Hello all!
Another trip to the beautiful south brings us to “The Holy Grail of Motorsports”. At first glance, this track looks like a football field, but it’s anything but that. You’ll usually find a high energy 43 car race going on. I’ve got some great info for those of you planning to attend Bristol including where to sit, eat and sleep while visiting one of the top NASCAR tracks.
Bristol Motor Speedway Details
Bristol Motor Speedway
151 Speedway Boulevard
Bristol, TN 37620
(423) 989 – 6933
Google Maps – Bristol Motor Speedway
Hands down, Bristol is one of the most popular tracks on the NASCAR line up. Bristol Motor Speedway is definitely a unique one; this track features steep banking, a couple of pit roads and amphitheater style seating. What sets it apart the most is the shortness! Bristol is no more than a ½ mile around. The short length leads to much lower speeds compared to standard oval tracks. At the same time, the speeds are much faster than other short tracks because of the elevated banking. Cars get up about 120 mph here.
Bristol’s opening race is the Food City 500, which takes place in the spring. NASCAR’s second stop is the Sharpie 500, which I was able to score some great tickets to via RazorGator. The Sharpie 500 is one of the top two races of the season. It’ll be held on the night of August 22.
There are many great race tracks out there, but few can top Bristol. There is something special about this place! If you are planning to attend the next race here, grab your tickets now. Plan ahead and secure your seats because these tickets are always in high demand. I’ve heard that the only other sports event that is this hard to get into is the opening Ceremony of the Olympics, that’s impressive.
Directions to Bristol Motor Speedway
Traveling from the North, take Virginia Exit 17 off I-81 and turn left on Hwy. 75. At the Tennessee border, the road changes to Hwy. 44. Continue on this route until the stop sign at U.S. 421. Turn right on 421 and stay on it until the traffic light at Hwy. 394. Turn left and proceed to Bristol Motor Speedway & Dragway.
Traveling from the South, take Tennessee Exit 69 off I-81. Turn right at the bottom of the ramp onto Hwy. 394. Bristol Motor Speedway & Dragway are located on the left side of Hwy. 394.
Bristol Motor Speedway Parking Tips
There are a few different parking options at BMS. There are 2 free parking areas, as well as permit only areas. Certain parking areas offer a free shuttle from the lot to the track. For complete parking information, please visit the Bristol parking page.
Camping Options at Bristol Motor Speedway
For camping information please visit the camping page. Bristol has information regarding onsite sites, as well as nearby camping included non-alcoholic camping.
Bristol Motor Speedway Rules
Please take a moment to read the page of rules for BMS.
Choosing Your Bristol Motor Speedway Seats
Let me start this off by saying there are really no bad seats here! No matter where you choose to sit, you’ll probably love the view. The options just get better. Make sure you study the map well before making your purchase.
What tops the list? The Terrace level seating does. This area is elevated and has elevator access, private concession and bathrooms for convenience. I love this. You will enjoy the stadium style seating with back support and cup holders for your beer. For awesome views of the pit, check out tickets for the Allison Terrace.
Next, let’s talk about the Grandstand. I’d say choose your seats in row 10 or higher. You can still see the track from row 1 but it’s kind of close. It all comes down to what you prefer.
Lastly we have the tower seats in the Wallace section. These are located between turns 1 and 2. If you like a view of the complete track, this is a good spot for you. You can see the pits as well from here. The tower exceeds 90 rows, so it’s pretty high up. Keep that in mind if you fear heights at all. Tower seats also get the same concession, bathroom and elevator access as the Kulwicki Terrace.
Where to Stay While Visiting Bristol Motor Speedway
While there are plenty of options for places to stay while you are in town I’d like to focus on one really neat program that specializes in helping NASCAR fans.
Race Lodging, LLC: Official Lodging & Travel Provider of Bristol Motor Speedway
Race Lodging offers affordable and quality lodging in private homes for BMS fans. Your choices are plentiful. Choose from Bed & Breakfast suites, 1-8 bedroom homes, apartments, condos and single rooms in homes. Most homes include the necessary amenities. This will save you time, money and gas while being able to have an extra comfy stay.
Bristol, Tennessee Attractions
Why not add a little variety to your weekend and check out what else Bristol has to offer? Here a few places I thought were worth mentioning.
Historic Downtown Bristol – Taking a trip downtown in any city is a must for me. You learn a lot about a town and its residents that way. There are a number of specialty shops here as well as restaurants and cafes.
Steele Creek Park & Nature Center – This is a 2,200 acre park with hiking trails, boats, a golf course and a mini train!
Well, that about sums up my last trip to Bristol. I can only hope that you guys will enjoy your own adventures as much as I enjoyed mine. I will most definitely be back to Bristol Speedway for the Sharpie 500!
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