with cheers and whistles. “It’s been a little tough the last few years with some of the inconsistent weather that we’ve had,” Smith said. “When we get to the mid-April timeframe...it’s going to be more hospitable to our race fans and we’re going to bring more people to the Food City 500. That’s for sure.” He continued: “I compliment NASCAR. I compliment Bruton (refering to Bruton Smith, Speedway Motorsports Inc. Chairman) for working so hard on this. We’re going to deliver to the fans. I think that’s one of the things that makes Bristol Motor Speedway such a great racetrack and a great venue; they listen to the fans. They do care about the fans. We’re excited not only to be part of it but we’re excited about this true spring race date.” Tickets for the April race weekend - comprised of NASCAR K&N Pro Series East, Xfinity and Sprint Cup events - are available now. Information about reserving tickets is available online at BristolTix.com or by calling (855) 773-5324.

Bristol Motor Speedway & Dragway

15


SECTION SUBHEAD Section Title

Story Title

16

Winter 2014


REMINDER: Since the Tennessee Legislature passed the “Non-smokers Protection Act” in 2007, Bristol Motor Speedway has been a non-smoking facility inside the grandstand area as well as in restrooms and on suite level. While it is an outdoor arena and our guests choose their seats when they make a purchase, no one can choose who sits beside, in front or behind them. We ask smokers to please be courteous and respectful of their fellow race fans and BMS policies and take advantage of smoking on the concourse areas where it is permitted. If there are issues with guests adhering to this policy, please text Bristol, your location and your concerns to 69050. We want everyone’s experience at Bristol Motor Speedway to be a positive memory and appreciate your help with this.

INCLUDING E-CIGARETTES

Bristol Motor Speedway & Dragway

17


SECTION SUBHEAD Section Title

Story Title

18

Winter 2014


Speedway Feature

Hear First Hand Why Bristol Is The Ultimate On A Lot Of Lists By: Kevin Kelly

T

he phrase “bucket list” is tossed around a lot these days.

living room with you and staying in one of the campgrounds?

Websites and news stories tell us about things we should do or places we should go before it’s too late. Seeing the Northern Lights. Skydiving. Getting a tattoo. Swimming with dolphins. Going on a cruise. Running a marathon. Standing in the shadows of the Great Pyramids in Egypt.

My home away from home for the August 2014 weekend was parked in a gravel spot outlined with white paint in Section H of the Dragstrip Campground that overlooks Bristol Dragway.

If you’re any kind of follower of NASCAR, trekking to the Last Great Colosseum for the IRWIN Tools Night Race has to be high up on your list.

The brothers from Fayetteville, N.C. entered a contest called the Ultimate Bristol Weekend sweepstakes at the last minute, and won the thing.

It was mine, ever since Dale Earnhardt only meant to rattle Terry Labonte’s cage back in 1999.

Their prize? On-site accommodations. A parking pass. Race weekend tickets. A $500 travel stipend. Hot passes for the IRWIN Tools Night Race. Entrance to the Sprint Cup Drivers meeting. Groceries from Food City. Four cases of Pepsi products, which helped explain why they offered me a Diet Pepsi. A Bristol Motor Speedway prize pack.

The wonders of modern technology make it easier than ever to enjoy a sporting event from the comfort of your living room. But let’s be honest. It’s not the same. High definition television has revolutionized the in-home viewing experience but it cannot duplicate the thrill of being there; experiencing the sights, the smells, the sounds, the emotions of being part of a major sporting event. And what better way to soak in the Bristol short track experience than by bringing the

Occupying the RV “next door” were Allen and Joey Brown.

They couldn’t believe their good fortune. “We didn’t think it was real at first,” Allen Brown said. “I needed to see some proof. The waivers finally came in and I said this is for real. I’m glad.” It was Joey’s first NASCAR race. For the Jeff Gordon fan, the highlights were many.

‘The people are so nice here, and it’s like the ultimate...’ “The people are so nice here,” he said. “And it’s like the ultimate. You get to come and experience everything. To walk down while your favorite driver is signing autographs, to walk beside him, everybody is on this side of the gate and you’re on this side with the driver, you just feel like you’re part of the team. It’s great.” The Dragstrip Campground is like a pop-up community on the outskirts of a big city. Georgia, Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, the Carolinas, Maryland, Kentucky and the Canadian province of Ontario were represented on license plates in my immediate vicinity in Section H of the campground. People return every year to have a good time and enjoy some of the most entertaining racing NASCAR has to offer these days. It’s a welcoming atmosphere, like a backyard barbecue in a lot of ways. Fire up the grill. Pour some drinks. Turn up the radio. Play cornhole into the wee hours. Enjoy the time with friends and family. Maybe get a little rowdy.

Bristol Motor Speedway & Dragway

19

AN EXPERIENCE LIKE NO OTHER

BRISTOL... An Experience Like No Other


Speedway Feature

AN EXPERIENCE LIKE NO OTHER Flags fly in support of favorite drivers. A Happy Birthday sign hung from the antenna and passenger side mirror of one family’s pickup truck. One group from Indiana brought their “puppy,” a Saint Bernard-Great Pyrenees mix that looked no more like a “puppy” than I resemble Matthew McConaughey. Set between two campers parked side-byside - one towed by a Ford, the other by a Chevy - a woman assembled a mannequin and sat it in a lawn chair. It held a sign that pointed to one side and read, “Camping with stupid.” Bristol is not something to experience alone, which is why I called a friend who had never been to Thunder Valley and convinced him to take a last-minute road trip. Campground amenities include unlimited access to the shower house and free tram service to and from the track. To be honest, I was a little leery about the whole shower house thing.

