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Night Race Preview
Thunder Rolls...
You’ve been waiting all year for this one...
Another great Ford NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals complete
Fan-Friendly Lodging
Meet Ben Trout
Check out the updated, ever-growing list
Meet BMS’s #1 Fan Ambassador Bristol Motor Speedway & Dragway
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America’s Best-Selling Brand.
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*Based on 2013 CY sales to date.
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Content
FEATURES
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Jerry’s Letter That Time Of Year Again
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Battle At Bristol The Hype Is Real
Chow Down... The Local Kitchen...
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Sponsor Spotlight Bush’s Baked Beans
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Camping Update New Leader Ready...
Assisted Parking Please Complete Form
Bristol Motor Speedway & Dragway
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Contents
CONTACT US
151 Speedway Blvd. Bristol, Tenn. 37620 P.O. Box 3966 Bristol, Tenn., 37625
Call Toll Free
855-773-5324 Visit Us
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 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 nationwide 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
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Do you have article ideas or comments for upcoming issues? Send your suggestions to: Drew Bedard dbedard@bristolmotorspeedway.com
Jerry’s Letter
About That Time
Well, it’s about that time. Time to welcome home 200,000 of our favorite people. All is well here in beautiful Northeast Tennessee as we just wrapped up another successful Ford NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals Weekend with three first-time winners including Shawn Langdon and fan favorite Erica Enders-Stevens. It was a great weekend! And now we turn our attention on our biggest week of the year, August Race Week. I can’t wait. Every August, people come from all 50 states and 20 foreign countries to our family reunion in the mountains. It’s a mix of campfires, cookouts, good friends and good times, and we couldn’t be more excited. In this edition of the Bristol Magazine, you will find great features on the aforementioned Ford NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals, an August Race Week preview, a profile on our “Fan Happiness Captain” Mr. Ben Trout, a sponsor spotlight on Bush’s Beans and much, much more. We hope you enjoy reading these magazines as much as we enjoy making them. Please continue to give us feedback on what we can do better as a staff because our mission is to serve you, provide unforgettable experiences and exceed your expectations. See you soon. I’ll leave the front door open for you. Please contact us if we can assist you in any way. Sincerely,
Jerry Caldwell Executive Vice President and General Manager Bristol Motor Speedway and Dragway
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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.
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official moonshine sponsor
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Chetola Resort at Blowing Rock
Discover the Blue Ridge Parkway Lodging & Learning Package
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September 4-7, 2014 Experience a “behind the scenes” tour of the Moses Cone Estate, birding, wildflowers, nature journaling, fly fishing lesson, canoeing, sunrise photography session, fireside storytelling and special guest speaker Phil Noblitt, author of A Mansion in the Mountains. Package includes daily breakfast, Icebreaker, three dinners, two lunches and accommodations for three nights. From $645 per person, double occupancy | Children 12 and under in same room: From $395 per child For Reservations contact Willa Mays, Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation Wmays@brpfoundation.org, 866-308-2773 ext. 305
800-243-8652 | www.chetola.com
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Photo courtesy of Mickey Baker Photography • www.mickeybakerphotography.com
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By: Fred King
My “Newest” Favorite Restaurant THE LOCAL KITCHEN & WINE BAR It dawned on me the other day that ever since I’ve been doing these articles, I always tend to feature my favorite restaurant. And, I guess by now, you are probably thinking “doesn’t seem to take much to be a favorite with this guy”. I’m not going to lie. I definitely have a low threshold of pleasure when it comes to food, but that doesn’t necessarily mean I don’t have a discriminating palate. Heck, when I find somewhere with lousy food and a horrid atmosphere, I’m not going to feature it in this magazine. What would be the point in writing an article about where not to go? So as luck would have it, I hear about this “neat little” new restaurant that just opened up in Johnson City, and naturally, that’s my cue to head over and try it out.
going to let the cat out of the bag, and they will just have to roll with the punches. My favorite restaurant of all time, at this moment, is The Local Kitchen &Wine Bar (The Local) at the Northridge Centre on the Bristol Highway in the aforementioned Johnson City.
has porch dining available, a well-stocked bar, and all in all, is a perfect place for race fans to gather while in town for the big race.
The Local offers an eclectic menu that not only features the expected pizzas, burgers and various sandwiches, but also, entrees such as shrimp and grits, fried chicken The first thing you notice about The Local and waffles, fish and chips, and the ever is how hard it is to get into because of all popular “Thanksgiving “leftover” Dinner”. If the people standing around the entrance you’re in the mood, the local also offers all waiting to get in. It’s less crowded on a day breakfasts (including huevos rancheros week night, which is when you will be and eggs benedict). My newest favorite is there since you should be at the race the Low Country Cuban sandwich, a tangy track on Friday and Saturday evening pork barbeque dandy that I’ve ordered on anyway. But, if whenever you go, it’s a little my last three visits. As I mentioned above, crowded, trust me, it’s worth the wait. The Local has a varied menu of mixed drinks, beers and wines. Care for a Mint The second thing you notice is the décor Julep? They got it. A Manhattan? Yep. How Now if you have paid attention the past “tres chic”. Look, normally I wouldn’t about a Vieux Carre? Qui? Ok, enough, I’m decade, you will know that some restaurants show off my prowess in speaking a foreign featured in our little magazine have met language, but I’m going to get something out just showing off now. Anyway, the menu with unpleasant fates … that is, they have of that year I spent in French class. Anyway, is different, the food is very good and, all withered away shortly after publication of the atmosphere is upscale and “big city”. The in all, The Local is a perfect place to meet your friends before heading off to the track my articles of accolades. And as I prepare ceiling is covered in wine bottles to name my new favorite area bistro, I can (I’ve heard about 2,000) and whatever you for another wild August night at Bristol. hear the local restaurant owners muttering do, don’t drop your lucky penny on the floor “please, don’t let it be us”. Well, sorry. I’m (you need to go to find out why). The Local
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 ME WHY YOU SHOULD WIN.
CONTEST
“HECK YEAH! I WANT TO CHOW DOWN WITH FRED!”
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CHOW DOWN WITH FRED
Contest
The Local Kitchen & Wine Bar
MEMBER PROFILE
iBelong
Ron & Linda Swaney
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iBelong
Ron & Linda Swaney
Name: Ron and Linda Swaney Reside: Smithville, Miss. iBelong Members: 4 years Favorite NASCAR Driver(s): Kevin Harvick (Linda) & Carl Edwards (Ron) Favorite NHRA Driver(s): Team Force and Antron Brown Tell me about your first trip to Bristol Motor Speedway.
