Bristol Motor Speedway is a NASCAR short track venue in Bristol, Tennessee. The first race took place there in 1961, and over the years Bristol has gained a few nicknames, including The Bullring, The Last Colosseum, and The World’s Fastest Half-Mile. The racetrack is the third largest sports venue in the United States!
Bristol’s recipe for an incredible racing experience:
– 1 half-mile track with 24- to 30-degree banks
– 2 Pit Roads
– 40+ cars averaging 80 mph
– 162,000 race car fans in stadium seating cheering on their favorite drivers
The speedway hosts dozens or racing events throughout the year. Check the calendar for Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series, NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series, and NASCAR K&N Series races.
Upcoming Event: The Bass Pro Shops NRA Nighttime Race (Saturday, August 17, 2019) is one of the toughest tickets to obtain in NASCAR.
Track Seating
There are no bad seats at Bristol, but you can spend a little more to enhance the experience, which typically means moving up to the terrace areas on the seating chart or booking a VIP Experience. Seats in the terrace sections are accessible by elevator and have private concessions and restrooms.
Each of the sections are named after famous drivers:
– Front Stretch (The Allisons)
– Turn 1 (Pearson)
– Turns 1-2 (Kulwicki)
– Back Stretch (Petty, Earnhardt, Johnson and Yarborough)
– Turns 3-4 (Waltrip)
Review the Bristol Motor Speedway seating chart to find your perfect seats.
Seating Tips:
– Many race fans like the higher rows for the birds-eye view and reduced noise levels.
– The best views of pit row are on the Front Stretch (The Allisons) section.
– Seats in the Kulwicki Terrace put the action in front of you, limiting the need to turn your head from side to side.
VIP Experiences & Ticket Add-ons
VIP Experiences at Bristol Motor Speedway include additional amenities like climate-controlled suites, NASCAR celebrity appearances, access to private infield, and luxury hospitality areas and lounges.
VIP Highlights:
– Super Fan Suites in the new climate-controlled Driver Suites with comfortable theater-style seating themed to a specific driver. Amenities include all-inclusive food and non-alcoholic beverages, a private cash bar, and much more.
– The Apex is the only indoor infield hospitality area. Take your seat in a climate-controlled sports bar-type environment with closed-circuit TV’s. Other amenities include catered meals with non-alcoholic beverages, pre-race cold garage passes, access to Ole Smoky Roof at Turn 4 in the infield, and much more.
– The Ole Smoky Lounge has reserved luxury skybox seating with outdoor access to the Ole Smoky Roof at Turn 4 viewing area. Amenities include a pre-race track walk, Ole Smoky Moonshine in-suite sampling, and catered meals with non-alcoholic beverages and a cash bar.
– Turn 1 Tavern allows you to watch the race from the only combined indoor/outdoor suite at Bristol Motor Speedway. The climate-controlled box has a cigar lounge-type feel, complete with leather seats, speakeasy brick walls, and an impressive selection of bourbon and other spirits. Amenities include a pre-race track walk, catered meals with non-alcoholic beverages, cash bar and much more.
– Jeff Gordon Terrace Grandstand Half Moon Tables with comfortable seats and perfect views of the track. Includes convenient access to concessions, restrooms, and other desirable amenities.
Race Day Add-Ons: With any ticket, don’t forget to add on a Pre-Race Track Walk or Pre-Race Pit Stop. Have a walk around the track, gain access to the garage, and watch the racing teams up close prior to the race.
Bucket List Experience
The Chairman’s Experience takes you from the finest suite at Bristol Motor Speedway via golf cart to the infield to enjoy an all-access Hot Pit Pass— just one of the up close and personal experiences of the day. Before watching the race, attend the driver’s meeting or pre-race ceremonies and then head to the exclusive Ole Smoky Roof in Turn 4. Finally, watch the race from your suite and enjoy a craft-style menu featuring local and in-season cuisine. Take a break from the action and have a 20-minute massage before heading to victory lane after the checkered flag.
Food Options
Each section has concession areas, so there is no shortage of food at Bristol Motor Speedway. If you don’t want to miss some of the unique concessions, review the concession map on the website.
Some of the new fan favorites are in the Allisons Grandstand concession area. Try the Bacon Colossus Burger, Bristol Throwback Burger, or the Doughnut Burger.
Speedway Tours
Tours are available daily from 9:30am to 3:30pm on Monday through Saturday, except during major Speedway and Dragway events. Sunday tours are from 1:30pm to 3:30pm. To book a tour in advance or check on availability, call (423) 989-6960. Tours cost $8.00 (adults) and $5.00 (children) and begin at the Speedway World Gift Shop, located on the first floor of the O. Burton Smith Building.
Staying Overnight
The speedway has five campgrounds for RVing and tent camping. They include:
– Medallion Campground
– The Dragstrip Campground
– The Landing Campground
– White Top Creek Park (Tent Camping)
– Non-Hookup Speedway (Parking and Camping)
For more information on camping at Bristol, visit the camping page.
Fun Facts:
August 2008: Guinness World Record was set for the largest crowd wave in history
August 2009: Guinness World Record for the largest karaoke with a live crowd Bristol Motor Speedway/Bristol Dragway
151 Speedway Blvd.
Bristol, Tennessee 37620