20

Winter 2014

A clean shower stall and ample hot water washed any reservations away. My advice: arrive early to beat the morning rush, don’t forget a towel, soap and shampoo. This isn’t a hotel. And your mom isn’t coming to pick up the washcloth you left on the shower floor. If you’re a people watcher, the sights are many at Bristol. I walked the grounds Friday and again Saturday before the race. As I told Tom Taylor, host of BristolLIVE, the energy reminded me of a state fair. Just a sea of people having a lot of fun. The midway included a zip line and ferris wheel for the kids and plenty else for the whole family, including rides in the back of a monster truck. In one stretch of the massive display area between the track and the campground, you had a band playing country music next to a mechanical bull next to a booth promoting the Battle At Bristol.

In one stretch of the massive display area between the track and the campground, you had a band playing country music next to a mechanical bull... Billed as college football’s biggest game ever, the University of Tennessee will play Virginia Tech on Sept. 10, 2016 as Bristol Motor Speedway transforms from legendary short track to football stadium. Yard lines were marked on the asphalt in the infield garage. Steps away from the stage, attractive bartenders were serving up Ole Smoky Moonshine and trying to position themselves to be in the background of a TV show broadcasting live.


Speedway Feature

AN EXPERIENCE LIKE NO OTHER I asked Chelsea the bartender to recommend a flavor of Ole Smoky Moonshine. Without hesitating, she suggested Hunch Punch mixed with Mountain Dew. My buddy in the “Dale Yeah” t-shirt ordered a shot of Sweet Tea. I pulled out my notebook as I sipped my refreshment in the shade and asked Chelsea, a Bristol resident, about the significance of the night race. “I feel like people look forward to it coming because local sales go up,” she said. More importantly, had she ever sipped the kind of moonshine that isn’t available in stores? Yes, she freely admitted. I needed something in my stomach besides Hunch Punch. Thankfully, the choices were plentiful, and one in particular stood out; a caloric concoction that its creators from Mooresville, N.C. dubbed the, “BBQ Sundae.” The sandwich board set up in front of the food truck advertised the $9 offering as Gluten Free.

What’s in a BBQ Sundae? A whole lot of gastro goodness, that’s what. Take a clear Solo-style cup and layer the ingredients like sand art. Baked beans. Pulled pork. Coleslaw. More pulled pork, with a slathering of tangy barbecue sauce. All garnished with a pickle spear. Finishing it felt like a victory, celebrated quickly thereafter with a glorious nap before gearing up for the race. Part of my weekend assignment included covering the race for BristolMotorSpeedway.com, which meant being inside the track long before the green flag. Wynonna Judd played the pre-race concert and I spotted Captain “Wild” Bill Wichrowski of “Deadliest Catch” fame posing for photos in the garage.

‘Bristol delivers yearin and year-out. The passion from drivers and fans is palpable.’

Bristol is something to behold from the outside. But being on the floor with rows of seats rising high into the sky defies description. An energy filled the place that I can only liken to the atmosphere before an NFL playoff game or Southeastern Conference football game between rival schools. NASCAR wants Game 7 moments. Bristol delivers year-in and year-out. The passion from drivers and fans is palpable. It is scrappy short track racing at the highest level. As I settled into my seat in the press box high above Turns 3 and 4, I looked out over the crowd and couldn’t help but think to myself that my bucket list was now one item shorter. And that I would find a way to get back soon. That’s Bristol, baby!

Bristol Motor Speedway & Dragway

21


SECTION SUBHEAD Section Title

Story Title

22

Winter 2014


AUGUST NIGHTS AT BRISTOL

Speedway Feature

Ford Sweeps and NASACR Stars Light Up The Night

August Nights At Bristol

Ford Sweeps and NASCAR Stars Light Up The Nights By: Kevin Kelly Images: Harold Hinson Photogrpahy, Getty Images

It’s not every week that one manufacturer sweeps a NASCAR tripleheader race weekend. Ford did it in August at Bristol Motor Speedway. Team Penske driver Brad Keselowski earned his first career Camping World Truck Series victory - albeit driving his own equipment - in the UNOH 200 presented by ZLOOP on Thursday, Aug. 21. The next day, Penske driver Ryan Blaney won the Nationwide Series’ Food City 300. Their teammate, Joey Logano, capped things off by taking his No. 22 Ford to victory lane in the Sprint Cup Series IRWIN Tools Night Race on Saturday, Aug. 23.

Bristol Motor Speedway & Dragway

23


AUGUST NIGHTS AT BRISTOL

Speedway Feature

Ford Sweeps and NASCAR Stars Light Up The Night “All of us got a win,” Keselowski said. “Everyone’s happy. Definitely a very special weekend for Team Penske.” The weekend sweep for Ford was its first since 2006 when Mark Martin and Matt Kenseth combined to win all three races at Bristol Motor Speedway. Logano held off his Sprint Cup Series teammate Keselowski to win another wild night race. He did so by slipping past Kenseth for the lead with 45 laps remaining and crossing the finish line 0.390 of a second ahead of Keselowski. “It’s a really big one,” Logano said. “I feel like the Bristol night race is maybe the third or fourth biggest race of the year. Just the atmosphere before the race, if it doesn’t pump you up nothing does. It’s just the baddest, mamma jamma race track ever built. It’s so much fun to go around.” The victory was Logano’s third of the season and further strengthened his status as a serious threat to challenge for the championship. Before this season, Logano had not won more than one race in a Sprint Cup season.