Some difficult circumstances made us late leaving for the track on race day a few years ago, and we thought there was no way we’d Our first trip to Bristol was in 2002. We got get to our seats before the start of the race. the bug after Kansas opened their Speedway Since we were late, the parking lot we always and wanted to see short track racing at use was full so we tried the lot at our old Bristol. At the time, you couldn’t buy tickets campground. so we signed up as a Ford Racing Member and got our first tickets through their They not only got us parked, but they hospitality program. I remember being at the gave us a golf cart ride and got us to our house, sitting by the phone, waiting for the seats before it started. My wife and I were time to call. I kept double checking that I’d frustrated when we left the hotel, and it figured the time difference correctly because meant a lot to us that people not even I knew I had to be the first one on to the associated with the track went out of their phone to make sure we got tickets. way to help us out. Our first time at Bristol we were in awe and we haven’t missed a race since. It took a while before there were any season tickets available. The year we got our season tickets my wife stayed in our seats while I went to check with the ticket office. The available seats happened to be directly across from where we were sitting that year, and when I called Linda to let her know where they were she said, “I don’t care where they are, just get them!” We also like that Bristol lets us bring our coolers. It’s nice that we can bring our own food and stuff. You are also season ticket holders at Bristol Dragway. For the first four or five years, we stayed at Hicks Campground. The shuttle that brought us to the track brought us down this big hill where you could see the Dragway, and we decided we had to get over there and see that in action. What makes Bristol special enough to merit a 13-hour trip three times each year? It’s a little bit of everything –we love short track racing, we enjoy the drive down through Tennessee and the people down there. 8
Out of curiosity, since you and your wife aren’t cheering for the same NASCAR driver, what happens if those two are vying for the same spot on the track? We are a bit of a house divided, and the fans who sit around us knows it too. If they’re racing each other, everyone looks back at us and jokes about whose going to hear it on the ride home. And it’s a pretty long ride home! I usually take some time off around the races, and we make some side trips on the way down – make a vacation out of it. Every time we come down, we try to figure out something different to see.
Bristol is just the total package. You can’t recreate the area or the hospitality. At the Dragway, you get the same hospitality and people, but you can also get more Do you have any favorite stops around personal with the drivers, which is one of the the track? aspects I like about NHRA. Last August some folks from Kingsport Any NHRA driver meetings that are recommended the Blue Hole in Elizabethton particularly memorable for you? to us. It was an adventure to find it, and by the time we did the gas gauge was getting Last year after John Force won on Father’s a little low. It’s a beautiful waterfall though, Day. It was the first time he won since we’d deep swimming hole, lots of walking trails, been going to the Dragway, and he stopped really pretty area. to speak to us and sign autographs during the Winner’s Circle. It was just cool that he We made it back out to the gas station takes the time for his fans. without any problem too! Do you have a favorite moment from the NASCAR events? Anytime you get to see their tempers flare a little bit. I like to see more aggressive driving, and these new cars plus the new Chase format have really brought that aggressiveness back.
Knowing the area so well and being loyal members of the Bristol family, what would you tell those who’ve never visited the track?
If you’re into NASCAR, you’ve got to go to Bristol at least once but just know – it’ll hook you. It’s great short track racing with all the action happening right there in NASCAR is looking out for the drivers, but front of you plus everybody down there is they’re always trying to make it better for the friendly, courteous and helpful. They’ll try to fans too. Bristol is the best place to see all accommodate you anyway they can, and it’s that in action – good, close racing and some beautiful countryside. hot tempers. Like I said, Bristol’s the total package. We also like to see Carl [Edwards] or Kevin [Harvick] do well.
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MEMBER PROFILE
Member Profile
NEW RENEWAL PROGRAM
Ticket Infomation
Green/White/Checkard Saves You Money
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Ticket Information
Green/White?Checkard Saves You Money
NEW RENEWAL PROGRAM
New Green/White/Checker Pricing Saves you Money Saving money. Something we all strive to do and look for at every opportunity. We at Bristol Motor Speedway are doing our part by making it easier than ever to save money for 2015 NASCAR Race Tickets. Introducing the NEW Green/White/Checker Lock-in Pricing for 2015. Simply stated, the earlier you renew, the more you save. Coupled with the lock-in pricing you can receive, (Sept. 19 for Spring Ticket Holders and Nov. 15 for Season Ticket Holders) we have reduced our opening price points across the board. Season tickets for 2015 now start at just $149! Spring Cup Tickets start at just $59 and August Cup at just $69. First and foremost our mission is to exceed the expectations of our guests by providing unforgettable experiences. But we also strive to deliver a premium product for a reasonable price. You have spoken and we have heard you. When the GREEN Lock-in pricing ends, we move to the White section, where prices will rise $5 for many of our price points. So again, the earlier you renew or purchase your tickets, the more you will save. The pricing concludes with our CHECKER time period which starts at Sunday 12:01AM of Race week. Prices will also raise $5 excluding weekend tickets and OF COURSE…..Season Tickets. SEASON TICKETS PRICEs, DURING THIS ENTIRE GREEN/WHITE/CHECKER PROMOTION, WILL NEVER INCREASE. WHICH MEANS THAT NO MATTER WHEN YOU PURCHASE OR RENEW, SEASON TICKETS ALWAYS REMAIN, THE ABSOLUTE BEST VALUE YOU CAN GET.
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For example: A season ticket package comes with 4 Tickets - Spring and August Sprint Cup and spring and August Nationwide Series. Total those tickets costs up (for Thunder Alley for instance, our low rows on the backstretch) and you get $188 dollars. Season tickets for that section are only $149. That’s right, $149! That’s an incredible savings of 26%!!!! Call today to find out more about this great news regarding our pricing. Our ticket office is open every week and can be reached by calling 1-855-773-5324.
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Lodging Options
FAN-FRIENDLY
BMS FAN-FRIENDLY LODGING PARTNERS TAKING SHAPE FOR AUGUST The latest list of Bristol Motor Speedway Fan Friendly Lodging partners for August of 2014 provides nearly 30 different options and price points Many require no night minimum stays and none require more than two nights. As always, BMS officials encourage guest to research the alternatives to choose which one best fits their needs. For more information, please contact the BMS ticket office toll-free at 1-855-773-5324 or at www.bristoltix.com.
UNDER $60 (No Night Minimums) Hotel Pigeon Forge; 2179 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN, 37863; (865) 428-7305
UNDER $95 (No Night Minimums) Shular Inn; 2708 Parkway; Pigeon Forge, TN 37863; (866) 6748605 Mention the Bristol races to get the rate!
UNDER $65 (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 Lite Breakfast
UNDER $100 (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!
UNDER $70 (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) La Quinta; 2510 Parkway; Pigeon Forge, TN 37863; (865) 9086633 – Newly remodeled. Mention the Bristol races to get the rate.
UNDER $75 (No Night Minimums) Best Western; 1015 Cosby Highway; Newport, TN 37821; (423) 623-8713. Mention the Bristol races to get the rate!
Parkview Lodge and Cabins; 10345 Linville Falls Hwy (US Hwy 221), Linville Falls, NC 28675; (828) 765-4787
UNDER $85 (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 Lite Breakfast UNDER $90 (No Night Minimums) Parkview Lodge and Cabins; 10345 Linville Falls Hwy (US Hwy 221), Linville Falls, NC 28675; (828) 765-4787 UNDER $95 (No Night Minimums) Econo Lodge Riverside; 2440 Parkway; Pigeon Forge, TN 37863; (865) 428-1231. Mention the Bristol races to get the rate!
