NASCAR fans are encouraged to plan ahead and arrive early to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience as they travel to Bristol for this year’s night races at Bristol Motor Speedway.
To facilitate the orderly flow of traffic along major roadways leading to BMS, the City of Bristol, Tennessee has worked in concert with a dozen other agencies in both Tennessee and Virginia to develop a comprehensive traffic plan that is focused on safety and designed to enhance the fan experience. Bristol Tennessee Traffic Engineer Micah Bray said hundreds of traffic signs, cones, portable lights and other traffic control devices will be used to clearly mark the main routes to BMS. These measures, combined with careful planning by motorists, will ensure a safe and enjoyable race weekend.
“Our goal is to make sure everyone arrives safely at Bristol Motor Speedway, enjoys the weekend, and then makes it safely home again,” Bray said. “A lot of time and effort goes into creating a very detailed plan that is easy to navigate. Fans can help by planning their route before they leave home and giving themselves plenty of time in case they encounter heavy traffic or other unexpected delays.”
This year’s race traffic plan provides signage for six routes leading to Bristol Motor Speedway from Interstate 81 and Interstate 26. The full plan can be viewed at www.bristoltn.org/RaceFall2022.
In addition, the City has issued the following reminders:
- Use caution in areas where law enforcement officers are directing traffic and pay close attention to their directions.
- Watch for pedestrians walking along the roadways and crossing at major intersections.
- Plan a departure route, park accordingly, and remember where you park.
- Be sure cars parked along the road are off the pavement to provide walking areas for pedestrians and available lanes for emergency vehicles.
- Keep vehicle doors locked and all valuables out of sight.
- Remember that a City ordinance prohibits buying and selling tickets on public right-of-way, and a license is required to sell items on private property. Those who do not currently have a business license from a Tennessee entity may obtain a transient vendor license at Bristol Tennessee City Hall, 801 Anderson Street. City officials will also be available at BMS on Friday, Sept. 16, to issue business licenses. The cost is $50 (cash, check or money order.)
- Ensure easy entry into BMS by becoming familiar with the list of permitted and prohibited items. Note that hard sided coolers are no longer permitted. The full list is available at https://www.bristolmotorspeedway.com/events/bass-pro-shops-night-race/fan-info/
Upcoming events at Bristol Motor Speedway include:
- The Bush’s Beans 200 ARCA Menards Series at 6 p.m. and UNOH 200 Presented by Ohio Logistics NASCAR Camping World Truck Series at 9 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 15.
- NASCAR Xfinity Series Food City 300 at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 16.
- NASCAR Cup Series Bass Pro Shops Night Race at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 17.
For additional information, please contact Traffic Engineer Micah Bray at (423) 989-5519 or [email protected].