‘I know inside this whole 22 team feels like we’re contenders to win this championship...’ - Joey Logano “I know inside this whole 22 team feels like we’re contenders to win this championship,” he said. “It would be really weird if we didn’t think we were. We have three wins right now. We’ve got a really good shot.” Kenseth led 62 laps and finished third in a race he won last season. Jimmie Johnson overcame a pair of pit road speeding penalties to finish fourth and Kurt Busch rounded out the top five. Jamie McMurray led more laps (148) than any other driver but wound up eighth after getting shuffled back due to pit strategy. Pole-winner Kevin Harvick led the opening 37 laps and was racing Denny Hamlin for the lead on Lap 160 when he turned Hamlin’s car as they raced out of Turn 4. Hamlin’s car slid sideways down the frontstretch before kissing the inside retaining wall and drifting back onto the track into the path of Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s oncoming

24

Winter 2014


Harvick took blame for instigating the wreck, but an upset Hamlin hurled his neck restraint device at Harvick’s passing car. Hamlin finished 40th, while Harvick finished 11th. Earnhardt was relegated to 39th. “I’m just frustrated because we had a good run going,” Hamlin said. “I thought for sure after the first couple runs that we were going to win the race.” Kenseth was one of four drivers who stayed out during the final caution period with less than 70 laps remaining, and he inherited the lead when McMurray and others ducked onto pit road. Kenseth felt the strategy gave him the best shot at his first victory of the season after winning seven times in 2013. “It probably would have been a safer thing to pit, I guess,” he said. “You make split-second decisions…and I felt like at that split second that was our only shot to win the race.” Within a couple of laps following the restart, Logano had moved from sixth to fourth place. He passed Carl Edwards for second place a few laps later. Kenseth maintained the lead while Logano and Keselowski closed in. Logano pulled off the decisive pass on Lap 456 of 500.

‘I was able to get up underneath him and get some good position and slide it up.’ - Joey Logano “I was able to get up underneath him and get some good position and slide it up,” Logano said. “It took patience because if I didn’t do it I was going to go back to third and that kind of takes your shot at winning away. That’s the way we had to race all night. Look at how far behind the car behind you is. Wait for lapped traffic and capitalize.” Keselowski needed several more laps to get by Kenseth for second place, and made a final charge in an effort to catch Logano on the final lap. “I’d love to have that one more position but it just wasn’t there,” Keselowski said. “Every time I’d get close to Joey, I’d pick up a massive aero push up off the corner and couldn’t do anything. I lost too much speed to do anything. I couldn’t even get close enough to really do a bump and run.

Bristol Motor Speedway & Dragway

25

AUGUST NIGHTS AT BRISTOL

car. The subsequent impact sheared off the driver’s side sheet-metal and dislodged the safety foam behind it on Earnhardt’s car.

Speedway Feature

Ford Sweeps and NASCAR Stars Light Up The Night


AUGUST NIGHTS AT BRISTOL

Speeway Feature

Ford Sweeps and NASCAR Stars Light Up The Night

Last lap, I dive bombed it in there on a prayer hoping it would stick or he would slip. Made it look good but it really wasn’t close.”

Blaney said he has raced Busch enough to know he likes to hold back before taking off on restarts.

Kyle Busch, the only driver to sweep all three NASCAR national series races on the same weekend, finished a disappointing 36th in the night race. The night before, he appeared headed toward another first at Bristol until a late caution in the Food City 300, and the ensuing restart, dashed Busch’s drive for a fourth consecutive victory at the world’s fastest half-mile.

“Kyle didn’t go on that last restart,” Blaney said. “He said his tires were jacked up, but we got to the second (restart) line and I went.”

Blaney passed him for the lead with seven laps remaining and scored his first Nationwide series victory at Bristol.

Blaney had a brush with Kyle Larson late in the race. The two were racing inside the top five when Blaney dove low into Turn 1, drifted up the track and put Larson into the wall with 19 laps remaining. “I thought he was just going to chase me up top but he just ran me into the wall,” said Larson, who finished 26th. Blaney apologized for the contact.

“I was surprised that we got a good restart and were able to get in front of him,” said Blaney, who started second in the No. 22 Ford. “I was really just thinking of settling for second because it was going to be so hard to try to get by him. He was so good. Luckily things went our way tonight and we had a good enough car to put ourselves in that position. It paid off for us.” Busch started from the pole and led 161 of the 300 laps. He finished second in the No. 54 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota and took exception to how the decisive restart played out. Regan Smith was lined up behind Busch on the restart. “My rear tires weren’t on the racetrack and I couldn’t accelerate forward,” Busch said.

26

Winter 2014

‘I got really loose and got into him there and unfortunately wrecked him... Sorry about that.’ - Ryan Blaney “I got really loose and got into him there and unfortunately wrecked him,” Blaney said. “Sorry about that.” The race started 67 minutes behind schedule because of rain


AUGUST NIGHTS AT BRISTOL

Speedway Feature

Ford Sweeps and NASCAR Stars Light Up The Night

and was slowed by 10 cautions. A wreck involving the cars driven by David Starr, Tanner Berryhill and Chad Boat redflagged the race for 7 minutes, 4 seconds on Lap 111. The UNOH 200 Truck Series race was postponed from Wednesday until Thursday morning because of weather. Keselowski started fourth and passed polesitter Busch for the lead with 76 laps to go. Darrell Wallace Jr. challenged at the end but Keselowski held on in the No. 19 Ford for his first victory in 62 career Truck Series starts, the last 20 of which had been in a truck fielded by the race team bearing his name. “It was a good battle and Bristol has always been a special track,” Keselowski said. “(Crew chief) Doug Randolph and the team gave me a great truck. This thing took off and it was flying and I knew we had a shot at it right away from Lap 1. It’s (a) matter of putting it all together and not having any bad luck and we didn’t and everything came together and the team did a great job.” Wallace finished second. Busch led 81 of the 200 laps and finished 24th. The victory by Keselowski helped he and his father, Bob Keselowski, garner the distinction of being the first fatherson duo to win races in the Truck Series. Bob Keselowski won in 2007 at Richmond International Raceway.