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UNDER $110 (March) Fairfield Inn & Suites, Marriott; 1650 Parkway US Highway 441 · Sevierville, TN, 37862; (865) 429-8300 –Special Race Weekend Pricing for an Executive Queen Suite. Just mention you are coming to the Bristol races! Hampton Inn Pigeon Forge; 2497 Teaster Lane, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863; (865) 365-1588 Parkview Lodge and Cabins; 10345 Linville Falls Hwy (US Hwy 221), Linville Falls, NC 28675; (828) 765-4787 (efficiency cabin)
Lodging Options
FAN-FRIENDLY UNDER $125 (No Night Minimums) Holiday Inn Express & Suites; 1022 Cosby Hwy, Newport, TN 37821; (423) 623-2121 (Double queen room) UNDER $135 (No Night Minimums) Holiday Inn Express & Suites; 1022 Cosby Hwy, Newport, TN 37821; (423) 623-2121 (Double queen suite) UNDER $145 Holiday Inn Express & Suites; 1022 Cosby Hwy, Newport, TN 37821; (423) 623-2121 (Executive Suite) UNDER $150 Americourt Hotel, 450 Dotson Lane, Mountain City, TN 37683; (423) 727-7311 Collins House Inn, 204 West Main Street, Marion, Va., 24354-2516 -- (276) 781-0250. UNDER $150 Elegant Inn, Home-cooked breakfast. Please ask about the cancellation policy. (Book your room now and lock in your rate for Battle at Bristol 2016). Hampton Inn & Suites; 105 Stadium Drive, Kodak, TN, 37764; (865) 465-0590; August rate applies to standard king, or double queen rooms. Mention Bristol Motor Speedway. (Ask about the shuttle.)
UNDER $150 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 (Double king bed suite) UNDER $165 Hemlock Hollow Inn; 645 Chandler Circle (Bunkhouse that sleeps up to nine.) (Corners of Log Cabin Drive and Viking Mountain Road); Greeneville, TN, 37743 (423) 787-9017 Free Lite Breakfast Mountain Inn & Suites (Formerly Holiday Inn Express) 2002 Temple Hill Road, Erwin, TN, call the property direct toll free at (800) 3047958. Will match all published internet rates at the property direct. UNDER $200 (Two-night minimum) Americourt Hotel & Conference Center, 1900 American Way, Kingsport, TN, 37660 – (423) 245-0271 UNDER $230 (Two-night minimum) Americourt Hotel, 1515 Hwy 19E Bypass, Elizabethton, TN, 37643 – (423) 542-4466 Hampton Inn, 3130 E. Andrew Johnson Hwy., Greeneville, TN 37745; (423) 638-3735; 423-638-4413 (fax); (Ask about the shuttle.)
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NEW LEADERSHIP Camping
Camping
NEW LEADERSHIP
Camping Update at BMS New leader. Same great experience.
Name: Daniel Warren Hometown: Christiansburg, VA Alma Mater: East Tennessee State University Major: Sport Management Title: Camping Coordinator Past Positions at BMS: Ticket Sales & Customer Service Representative, Dragway Intern
Have you ever brought an RV or thought about camping out to see a baseball game? Ever hear stories about epic nights spent in the parking lot at basketball or hockey games? There might be a few here and there about football, but one of the most unique things about motorsports is the allure of the campground experience. Nowhere in the sport is this more evident than in the foothills of East Tennessee that surround The Last Great Colosseum itself, Bristol Motor Speedway. If you’ve been one of the loyal guests that comes back year after year and stays in your traditional “neighborhood” of your Bristol friends and family, then perhaps I should let you write the rest of this entry. But don’t turn the page just yet… I’d like to introduce you to the man that will be overseeing your experience for the foreseeable future. Daniel Warren has been a member of the BMS team since 2012. He began his tenure in the ticket department as a customer service representative and later became an intern for the Dragway team. In both positions, he developed an in-depth knowledge of our property and was often known to be roaming the campgrounds to help our guests until the wee hours of the morning. His passion for all things Bristol will allow him to exceed your expectations time and time again. Daniel already has a race under his belt and has hit the ground running at full-speed. Daniel took over for Annie Elliot after the 2014 Spring NASCAR Weekend. Since that time, the camping operation has been moved under the umbrella of the ticket department. This move was made so that guests wishing to purchase camping with their tickets could do so without having to make multiple calls. With Daniel’s leadership, the transition has been a smooth one.
“We’ve created a one-stop shopping experience,” Warren explains. “In the past, you had to call two different lines (one to purchase tickets and another one to make your camping reservation). Now, it can be done all in one process.” While on the job just a short time, Warren says it is easy to see why guests return to the same spot year after year. “The family atmosphere where lifelong friendships are made is definitely a factor. I talked to dozens of people this Spring, many of whom live hundreds of miles apart that didn’t know each other before camping at BMS, that stay in touch (between races). From the concerts we have each night, to the trams and ease of transportation, to the sheer variety of options we offer, BMS Camping is the unrivaled leader in the motorsports industry.”
From the concerts we have each night, to the trams and ease of transportation, to the sheer variety of options we offer, BMS Camping is the unrivaled leader in the motorsports industry The time is running out to reserve your spot for August. At the time this issue went to print, only a few remain. If you’re interested in adding camping to your Bristol experience, you may reach Daniel at 423-989-6944. If you need assistance while on property during August Race Week, the best points of contact are the Check-In booths (call 423-764-0122 for The Landing or for the Medallion Campground Community, call 423-764-0901).
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UPDATE
Battle At Bristol
The Hype Is Real
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UPDATE
Battle At Bristol
The Hype Is Real
Battle at Bristol Update The Hype Is Real By Landon Owen Do you have your Battle at Bristol tickets reserved yet? The anticipation for College Football’s Biggest Ever contest is offthe-charts! We are still a little over two full years away from history being made at The Last Great Colosseum, yet the buzz has only intensified over the last six months. As iBelong Members and season ticket holders at Bristol, you have the unique advantage to be able to reserve the hottest ticket to hit college football in years, perhaps maybe even of all-time. That in itself is incredible just due to the volume of tickets that will be sold for the event. Typically, the more seats that are available, the easier it is to get them. However, consider that by the time kickoff comes around it will have been almost twenty years since the idea of this game was first conjured up by the late former BMS General Manager Jeff Byrd (to have the two schools play at BMS), if you aren’t one of the lucky few to have secured a ticket the old fashioned way (through BMS or one of the schools), you might be looking at paying a pretty penny on the secondary market to get one.
