ABOUT BRISTOL MOTOR SPEEDWAY

Bristol Motor Speedway, often called “The Last Great Colosseum,” is one of the most unique and beloved tracks in NASCAR. Opened in 1961, this half-mile oval is tucked into the rolling hills of northeast Tennessee and is instantly recognizable for its towering, stadium-style grandstands that surround the entire track. With seating for more than 150,000 fans, it delivers an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in motorsports – the roar of the engines reverberates through the stands, creating a sound and energy that has to be experienced in person.

The track’s 36-degree banking is among the steepest in NASCAR, producing lightning-fast lap times and intense, side-by-side racing. Drivers are constantly in traffic, and contact is almost guaranteed, which is why Bristol has a reputation for tempers flaring and rivalries boiling over. The short length of the track means fans can see the entire race from nearly any seat, making it one of the most spectator-friendly venues in the sport.

Bristol hosts NASCAR’s top divisions twice each season. The first is the spring race, typically run in March or April, which has in recent years included the historic dirt race that transforms the concrete surface into a clay-covered short track for a completely different challenge. The second is the legendary Bass Pro Shops Night Race in September, a Saturday night showdown under the lights that serves as one of the crown-jewel events on the NASCAR Cup Series calendar. Both weekends are packed with action, featuring the Cup Series alongside Xfinity, Truck, and ARCA races.

Off the track, Bristol Motor Speedway offers fans a complete entertainment experience. The Fan Zone features live music, driver appearances, interactive exhibits, and a variety of food and merchandise vendors. Pre-race events often include major concerts and driver introductions on a stage at the start/finish line, giving fans a close-up look at the stars before the green flag drops.

For many fans, attending a race at Bristol is a bucket-list experience. It combines the raw, high-contact excitement of short-track racing with the big-event feel of NASCAR’s largest venues. Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, a weekend at Bristol Motor Speedway is something you’ll never forget.