Also of note, the younger Keselowski became just the 25th driver to win a race in each of NASCAR’s three national touring series. He scored his first Nationwide Series victory in 2008 at Nashville Superspeedway and earned his first Sprint Cup victory in 2009 at Talladega Superspeedway. “It’s a big day for me personally and professionally,” Keselowski said. “Personally, I think we dug into a lot of things with my family and the commitment they’ve had to the sport and, specifically to this series for a long time, to race and make a living for quite a while. Then, beyond that, to give me an opportunity to do the same in the latter stages of their involvement. It was a tough road and quite honestly we didn’t make it. It’s always a personal tragedy of sorts to go through that and that’s one of the many reasons I’m still involved in this series.” The August race weekend closed the NASCAR portion of Bristol Motor Speedway’s schedule for 2014. The Sprint Cup Series will return next spring, not in March, but in April. The Speedway announced the day before this year’s night race that the Food City 500 race weekend was moving back a month, to April 17-19, in response to fans’ wishes. It had been held in March since 2005. Tickets for the April race weekend - comprised of the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East, Xfinity and Sprint Cup events - are available now. Information about reserving tickets is available online at BristolTix.com or by calling (855) 773-5324.

Bristol Motor Speedway & Dragway

27






SECTION SUBHEAD Section Title

Story Title

32

Winter 2014


Battle At Bristol

BRISTOL COUNTDOWN CLOCK

New Battle at Bristol Countdown Clock Builds Anticipation for College Football’s Largest Game By Drew Bedard History will be made as sports fans witness a border battle, decades in the making, between Virginia Tech and the University of Tennessee at Bristol Motor Speedway on Sept. 10, 2016. In honor of this epic rivalry, spurred by fanatical fan bases, an 18 ½ -foot tall, two-year countdown clock was unveiled on Sept. 10, 2014 at the Bristol TN/VA Chamber of Commerce, right on the state line. BMS GM Jerry Caldwell, Food City CEO Steve Smith and Bristol Chamber CEO Joy Madison led the ceremonies and unveiled the new clock display in the shadow of the famous Bristol Guitar sign that signifies the city’s historical stature as the Birthplace of Country Music. Known around the world already for racing and music, Bristol will now be known for football as it looks to set the alltime college football attendance record in 2016. Expected to draw more than 150,000 fans, the Battle at Bristol will transform Bristol Motor Speedway into college football’s largest venue. Within an estimated two-week timeframe following its traditional late-August race date, the facility will see an unprecedented overhaul to prepare for “The Battle.” The Battle at Bristol football game is on track to crush the current NCAA single-game attendance record of 115,109, which was set in September 2013 at Michigan Stadium. The countdown takes place not only at the Bristol Chamber of Commerce but on BattleAtBristol.com where you can see the countdown every day. The video from this event can be viewed on Bristol’s website or YouTube Channel at YouTube.com/ThunderValley. Facts about the Battle at Bristol Countdown Clock:

The Battle at Bristol countdown clock stands 18 ½ feet tall and expands to 11-feet wide at the VT and UT helmets

The entire structure of the sign weighs 625 pounds

The sign is American made by Express Signs, located in Kingsport, Tenn.

The clock itself, from ThinkSign in Louisville, Kentucky is a full color 16 mm true pixel 1R1G1B LED with an over 68 billion color capacity message center

The brightness is 12,000 NITS with a lifetime of over 100,000 hours pulling only 8 amps

The Battle at Bristol countdown clock is positioned in front of the Bristol Chamber office at the intersection of Volunteer Parkway and State Street. The clock is displayed next to the iconic guitar sculpture, signfying Bristol’s designation by the U.S. Congress as “The Birthplace of Country Music.” The clock and guitar are highly visible to passersby as they live, work and travel in the twin cities.

Bristol Motor Speedway & Dragway

33


Battle At Bristol

BRISTOL COUNTDOWN CLOCK

See the video... Visit www.youtube.com/thundervalley

34

Winter 2014


Story Title Section Title

Join Ryan Reed in the Drive to Stop Diabetes

SM

SECTION SUBHEAD

Ryan Reed is living life with no limits. Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 17, Ryan was told he would never race again. Through hard work and determination, this year Ryan will compete full time in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. Ryan is living his life to the fullest and hopes to inspire the tens of millions of Americans living with diabetes to do the same. Ryan has joined forces with the American Diabetes Association in the Drive to Stop Diabetes presented by Lilly Diabetes, an awareness and educational campaign with scheduled events at select NASCAR Nationwide Series races throughout 2014.

Visit the Drive to Stop Diabetes Pavilion and meet Ryan during select NASCAR weekends through the 2014 season! February 22 -23 March 15-16 March 22-23 April 11-12 May 3-4 May 24-25 June 27-28 August 22-23 August 30-31 September 5-6 September 13-14 October 4-5 October 10-11 November 1-2 November 15-16

Daytona International Speedway Bristol Motor Speedway Auto Club Speedway, Fontana CA Darlington Raceway Talladega Superspeedway Charlotte Motor Speedway Kentucky Speedway Bristol Motor Speedway Atlanta Motor Speedway Richmond International Raceway Chicagoland Speedway Kansas Speedway Charlotte Motor Speedway Texas Motor Speedway Homestead-Miami Speedway

To learn more and to support Ryan and the Drive to Stop Diabetes visit

drivetostopdiabetes.org Follow Ryan’s 2014 journey as he competes for NASCAR Nationwide Rookie of the Year. driverRyanReed

@driverRyanReed

Ryan Reed’s name and/or likeness used by authority of Roush Fenway Racing, LLC.