BMS iBelong Members continue to reserve their tickets, nearly all of them taking full advantage of the 3:2 ratio and putting deposits down for the maximum quantity. Deposits are $40 per ticket, while actual ticket prices will range from $40 to $140, depending on location. (Remember, you may reserve three Battle at Bristol tickets for every two BMS season packages you hold. You’ll receive an order form sometime in 2015 with more information on how your seats will be selected and to pay the remaining balance). Both schools just racked up impressive recruiting classes. Frank Beamer and the Hokies pulled in a class ranked among most recruiting services as Top 30 classes (highest ranking: #21, 247sports. com), while Butch Jones reeled in a consensus Top 10 class for the Vols (highest ranking #4, Scout.com). The allure of playing a part in the largest football game ever staged is certainly a factor for some of these blossoming future stars.
Without a doubt, the atmosphere will be electric. Just close your eyes and picture the Vols running out through the Power T or Tech fans bouncing up and down to Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” as they await the Hokies’ entrance. Listen closely and you will hear “Rocky Top” or “Tech Triumph” echoing throughout the campgrounds all weekend long. One can only imagine the sound exploding from Here is what we know so far… the Colosseum as the ball first leaves the tee on the opening kick. Tennessee has already taken reservations for their entire allotment of This will be a game you’ll tell people for the rest of your life that you 40,000 tickets. WOW! attended. That much, I can promise. Virginia Tech season ticket holders and donors are gobbling up tickets at a quick rate as well. While VT’s order deadline isn’t until later in So, I ask again… 2015, they are on pace to match Tennessee’s results. Do you have your Battle at Bristol tickets reserved yet?
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PROTECT YOUR ENGINE!
Section Title
Story Title
SECTION SUBHEAD
WITH
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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
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THUNDER VALLEY NATIONALS Dragway
Dragway
First Time Winners, Storied Legends Create Memorable Father’s Day Weekend in Thunder Valley By Lynsey WIlson
THUNDER VALLEY NATIONALS
T
hunder roared through the valley and headers ignited as some of auto racing’s most powerful engines rocketed down Bristol Dragway at the 15th annual Ford NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals. When the engines quieted and the smoke cleared, three first-time Bristol Dragway NHRA champions pumped their newest Wallys into the mountain air.
Funny Car Tommy Johnson Jr. overcame more than just the driver staging next to him en route to his first title in seven years. “I started the season with no crew chief,” said the Don Schumacher Racing driver. “Then, at the third race of the season, John Collins was promoted to crew chief. So at the beginning of the season, my car was kind of the standard – the baseline. Now that John’s taken over he’s slowly making it his own car, changing a few things, and he’s doing a great job. “You know, it’s not only my first win in a long time, it’s John Collins’ first win as a crew chief so I’m very proud to have him get that win. We’re from the same hometown. We grew up together. The first car he ever worked on was my Top Fuel dragster in 1999, and now he turns the screw before I stage in the finals so that’s a pretty neat deal.”
shortened Friday’s qualifying session and an electrical issue kept them from Saturday’s second round of qualifying. “I’m very close to the team,” said Johnson Jr. “We talked and said yes it [the electrical issue] was a mistake, we can’t have that and we have to pay attention; but now it’s done. It wasn’t race day so let’s forget about it. Everybody focus on doing a good job and don’t get comfortable – that’s John’s [Collins] word for it – don’t get comfortable, don’t think you’ve got it down and just take it as routine and the guys did a great job. They turned that thing around every run, and the trouble we’ve had the last two or three races, all the work we’ve had to do – I’m thrilled the work paid off.” The Father’s Day final-round meeting was the first between Johnson Jr. and Tim Wilkerson, who clocked in 4.422 seconds and 227.34 mph after drifting perilously close to the wall with just a few feet remaining in the run.
The winning 4.156 second, 307.14 mph pass was one of the few the Johnson Jr. also bested teammate Matt Hagan, Robert Hight and Make-A-Wish machine made down Bristol Dragway after weather Cruz Pedregon in his winning effort.
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THUNDER VALLEY NATIONALS Top Fuel Reigning NHRA Top Fuel Champion, Shawn Langdon, rounded out the weekend’s nitro winners, defeating 15-year veteran Doug Kalitta with a 3.902 second run at 316.08 mph.
“It was just the challenge of being able to manage with the heat and the thin air. You have to make power to get these cars to run but be able to manage that power on that hot race track. There’s a lot of brain thinking going on today with all the crew chiefs, which makes it a good day to be a driver.”
The pair faced off for the fifth time this season, with Langdon improving his record to 4-1 over the current points leader. Kalitta, who boasts three Thunder Valley wins, recorded a 4.128 second run And though tuning the car to its winning form was a team effort, Langdon, who picked up his first win of 2014, is no stranger to the at 268.97 mph. legendary dragway, piloting cars in both the Lucas Oil Drag Racing “You can’t take them lightly at any track,” Langdon said. “They Series and NHRA Junior Dragster division. definitely have the hottest car on the circuit right now. Jim Oberhofer “I’d still love this track whether if I would have won or lost,” said the [crew chief] has been doing an excellent job and Doug’s a great driver – one of the best pedalers in our class, so I was a little worried nine-time NHRA winner. “This is my favorite race track on the tour. I’ve done a lot of bracket racing here, raced a lot of sportsman stuff, about that in the final.” Warm conditions added even greater worry to the final round as and it’s one of those tracks that I love coming to, but I couldn’t get track temperatures soared upwards of 130 degrees. it done. So, definitely it feels good to get it done today on Father’s Day. It’s just a special feeling.” “A cold race track, every car will go down the track but a hot race track is tricky,” said the Al-Anabi driver. “You really have to fine tune On the way to earning his 16th career title, Langdon also defeated Bob Vandergriff, Terry McMillen and teammate Khalid alBalooshi. a lot of things in your racecar and in your set-up to make it down the track. What’s good for the starting line may not be good 200-ft. down the track.
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THUNDER VALLEY NATIONALS Pro Stock Pro Stock points leader Erica Enders-Stevens also claimed her first Bristol win after settling for the runner-up spot in 2013 and 2011.
putting fans face-to-face with more than two dozen of the NHRA’s biggest stars.
“To get it done today meant the world to me,” said the ten-time title holder whose winning ride sported Father’s Day wished painted on the back windshield. “My team gave me a car that I could take to the Winner’s Circle. Everybody out here is hungry and as a driver, I knew I had to step up to the plate and get on the wheel.
Sunday morning’s Father’s Day celebration kicked off with Doughnuts for Dad, providing free breakfast and coffee to all Dragway guests before the annual Track Walk. Led in 2014 by the father and daughters of Team Force, the walk gives fans unprecedented access to the racing surface ahead of Sunday’s final rounds.
Stevens, who recorded a 6.698 second pass at 207.15 mph, is the first female Pro Stock winner at Bristol Dragway, defeating Jonathan Star power continued to permeate Sunday’s pre-race festivities as Bristol Dragway inducted storied racer and team owner Don Gray in the final round. Schumacher’s induction into its Legends of Thunder Valley. Schumacher, who currently fielded seven teams at the 2014 event “Bristol has always been good to me. Seriously, it’s a top-three favorite track on the tour for me,” said the Louisiana native. “I really including that of Funny Car winner Tommy Johnson Jr., boasts 12 enjoy coming here. I enjoy that it’s in the South and the people are total Bristol wins - three IHRA titles as a driver and nine NHRA Pro championships as an owner. kind and it’s one of my favorites.” Along with Gray, Enders-Stevens faced Larry Morgan, Greg Anderson and Jeg Coughlin Jr. in her winning campaign. In addition to on-track action, Bristol Dragway heated up Father’s Day weekend with one of the circuit’s largest autograph sessions,
The Chicago native, who turns 70 in November, has five NHRA national event titles to his credit as a driver/owner and since starting Don Schumacher racing in 1998 has won 11 NHRA world championships and 220 NHRA event titles – a true legend in the sport.
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THUNDER VALLEY NATIONALS
From a hero in the world of drag racing to a true American hero, the ceremonies also featured the National Anthem sung by 91-year-old World War II veteran and former member of General Patton’s army Gordon Widener. The Marion, Va. native performed the anthem amidst the appreciative applause of the Thunder Valley crowd as a parachute jumper floated down with the American flag. Packed with power, patriotism and the access to the biggest stars in nitro, Father’s Day weekend is best spent in Thunder Valley.
For those who attended the 2014 event, Bristol Dragway is offering renewal incentives from now through Sept. 10th. For more information on how you can take advantage of these special offers and experience the intensity of drag racing in Thunder Valley, visit www.bristoldragway.com or call (855) 773-5324.
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Join Ryan Reed in the Drive to Stop Diabetes
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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.
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2014 NIGHT RACE
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UNOH 200 Presented By ZLOOP
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aseball Hall-of-Famer Ernie Banks loved the game so much he always was up for a doubleheader in the confines of Wrigley Field, or anywhere else for that matter. Banks would be right at home at Bristol Motor Speedway in August. The Last Great Colosseum is host to one of the best nights of racing each year with the Wednesday night doubleheader. August 20, the NASCAR Whelen Modified and the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series machines hit the high banks and, often times, each other in an action-packed night of racing. Mods and trucks for 30 bucks. A combination event with Northern and Southern Modified tours, the 150-lapper has produced more than its share of drama in the five years it has been on the docket – not the least of which was last season with nine-time NASCAR champion Mike Stefanik earning another jewel in his large racing crown. Stefanik, who, at 55 and with seven Whelen Modified titles alone under his belt, has seen enough come and go in his career that one might think little would affect a driver with such a staid reputation. He started in the middle of the 36-car field and did not take the lead until 11 laps remained. But all he needed, really, was the last one. It was one time when Stefanik admitted his normal demeanor was misleading. “I’m playing it cool right now, but I’m freaking out inside,” said Stefanik while still standing in victory lane. “This is a huge, huge win in my career. This is right at the top of the list, if not the top. “This is huge. Bristol – are you kidding me? I can say I just won at Bristol. Everyone knows Bristol Motor Speedway. It’s the mega short track.” On the other hand, veteran modified driver Todd Szegedy arguably felt as bad as Stefanik felt good.
‘This is huge. Bristol – are you kidding me? I can say I just won at Bristol. Everyone knows Bristol Motor Speedway. It’s the mega short track.’ -Stefanik 32
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UNOH 200 Presented By ZLOOP
In five races at Bristol, the 2003 series champ has not finished worse that fifth. He has led more laps than any other driver in the past two races combined to come up just short and finish second in both. Will 2014 give him the shot make that trip Stefanik made last year? Following the 150-lap modified event, the NASCAR Camping Truck World Series roars into the spotlight of the mid-week twin bill and uncertainty often lies ahead when the green flag drops on that UNOH 200, presented by Zloop. Only twice since the series returned to BMS in 2003 after a threeyear absence has the driver who started in the first spot finished there: Mark Martin (2006) and Kyle Busch (2010). Three times in the last six years -- every other year since 2008 -- late-race cautions have created the need for a green-white-checker finish pushing the event into extra laps. If numerology plays out, the 2014 edition of the UNOH 200 is primed to go overtime. Tables turned a year ago for Kyle Busch who, more than once has led the most laps in a NASCAR event at Bristol only to be denied a win. Similar to Stefanik a little earlier in the evening, Busch was far from being the lap leader for the night. But after he and Ryan Blaney swapped the point three times in three laps with less than eight to go, Busch grabbed it for good and finished the night in victory lane. Chase Elliott etched his name in the history books earlier in the day by becoming the youngest driver to earn the pole for a NASCAR Camping World Truck race. After leading 63 laps, he finished a strong fifth. Overtime races and history being made. The speechless and the disappointed. It is all just a regular Wednesday night in August ‌ at the Last Great Colosseum. And that is just getting things started...
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Food City 300
Don’t Forget About
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or years now, Bristol Motor Speedway officials have worked to provide more value, more events, more fun, more, well … more.
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ust because there are races Wednesday night during IRWIN Tools Night Race week in August. And Friday night. And Saturday night. That does not mean there is nothing to do Thursday. In fact, with so much going on Thursday outside the confines of The Last Great Colosseum, it may be difficult to decide what all to do and how to pack it in to one day.
ON-TRACK:
Actually, for the first time in years, Bristol Motor Speedway guests have a racing option on Thursday. NASCAR Nationwide Series practice for the expanded Food City 300 has been added to the Thursday schedule and BMS guests can watch teams shakedown their machines for nearly three hours: 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. and 3:00-4:30 p.m. Admission is free and guests may enter through Gate 10.
FOOD CITY RACE NIGHT:
Food, music, driver autographs and more highlight the annual downtown Bristol event sponsored by Food City and approaching its third decade. Festivities run from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. and for more information guests can check out www. foodcity.com/community/racing.
FORD TRANSPORTER PARADE:
The biggest and longest-running parade of team haulers in NASCAR, the procession leaves the Bristol Mall at 9 p.m. and takes the nine-mile trek to Bristol Motor Speedway, arriving around an hour later. Fans may line Volunteer Parkway and watch the trucks that carry the equipment and cars for the NASCAR Sprint Cup teams. Fireworks in four locations along the route highlight the evening.
RICHARD PETTY DRIVING EXPERIENCE:
Fans harboring a dream of riding a stock car around the high banks of Bristol get that opportunity Thursday evening by participating in ride-alongs with the Richard Petty Driving Experience. The proceeds go to the Bristol Chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities. Learn more at http://bristol. speedwaycharities.org/
NIGHT RACE 5K:
Fans who want to DO instead of watch, (or do BEFORE they watch something else) may participate in the Night Race 5K. Proceeds benefit the Bristol Chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities. Learn how to participate at http://bristol. speedwaycharities.org/ . What is it they say in the commercials? “But wait! … There’s more!”