Bristol Motor Speedway & Dragway

35


SECTION SUBHEAD Section Title

Story Title

36

Winter 2014


2014-2015 PREVIEW

Speedway In Lights

It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas

It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas Bristol Motor Speedway & Dragway transforms into a winter wonderland for 18th season of Ford Speedway In Lights By Lynsey WIlson It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Bristol Motor Speedway as crews transform the World’s Fastest HalfMile into a winter wonderland. One of the country’s largest holiday light shows, the 18th season of Ford Speedway In Lights powered by TVA brightens the season with more than two million twinkling bulbs illuminating an over four-mile route around the property. The light show, benefitting the Bristol chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities, enchants visitors with whimsical displays such as a sneak peek at Santa’s workshop where the elves are busy assembling toys and filling the sleigh, a trip back to prehistoric times with Tyrannosaurus Rex and Stegosaurus roaming the East Tennessee hills and an underwater adventure made possible by Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies®. Also among the 200 dazzling displays, the SUBWAY® Symphony of Lights sparkles in the Darrell Waltrip grandstand as more than 300,000 LED lights blink in time with the festive holiday music. The synchronized exhibit also features a large Christmas tree, along with dazzling snowflakes that dance in harmony on a large, ever-changing backdrop. In addition to marveling at the impressive grandstand display, guests may visit Santa Claus at the infield Christmas Village. While awaiting their turn on Santa’s lap, they can entertain themselves with a spin on a variety of carnival rides stationed in the BMS infield or warm up by toasting marshmallows over an open fire. A trip through Ford Speedway In Lights is a holiday tradition for many families in the region, but even those most familiar with the radiant route will be treated to some new additions for the 2014 season. Those families seeking a new outlook on the four-mile trek may take advantage of the returning Santa’s Speedway Sleigh. Towed by a Ford truck, the decorated open-air trams provide a festive perspective for passengers, as well as a tour guide to escort them through the over four mile route. Visitors embarking on the journey in Santa’s Speedway Sleigh receive a keepsake picture, compliments of Walgreens, and a coupon for a bag of marshmallows to roast over the fire pits during the ride’s 30-minute stop in Christmas Village. Riders also receive complimentary hot chocolate or cider to keep them warm as they marvel at the twinkling, holiday extravaganza.

Bristol Motor Speedway & Dragway

37


2014-2015 PREVIEW

Speedway inLights

It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas

The only ice rink within a 90-minute driving radius, the Johnson Controls Ice Rink is one of the Speedway’s most popular non-motorsports related events and attracts thousands of visitors each year. The enclosed rink, located inside the track’s main entrance, opens Nov. 13 for its 13th season along with its counterpart HVAC Chill Hill, The 3.1 mile course leads participants through over 150 shimmering which begins its 6th season at BMS. exhibits, ending on the backstretch of the Last Great Colosseum. Runners and walkers of all ages may take part in the event with the A 300-foot long snowless slide, Chill Hill rockets riders down on top three finishers among both male and female runners receiving inflated tubes landing just outside Turn 1 at BMS. Anyone wishing to medallions in the following categories: Top Overall, Top Masters, Top take part in the tube slide must be at least 44” tall to ride alone, and Grand Masters as well as the top three in the following age groups: children at least 36”-43” tall may ride with someone 16 or older. under 10, 10-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, Proceeds from all of Bristol Motor Speedway’s winter events benefit 50-54, 55-59, 60 and over. the Bristol chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities (SCC), which raises funds in support of children’s organizations in southwest The overall male and female winners receive two suite seats to the April and August race weekends in 2015 and a free pass to Speed- Virginia and northeast Tennessee. In 2013, SCC distributed more way In Lights. Second place receives two grandstand tickets to the than $742,000 to 87 regional agencies and has raised more than $8 IRWIN Tools Night Race, and the third-place runners earn two tickets million since its inception in 1996. to the Food City 500 in April. For more information on winter events at BMS or on how you can support SCC, visit Bristol.SpeedwayCharities.org Crews spend 7-8 weeks morphing the iconic Speedway and Dragway into an enchanted holiday habitat, beginning set-up in mid-Sep- or call (855) 580-5525. tember. Along with the millions of twinkling bulbs that create Ford Speedway In Lights, BMS workers also construct two other favorite winter traditions for families in the region – the Johnson Controls Ice Rink and HVAC Chill Hill. Ford Speedway In Lights opens to the public Friday, Nov. 14, but those participating in the Sunday, Nov. 9 SUBWAY® Speedway In Lights 5K Run/Walk presented by Fleet Feet Sports receive a sneak peek of the 2014 route.

38

Winter 2014


Quick Facts WHAT: • More than 2 million holiday lights • More than 200 holiday light displays • Four-plus mile route • Johnson Controls Ice Rink • HVAC Chill Hill • Christmas Village • All proceeds benefit Speedway Children’s Charities WHEN: Friday, Nov. 14, 2014 through Jan. 3, 2015 Ford Speedway In Lights is open seven nights a week

SANTA’S SPEEDWAY SLEIGH

Wednesday and Thursday nights during Ford Speedway In Lights 6 p.m. & 8 p.m., leave from boarding station near HVAC Chill Hill $8 per person HVAC Chill Hill and Johnson Controls Ice Rink closed Mondays HOURS: Ford SIL gates are open nightly from 6 p.m.-10 p.m. (Enter at Bristol Dragway Entrance off Highway 394) HVAC Chill Hill and Johnson Controls Ice Rink hours vary, please consult www.bristolmotorspeedway.com or call (423) 989-6900. TICKETS: $12 per car Sunday through Thursday $15 per car Friday and Saturday $20 per activity van $85 per bus $7 Johnson Controls Ice Rink (covers admission/skate rental) $7 HVAC Chill Hill – Reservations are recommended. Call (423) 989-6900 FUN FACTS: BMS boasts more than 2 million lights and 200 displays Ford Speedway In Lights. This year’s route is more than four miles long and again this year, guests must enter at the Hwy 394 Bristol Dragway entrance. BMS workers begin bringing Ford Speedway In Lights to life soon after the August NASCAR events.