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Free concerts. Free Kids Zones. Free Parking. Additional races on the schedule at no additional cost. This August, guests at the Last Great Colosseum get more racing – free. Nine years after more bang for the buck was added in the form of 50 more laps to the spring NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway, the length of the August night event is extended by 50 to make it a 300-lapper as well. The newly-minted Food City 300 not only consistently delivers heated action, but wins from some of the biggest names in NASCAR racing – with only one driver, Kyle Busch, able to take the checkered flag more than once during that time. As the NASCAR Sprint Cup schedule neared the halfway point of the 2014 season, six of the last eight winners of the Food City Nationwide event at Bristol Motor Speedway sat firmly in the top 12 of the point standings. Many of them are regulars in the now-expanded event and at least a few are expected to return again this year. However, the healthy field of Nationwide regulars make this stop tough stop on the series tour even tougher. And one doesn’t have to play “six degrees of separation” to find connections between these talented drivers and success at Bristol. Regan Smith and Chase Elliott, two of the most consistent drivers on the tour in 2014 wheel cars for JR Motorsports – that’s Dale Earnhardt Jr, winner of the 2004 Food City Nationwide event It doesn’t end there. Smith’s first career Cup race came at Bristol Motor Speedway and his first career came, not at BMS, but driving for Bristol’s legendary Nationwide Series car owner Ed Whitaker who also put … you guessed it … Dale Jr. in his cars – and Dale, Sr. for that matter. Smith wheels the number 7 for JRM – Whitaker’s longtime car number. Elliott set the record for the youngest driver to win a pole in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series last year at Bristol and is the son of 1998 NASCAR Bristol Cup winner – and eventual Series champ -- Bill Elliott. Another Elliott, first name not last, Sadler has Bristol hardware in the case as well. In addition to two Nationwide wins and a pole at The Last Great Colosseum, Sadler earned a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series win for the Wood Brothers in 2001. Originally from East Tennessee, Trevor Bayne has a Cup win for the Wood Brothers as well and returns to his home track in position to make some noise. Only one driver, Smith, had more top-10 finishes than Bayne in the first dozen Nationwide events in 2014. And that sets the stage for the IRWIN Tools Night Race – THE Night Race.
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Food City 300
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t has been well-documented how the cream tends to rise to the top when the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series takes to the high banks at The Last Great Colosseum.
Ten years later, Carl Edwards survived 12 caution periods and troubles for several leaders to win for the first time at Bristol in six years.
Whether in the daylight hours of the spring or the cover of an August night, wins at Bristol are earned and the top of the heap rise to the challenge.
In between, Kevin Harvick and Jeff Burton each won for car owner Richard Childress. Jimmie Johnson and Kasey Kahne earned two checkered flags for Rick Hendrick. Denny Hamlin won and called it the biggest of his career. Kurt Busch picked up another win and brother Kyle claimed several.
Let’s step back for a quick refresher. Of the 20 drivers in the NASCAR Hall of Fame who raced at least once at Bristol Motor Speedway, 15 of them have a national tour win here. In fact, those 15 drivers combined for 62 national wins at BMS. Now, fast forward for a snapshot of things since 2004. Eleven different drivers have won the 21 Cup races staged at Bristol Motor Speedway since spring of that season. Those same drivers have combined for an additional 21 wins at Bristol in the NASCAR Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series during that same stretch of time. There are four Cup champions among the group and nine Cup titles – and an additional seven Nationwide crowns. The decade began with a win by Kurt Busch, who rolled on the Sprint Cup Championship that season. It ended with the first “sweep” in Bristol history with Dale Earnhardt Jr. winning the Food City 250 Friday and The IRWIN Tools Night Race a day later. In his post-race, victory-lane excitement Junior uttered a phrase still used today to sum up what this place means: “It’s Bristol Baby.”
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Edwards won three times. So did Matt Kenseth. Brad Keselowski visited victory lane in August of 2011, and again in spring of the next year – then went on to win the NASCAR Sprint Cup title. During those same 10 years those same 11 drivers won a total of 242 Sprint Cup races. All ended at least one race at Bristol with arms thrust in the air in victory. Other days and nights ended with crumpled machines and other things thrust into the air – helmets, gloves, expletives. See, winning at the Last Great Colosseum does not come easy. That is why there is so much satisfaction in pulling off the feat. One can hear it in Earnhardt’s expressive response to a reporter’s question 10 years ago that still bounces off the aluminum stands. Burton, the veteran who has seen the highs and lows, put it into perspective a few years ago. “The atmosphere,” Burton started. He could have stopped there, of course. Those two words sum up quite a bit. But he kept describing the experience.
“The heat, the humidity, the noise,” he said, in short, two-word explanations. “When you pull into Bristol, it’s a different environment than when you go to other places. … How you have to drive the race track is so intense and so aggressive. Bristol is such a unique place to race, with the track being surrounded by fans … it’s not matched by any other track.” Keselowski, the Michigan native whose family business was tie rods and lap times not neck ties and lap tops, understands it. Younger than many of the rest on this list, the history does not escape him. “This is an ‘earn-it’ track,” Keselowski said after his 2012 spring win. “This is a track where champions win at. Whether you look
‘This is an ‘earn-it’ track – This is a track where champions win at. Whether you look at Dale, Darrell, Cale, Alan Kulwicki … the best here go on and win championships.’ – Keselowski at Dale (Earnhardt), Darrell (Waltrip), Cale (Yaroborough), Alan Kulwicki … the best here go on and win championships. “It speaks volumes for this track and what it means to your career.” The next IRWIN Tools Night Race edition of speaking volumes comes Aug. 23, when all will see what cream rises.
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IRWIN Tools Nighr Race
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New Premium Offers
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New Premium Offers
New Premium Areas Set to Amaze Fans this August and Beyond
NIGHT RACE PREVIEW
Consistently named a fan favorite, Bristol Motor Speedway’s August NASCAR events enthrall guests with fierce, on-track battles and unparalleled fan experiences. This year is no exception as BMS plans to put fans even closer to the action with new premium options.
The Edge Hanging on the fringes of Turn 1, The Edge Deck is a standing-room only option available to fans for the first time in Aug. 2014. In addition to moving thrill seekers hairraisingly close to the cars rocketing around the World’s Fastest Half Mile, passes to the premium area come with a Track Walk Pass good for access prior to the IRWIN Tools Night Race, a $25 food credit at BMS-Levy Concession Stands and access to The Edge Deck’s full bar and food service amenities. This ticket upgrade is completely transferrable so guests may share with their friends and family. Passes are valid for Friday’s Food City 300 and Saturday’s IRWIN Tools Night Race.
The Chairman’s Experience Unparalleled, unrivaled and ultra-premium. The Chairman’s Experience, named after BMS Owner and SMI Chairman and CEO Bruton Smith, will bring a small group of die-hard closer to the action than ever. Amenities include: • 2 Days of premium suite-level accommodations • Hot Pit Passes for the Food City 300 and IRWIN Tools Night Race • Attend the Friday Nationwide Series Driver’s Meeting and the Saturday Sprint Cup Driver’s Meeting • On-Track access to the famed IRWIN Tools Night Race Driver Pre-Race Ceremonies • Victory Lane access for the Foo.d City 300 and IRWIN Tools Night Race • Weekend pass to the Ole Smoky Roof in Turn 4 • Concierge service with on-call golf cart service • Top-shelf dining options in the suite • A 20-minute chair massage • Custom gift pack • Commemorative IRWIN Tools Night Race Souvenir Program • Free Wi-Fi
“We have the best fans in all of motorsports, and each year it is our goal to make their time at Bristol Motor Speedway more memorable than the last,” said BMS Executive Vice President and General Manager Jerry Caldwell. “These experiences will take fans closer to the action than ever and give them an experience of a lifetime. After all, It’s Bristol Baby!”
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Speedway Children’s Charities
NIGHT RACE PREVIEW
Speedway Children’s Charities Check Out Our Exciting August Events
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Memorabilia Live Auction Thursday, August 21, 3rd Floor Bruton Smith Building. Preview items at 5 PM. Auction 6 PM. Many items from your favorite race teams will be on the auction block including sheet metal, autographed gear, rides with your favorite driver, and much more! Join us to see who this year’s appearances will be!
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Flex Seal Charity Cornhole Classic Test your skills in the 2014 Flex Seal Charity Cornhole Classic. Cost is only $40/team & each player will receive a tournament t-shirt. Qualifying tournaments will take place Friday, August 22 at 10AM and 2PM and Saturday, August 23 at 9AM and 1PM. The top 4 teams from each qualifier automatically move into the Championship Tournament held Saturday, August 23 at 3PM. Pre-Register online at https:// bristol.speedwaycharities.org/events/. Proceeds benefit Speedway Children’s Charities. Sharky 500 Ticket sales How would you like to own the Bristol Motor Speedway 2014 Irwin Tools Night Race pace car? Here’s your chance. Purchase a shark ticket for $10 and you could win. The rubber sharks will be set free on October 11, 2014 in Beaver Creek. Purchase your shark ticket at http://bristol.speedwaycharities. org/events/.
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The Night Race 5K Attention runners! Join us for a brand new event and have the opportunity to run with some of NASCAR’s fastest! The 5K will be held prior to the Transporter Parade on Thursday, August 21. After the run, join us for a party to welcome the haulers to Bristol Motor Speedway! Space is limited so register at www. bristol.speedwaycharities.org or call 423-989-6975 for more information! NRA Shooting with the Stars Tournament benefitting Speedway Children’s Charities On Tuesday, August 19, spend an evening target shooting with some of the up and coming stars of NASCAR. Teams of four are $650. Dinner will be provided. Contact Betsy at 423-989-6975 to register. 3
Ultimate Experience Online Auction The Online Auction will host the opportunity to bid on your chance to ride with one of NASCAR’s Superstars during driver introductions of the Irwin Tools Night Race. Other Auctions will include access to Bristol Motor Speedway as well as a victory lane package! Don’t miss the online auction happening at www.sccauctions.com from August 4 to August 18.
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BEN TROUT Employee Profile
Employee Profile
BEN TROUT
Employee Profile... Bristol Motor Speedway’s Ben Trout By: Lynsey Wilson Name: Ben Trout Title: Vice-President of Ticketing and Guest Relations Hometown: Belfry, Ky. Education: BS in Biology, Secondary Education and Minor in Sports Management from Salem University
You played football in college as well. What position did you play? I was an offensive guard, but my freshman year our team’s kicker got injured and we didn’t have a back-up. When I walked on campus the coach who recruited me asked if I’d kicked in high school and could I kick for them so my freshman year I didn’t really get much offensive play, but I kicked for our team. It ended up being really interesting because Terry Bowden, our coach at the time, liked to beat anyone by as much as possible – I think we beat one team 82-9 that year – so because of that I ended up being the 4th or 5th leading scorer in the nation that year and making the All-Conference team.
Favorite Food: Pizza with banana peppers, pepperoni, mushrooms and extra cheese Favorite Movie: Hunt for Red October or Shawshank Redemption. I like deep, suspenseful, emotional movies. Favorite TV Shows: I’m not big on television other than sports, but my wife and I watch The Voice, and I also like The Big Bang Theory.
Family:
Favorite Sports Team:
Valerie, the most wonderful wife in the world, and Rylan, 9-year-old son
University of Kentucky Wildcats If you could have dinner with one famous person, dead or alive, who would it be? Clint Eastwood.
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Employee Profile
BEN TROUT How did you find your way to Bristol Motor Speedway? I’ve loved NASCAR racing since I was a kid. I came to my first race at Bristol Motor Speedway on April 1, 1979, which also happened to be Dale Earnhardt Sr.’s first career win. From that point on I was a race fan, but my goal was to teach and coach football which I did for eight years at my alma mater, Belfry High School.
In the spring of 1997, an opportunity opened up at Food City that combined the role of their Sports Marketing and Public Relations Director. From 1997 – 2000, I supported any of the company’s sports marketing efforts which could be anything from a high school basketball tournament to a golf tournament to their involvement in NASCAR with Richard Childress Racing and Bristol Motor Speedway. In the process of working with Food City, I got to know all the wonderful individuals at Bristol Motor Speedway and in October of 2000, I’ll never forget it, I was on a golf vacation in Myrtle Beach and received a phone call from Logan McCabe to see if I would be interested in coming for Bristol Motor Speedway.
In the fall of 1991, standing on the football field I had a conversation with the Sports Editor of our local paper – the Williamson Daily News – about their lack of NASCAR coverage. Through that conversation I learned they didn’t have anyone who could intelligently write about the sport and ended up offering to write a weekly column for them. I was interested and in December of 2000, I started as Manager of Public Relations for Bristol Motor Speedway. After a year, I started faxing my column to a hodge podge of other Your current role at BMS is VP of Ticketing and Guest Repapers I’d selected from the Kentucky and West Virginia press lations. What path did you take to reach that role? guides. From that, seven or eight additional paper began carrying my column, and I started traveling to many more races. I managed public relations from 2000-2005. From there, I moved to the marketing and advertising department where I oversaw our Food City was very prevalent in the community I grew up in, so in 1995 when they signed on as an associate sponsor of Richard Chil- marketing, promotional and advertising efforts until 2009. In 2009, our then General Manager, Jeff Byrd, had the foresight to create a dress Racing and Dale Earnhardt Inc. I wrote a column about that sponsorship. Steve Smith, President and CEO of Food City, reached department focusing on customer relations, and I moved into that out about using that article for their magazine and over the next sev- group where I’m still greatly involved. In 2013, I moved to our tickeral years I wrote several articles for them in addition to my column. I eting department. I still oversee guest relations but also manage the customer service that we do in the ticket department as we talk with was also still teaching high school biology and coaching football. our guests, ticket buyers and potential ticket buyers.