SUBWAY Speedway In Lights 5K | Nov. 9 6 p.m. start Adults: $25 Children 12 and under: $13 Children 3 and under: Free, not timed Visit: http://bristol.speedwaycharities.org/SubwayLights5k

The Subway Symphony in Lights in the Darrell Waltrip Grandstand features approximately 300,000 lights – 10 times more than the Rockefeller Plaza Christmas Tree in New York. The 142 miles of wiring used for Speedway In Lights could stretch from Bristol past Pigeon Forge, Tenn.

Bristol Motor Speedway & Dragway

39

2014-2015 PREVIEW

Speedway In Lights

Speedway In Lights

It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas


SECTION SUBHEAD Section Title

Story Title

40

Winter 2014


CLAUDIA BYRD

Employee Profile

Speedway Children’s Charities

Employee Profile Speedway Children’s Charities Claudia Byrd By: Nancy Smeltzer Claudia Byrd Hometown: Winston-Salem, NC Education: Wake Forest University

Gracious and kind, Claudia Byrd possesses an instant likeability that serves her well in the role of Executive Director of the Bristol Chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities (SCC). The mother of two and grandmother of six declares volunteering her passion and has set at the helm of SCC since its inception in 1996, raising more than 8 million dollars in support of children’s organizations in East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia during her 18-year tenure. Byrd is active in the community beyond her work with Speedway Children’s Charity, sitting as the past president of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Sullivan County and The Paramount Theatre as well as on school foundation boards in both Bristol, Tenn. and Kingsport, Tenn. The wife of the late Jeff Byrd, General Manager of Bristol Motor Speedway (BMS) from 1996 until his death in 2010, Claudia’s involvement in the motorsports industry reaches beyond her work with the charity founded in 1984 by CEO and Chairman of Speedway Motorsports, Inc. O. Bruton Smith. Effervescing warmth and joy, Claudia is a beloved figure in both her local community and among the motorsports industry.

Bristol Motor Speedway & Dragway

41


CLAUDIA BYRD

Employee Profile

Speedway Children’s Charities

What brought you to Bristol? My husband took the job of Vice President and General Manager at BMS. I was a stay-at-home mom with a son in college and a daughter in high school. People would ask me what I do, I said volunteer. In two years, I was on 11 volunteer boards. Children What did you want to be when you grew up? A mother. I have a daughter and a son. My husband died four years and community organizations were my focus. I love children. ago. I loved him more than anything in the world. I was blessed The Speedway asked me to help them with the Speedway to be in an amazing 36-year marriage. We were best friends Children’s Charity. I have been with the charity since 1996. and we not only loved each other we really liked each other. What was your first job? I worked in a bridal shop in high school. I sold wedding gowns, went to bridal shows and directed weddings.

What did your family do for entertainment when your kids were growing up? We liked big league baseball games. We would travel to major league cities for games and go see a play like The Phantom of the Opera. We tried to balance it out. Tell me about your first date with Jeff? Jeff was a sportswriter at the Winston-Salem Journal. On our first date I went with him to a blind golf tournament where blind people played with sighted people. I had never seen anything like that. Jeff was a word man and people called on him all the time throughout his career to write. He could write anything. Tell me about your early days with racing. It wasn’t like it is today. While they raced I would sit in cars in the infield with drivers’ wives. They became my good friends. I love the people.

42

Winter 2014

What was your last vacation? Five days at the beach. I read 18 magazines and five books. What do you do at Bristol Motor Speedway? I am the Director of Bristol Motor Speedway Children’s Charities. I raise money to give away to non-profit children’s organizations in our race communities. We share all the money we raise each year with organizations in 16 counties in southwest Virginia and northeast Tennessee. We do a lot of fundraisers - the online auction, fan experiences in Victory Lane or at the drivers’ meeting, a shooting tournament, a 5K, a live auction with memorabilia, the Richard Petty Driving Experience, Sharky 500 and Speedway In Lights. Our non-profit children’s agencies are diverse: they help special needs children by giving them opportunities they might not otherwise have like going to camp, we help Boys and Girls Clubs


CLAUDIA BYRD

Employee Profile

Speedway Children’s Charities

in the area, we help all kinds of kids through such things as tutoring and educational programs, and we help families in crisis.

the start of the Speedway In Lights. We have 2 million lights and start raising money for next year.

Last year we gave away $742,000 to 87 non-profit children’s organizations. My goal is raise $1 million one year and give it away. I’m determined to make that happen.

What is the most recent book that you have read? The Rabbi’s Heartbeat by Brennan Manning and Richard Swenson. I love to read. I’ll read all night if the book is good.

Do you have pets? I have two dogs, Zoey and Skeeter, both Golden Retrievers.

What’s your favorite TV program? “The Food Network”

What do you like best about your job? I love to go to work every day and make a difference in the lives of thousands of children.

Do you have a food fetish? I love chocolate, good chocolate. My comfort food is meat loaf.

I love the Night of Smiles. It is the most special day. It’s the celebration when all the money is given to these organizations so they can meet their needs. To be in that room with the people who work with these kids is thrilling. The whole team works to make this happen. It’s not me. What is your favorite time of year? November because of the Night of Smiles when all the money raised last year is awarded and the next night is

What is one thing that people would be surprised to know about you? I don’t know. A lot of people know me as Mama Byrd. I love people. I’m passionate about what I do. I don’t like to fly. I love to do things for other people. Bristol began the tradition of allowing drivers to pick what song they are introduced to. What would your intro song be? “Happy” by Pharrell Williams

Bristol Motor Speedway & Dragway

43


BEN TROUT Employee Profile


As the exclusive medical care provider for the speedway and Bristol Dragway, Wellmont staffs the infield care center and six fan care centers during the April and August NASCAR races. This enables fans and those on the track to receive prompt care. Caregivers are also present during testing and late-model and monster truck races at the speedway. Wellmont provides medical care for the major National Hot Rod Association event at the dragway as well. A few years ago, the speedway built a new infield care center, creating a state-of-theart facility that greatly increased the size and comfort for patients and caregivers alike. The infield care center now has three bays, a waiting room and a separate area for caregivers to complete additional work.