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BEN TROUT What is your favorite thing about the job? There’s nothing more rewarding than shaking the hand of a Bristol Motor Speedway or Dragway guest, looking into their eyes and seeing that they’re happy. Our General Manager, Jerry Caldwell, does a great job at empowering us to make people happy, and that’s what I love doing.
What else would you recommend guests do while they’re in the Tri-Cities?
How do you like to spend your time when you’re not on the job?
Gosh, there’s so much. It’s hard to determine because I like to dial in on the specific interest of the fan but our region lends itself so much to natural beauty: our lakes which have a variety of activities surrounding them like horseback riding, fishing or boating; great golf courses; really neat attractions like Appalachian Caverns, Bays Mountain Park and opening soon the Birthplace of Country Music Museum.
Oddly enough, I love yard work – mulching, planting, weed eating. It doesn’t matter. I love starting out with something that looks rough, having this end vision of what you want it to look like and molding it into the finished product.
I’m also really proud of Bristol and what they’ve developed on State Street. On any given night our guests can go Downtown, eat at great restaurant, enjoy music and at nighttime they can certainly find something to do to have fun.
I’m also a video game addict. I love Xbox One and Xbox 360 – anything from the Call of Duty Series. I play them religiously. I love college football and golf.
What advice would you give someone who would like to be in your position one day? You can make it happen. You can manufacture whatever you want. Believe it and be it. I firmly believe that if you want something bad enough, focus on it and you can make it happen.
What’s your low score in golf? 78. Do you have a favorite local golf course? Graysburg Hills. It’s 27 holes, a challenging course and just a 20 minute drive from BMS.
Final question, Bristol Motor Speedway is known for many things – one of which is the driver intro songs during prerace. What would your intro song be? Midnight Rider, The Allman Brothers
Bristol Motor Speedway & Dragway
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BUSH’S BAKED BEANS Sponsor Spotlight
A
bout an hour and a half southwest of Bristol Motor Speedway, nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, is the community of Chestnut Hill, Tennessee. Back in 1904, AJ Bush built a cannery in his hometown to provide a market for locally grown tomatoes and to employ his neighbors. In 1908, AJ’s cannery became known as Bush Brothers & Company. Beginning with tomatoes, the company gradually added a wide variety of fresh vegetables and was particularly well-known for its high quality green beans. Then, in 1969, Bush’s Original Baked Beans were created (based on the company’s Secret Family Recipe). By the 1990s they were so popular that they were practically flying off the shelves and…well, the rest is history.
Sponsor Spotlight
AJ Bush & Company general store right across the street from the Bush Brothers’ facility. Today, AJ’s general store is the home of the Bush’s Visitor Center. Spend some time in The Bush’s Story, the free museum full of interactive exhibits about beans and the history of Bush Brothers. The old-fashioned General Store is a great place to pick up goodies, gifts and Bush's products. Of course, there is plenty of Jay and Duke memorabilia available. Afterwards, sit down, relax and enjoy a variety of homemade dishes, Southern specialties and even bean desserts in the Bush’s Family Café. Make sure you try a slice of pinto bean pie! A new AJ joined the Bush’s family in 2014, but this one’s last name is Allmendinger, not Bush. AJ Allmendinger is in his first full year as the driver of the #47 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Chevrolet owned by JTG Daugherty Racing and sponsored by Bush’s Beans. AJ has had a solid start to the 2014 season, with 1 top 5 and 3 top 10 finishes in the first 13 races. Bush’s has been part of NASCAR and the JTG team since 2003. Like most drivers, we have worked our way up to Cup racing, spending a few years learning the ropes in the Nationwide Series before moving up to Sprint Cup Series in 2009. In 2014, Bush’s and Bristol Motor Speedway joined forces to create Bush’s Trackside Cafes. Located on the front and back straightaways, Bush’s Trackside Cafes offer traditional cookout favorites like hamburgers, hot dogs and BBQ sandwiches served alongside Bush’s Grillin Beans®. Of course, there is wide assortment of cold beverages, too. Make sure you stop!
Now, over 105 years later, Bush Brothers is still family-owned and canning products in Chestnut Hill, Tennessee (although they don’t can tomatoes anymore). While most folks know them for their Baked Beans and TV ads featuring AJ’s greatgrandson Jay Bush and his talking dog, Duke, For more information on Bush’s Beans or the Bush’s Visitor Center, Bush’s® produces a wide variety of beans ranging please stop by our website at bushbeans.com, find us on Facebook from black beans to refried beans to the bold flavors or follow us on Twitter @bushsbeans. of Grillin’ Beans® For more information about JTG Daugherty Racing, check out AJ was quite the entrepreneur. Bush Brothers was jtgdaughertyracing.com, the JTG Facebook page or follow @ not his only business venture. He also operated the NASCAR47 on Twitter.
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BUSH’S BAKED BEANS
Bush’s Baked Beans Sponsor Spotlight
Speedway Section Title
PARKING FOR SPECIAL NEEDS GUESTS ADVANCE APPLICATION FOR ADA PARKING LOTS ENABLES SPECIAL NEEDS GUESTS TO PARK CARS NEAR THEIR SEATS
2014 ADVANCE HANDICAP PERMIT APPLICATION
Bristol Motor Speedway asks guests using stateissued 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, staterecognized 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. Additional documentation is required to obtain accessible parking and this documentation varies by state. 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.
of the vehicle using the permit. Transferring a BMS-issued permit to another person should be considered the same violation of Tennessee law as fraudulently using a state-issued placard, and anyone doing so may face the same penalties. 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.
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 Beverly Buster at 423-989-6902.
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.
For all other handicap parking questions, contact Alice Dawson/Crystal Miller at 423-989-6941 or alice@bristolmotorspeedway.com or crystal@ 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
If you applied for parking in 2013, you must apply again for 2014 parking. If you applied for parking in 2013, you must apply again for 2014 parking.
2014 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)
Jeff Foxworthy’s Grit Chip 300_______________________________________________________ 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/Crystal, 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
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SECTION SUBHEAD
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© 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
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SECTION SUBHEAD
you don’t let things slip
© 2013 IRWIN Industrial Tools. All Rights Reserved.
when the pressure is on
IRWIN VISE-GRIP Curved Jaw Locking Pliers: Three Times More Gripping Power* IRWIN® VISE-GRIP® Curved Jaw (CR) locking pliers have a self-energizing lower jaw that provides three times more gripping power than traditional locking pliers, with no slipping or stripping. There’s no need for heavy input pressure – the jaws tighten for maximum grip as torque is applied to the tool. Backed by the legendary IRWIN VISE-GRIP Lifetime Guarantee, they’re available in both Fast Release™, with a one-handed, triggerless release and anti-pinch, non-slip ProTouch™ Grips; and Original™, with a classic trigger release. When you need tools that help you do the job the way it was meant to be done, IRWIN delivers. * Compared to traditional locking pliers
AX
Spring 2014