During races, WellmontOne Air Transport provides an additional helicopter that is dedicated to attending to Bristol Motor Speedway guests and NASCAR industry personnel in need while also maintaining their primary air ambulance services to the rest of the region. WellmontOne can reach Bristol Regional from the speedway in four to five minutes and make a round trip in 10-15 minutes. Since 2010, the helicopter services primary regional aircraft has been based at the speedway year-round, which is an example of the speedway’s community spirit and partnership in ensuring patients in the region receive the care they need.

Bristol Regional automatically increases its emergency department staff during times of high activity at the speedway, to accommodate the larger patient load. Other departments in the hospital, including the Level II trauma center, Alpha Natural Resources Center for Interventional Cardiology and Primary Stroke Center are also prepared to treat anyone at a moment’s notice. If your time in Bristol is disrupted by a minor illness or injury, Wellmont Urgent Care can take care of you and help get you back to the World’s Fastest Half Mile.

Wellmont has delivered care at the speedway and dragway for more than 15 years. Leading the team of providers at both racing facilities are Mark Woodard, MD, an emergency room physician at the hospital and medical director at the speedway during races, and Robbie Parks, a registered nurse and clinical leader of the hospital’s emergency and trauma services. Other physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, respiratory therapists and emergency medical services personnel contribute to the delivery of superior care. Dr. Woodard, Parks and Earl Carter, a flight paramedic, work in close contact with emergency transport service agencies to treat fans, drivers and pit crew members who need to be taken to Bristol Regional Medical Center or Holston Valley Medical Center.

Wellmont’s high-quality care in Bristol includes Wellmont Urgent Care, located just minutes from the track. All of Wellmont’s urgent cares – the others are located in Johnson City, Kingsport, Abingdon and Lebanon – successfully give patients a reliable place to receive medical care for sudden illnesses and injuries. Physicians at the urgent care facility treat a variety of illnesses and injuries – from bumps and bruises to sprains and strains. Patients can receive X-rays and complete lab work from a cross section of innovative caregivers. Additional services are available next door at the Volunteer Parkway Imaging Center. Fans who come to the community for race week activities also have access to free head and neck cancer screenings that could save their lives. Since 2012, the Wellmont Cancer Institute and the speedway have partnered

To learn more, visit wellmont.org.

with Screening P.I.T. Stop, to provide short and painless oral and neck exams during one of the annual race weeks.

Wellmont and the speedway have also worked closely together on a special event to ensure the region continues to have a sufficient blood supply. For several years, Marsh Regional Blood Center, the region’s largest blood supplier and a member of Wellmont, has held the Tri-Cities Patriot Day Blood Drive on the speedway’s grounds. Held annually on the anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the event has generated an outpouring of support, with a record of 198 units donated in 2013.

When should you visit Wellmont Urgent Care? Any time you have an unplanned illness or injury – and really, are they ever planned? – Wellmont Urgent Care is the best way to get treatment, while minding your wallet and time.

Typical reasons to visit urgent care include: • Sprains or minor injuries • Aches, chills or any flu-like symptoms • Low- to medium-grade fevers • Moderate abdominal pain • Nausea and vomiting

However, if you’re experiencing facial numbness or problems such as chest pain or severe blood loss, you should immediately call 911.

Wellmont Urgent Care offers first-class, quality care for your family’s minor illnesses and injuries. And we provide care as quickly and conveniently as possible.

In Bristol, Wellmont Urgent Care is conveniently located on Volunteer Parkway and is open 8 a.m.– 8 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m.–6 p.m. weekends. We know it’s an inconvenience to be injured or sick, so our compassionate, experienced staff is prepared to act quickly and put you on a path to good health.

Employee Profile

When engines rev at Bristol Motor Speedway, medical professionals with Wellmont Health System are ready to meet the medical needs of racing personnel and guests with quick and high-quality care.

BEN TROUT

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


SECTION SUBHEAD Section Title

Story Title

46

Winter 2014


“It’s Bristol Baby!”

We Love It When The Circus Comes To Town*

We Love It When The Circus Comes To Town By Ben Trout

For those of us who work here year-round at “The Last Great Colosseum,” we view race weeks as our Christmas… our birthday party... the circus coming to town. Be it spring or August, each race week brings unique adventures and a wide variety of surprises.

Yep, fans love Bristol! And apparently Bristol generates a little love among its fans. Steve and Diann Oberheim love each other (and Bristol) so much they desired to renew their wedding vows here at BMS during race week. And y’all thought racing is the only thing that happens here.

Just like the action on Bristol’s high banks, we as employees here never know what we’re going to experience when the party arrives in Northeast Tennessee. For example… It’s no secret that our guests get here early in August – and sometimes, they bring along their pets. Enter Pork Chop. Short story is I visited Earhart Campground on the Sunday prior to the IRWIN Tools Night Race, and met youngsters Courtney (12) and Justin (9) Hopson from Knoxville, Tenn., who brought their pig along to experience Bristol. Now some fans may say we’ve had a pig or two in victory lane throughout the years, but along with Courtney and Justin, we made it a reality for Pork Chop.

Now imagine this… it’s late on a Thursday evening. With the modified and truck races in the rearview mirror, our ticket office personnel are itching to go home, and grab some rest in preparation for the homestretch – the Food City 300 and IRWIN Tools Night Race. They sure could use a boost. Then BAM! Out of the blue (no pun intended), in through the ticket office door walks Bristol winner and NASCAR Champion Brad Keselowski. Earlier that day, he was told there was a stand-up of him in the BMS ticket office that he should drop by to autograph some time. We had no clue he’d actually make that happen. He gave our ticket troops a nice little pep talk, and set the tone for the rest of the weekend.

Then there are Doug and Early Saturday morning Elizabeth Hobbs from nearby before walking into the office, Morristown, Tenn. They I peered over the “front yard” arrived early in the week of BMS and saw the Ferris with their kids Daniel (3) and Wheel. It reminded me of my Emmitt (7 months). I also much younger days when the must share the nicknames circus would come to town. I of these kiddos. Daniel is affectionately known as “Speed always looked forward to it. I couldn’t wait for it. I had a blast Bump” and Emmitt goes by “High Banks.” Are Bristol fans while it was in town, and I was sad when it left. not the greatest? Their nicknames alone got them an in-depth tour of the Speedway. That’s how we are here at Bristol when it comes to race week and you, our fans. We continually look forward to seeing you. Gotta also give a hand to our spouses and significant others We can’t wait for you to get here. We have so much fun while during race week. Shew… they put up with a lot! Long hours you’re here. And, we are sad when you leave. But we know away from home, high-stress levels and short tempers. But, we’ll see you again soon. they always shine! We can’t wait to welcome you back in APRIL 2015! Kudos to Jenn Owen, the wife of Landon Owen, our Director of Ticket Sales, for showing up at the Bruton Smith Building with a truckload of home-baked cookies. Nothing like a little sugar to keep the week moving along.

Bristol Motor Speedway & Dragway

47


Speedway

2015 ADVANCE HANDICAP PERMIT APPLICATION

PARKING FOR SPECIAL NEEDS GUESTS ADVANCE APPLICATION FOR ADA PARKING LOTS ENABLES SPECIAL NEEDS GUESTS TO PARK CARS CLOSER TO THEIR SEATS If you, or any member of your party, require handicap parking when attending one of the NASCAR events at Bristol Motor Speedway, we ask that you complete an advance application for a BMS-issued permit. A BMS-issued permit helps guests obtain the closest available handicap parking to their seats. Anyone planning to use a state-issued placard should send copies of the placard and the supporting documentation in advance, along with this application form, so the BMS Events Department can issue advance permits 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.

of Tennessee law as fraudulently using a state-issued placard.

Individuals with temporary disabilities should submit medical documentation with an application to receive the BMS-issued permit.

Guests who do not apply in advance and only have state-issued placards should enter at the Dragway Entrance (Hwy. 394). Law enforcement officials will check documentation to ensure that the person to whom the permit is issued is in the vehicle. If additional parking is available at the time of arrival, guests will be directed to those parking areas.

Space is limited in the various parking areas and will be assigned, when possible, based on seating location as well as first to apply, first served. After applications are received, notification will be sent to the applicant confirming or denying the request. BMSissued permits will be mailed approximately one month prior to the race. Law enforcement officials will be at the South and Dragway Entrance checkpoints to ensure that the name on the BMS-issued permit matches a photo ID of the occupant of the vehicle using the permit. Transferring a BMS-issued permit to another person should be considered the same violation

Please note that these permit procedures do not apply to reserved seat wheelchair guests. Reserved wheelchair seating and parking guests should contact Beverly Buster at 423-989-6902. For all other handicap parking questions, contact Steve Jackson at 423-989-6935 or sjackson@bristolmotorspeedway.com. If you applied for parking in 2014, you must apply again for 2015 parking.

2015 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)

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

Address:_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

RLY A E L State Issued Plate/Placard Permit Number_______________________________________________________________________________ TC N I R EP S Email Address _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ A E PL City, State, ZIP_______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Daytime Phone_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

SEAT LOCATIONS (please fill out seat information per event)

XFINITY Series 300_________________________________________________________________ Acct #____________________________ (April - Saturday XFINITY)

Grandstand

Section

Row

Seat

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

Grandstand

Section

Row

Seat

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

Grandstand

Section

Row

Seat

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

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: Steve Jackson, BMS Events Dept., PO Box 3966, Bristol, TN, 37625; or fax to 423-764-0002. Retain a copy of completed application for your records.

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

48

Winter 2014


SECTION SUBHEAD

Section Title

Story Title

© 2014 Hendrick Motorsports, LLC. The name, likeness and signature of Dale

Earnhardt Jr. and the likeness of the #88 Diet Mountain Dew Chevrolet SS are used with permission of Hendrick Motorsports, LLC and JR Motorsports, LLC. DEW, DIET MOUNTAIN DEW, the DIET MOUNTAIN DEW logo and the Mtn Dew Landscape are registered trademarks of PepsiCo, Inc.

®

#DaleCall Bristol Motor Speedway & Dragway

AW


Section Title

Story Title

For Major

SECTION SUBHEAD

Impact

a Little Bit

©2013 IRWIN Industrial Tools. All Rights Reserved.

Goes a Long Way

IRWIN Impact Performance Series Screwdriving Bits: Built for Impact Drivers While most screwdriving bits are simply compatible with impact drills and drivers, IRWIN ® Impact Performance Series™ fastener drive bits are engineered for impact tools. These forged bits fit fasteners precisely, so they won’t strip, and they’re manufactured with heavy-duty, cold-forged, high-grade steel, so they’ll withstand extremely high torque output. Plus, a black oxide finish resists corrosion, and a 1/4" quick-change shank fits all types of impact and rotary drivers. With three times longer life than traditional insert bits, IRWIN’s Impact Performance Series screwdriving bits will stand up to the most rigorous use and unforgiving jobsite conditions imaginable. When you need tools that work as hard as you do, IRWIN delivers.

AX

Winter 2014


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.