If you’re reading this, I assume you’re either already a fan of NASCAR or are at least curious about it. If you love cars and car racing, then you’re in luck because you’ve stumbled upon the right place. We’re going to tell you all you need to know about this famous motorsports venue, starting from the inside out.
#1: The Trackside Menu
As the name suggests, the menu at Bristol Motor Speedway is served at the trackside. This means you’ll find all the typical racing menu items like fried chicken, hot dogs, and potato salad as well as all the trimmings. You probably won’t find a lot of surprises on the menu, except for one: pie. Yes, pie is a staple of any race fan’s diet. You’ll find at least three or four different kinds of pies at Bristol, including traditional favorites like cherry and apple, but you’ll likely also encounter a quiche or two. Of course, who doesn’t love a good ol’ fashioned steak when they’re racing anyway? Yup, you’ll find that too.
One of the biggest draws at Bristol is the tradition of community involvement. For every race, there are various members of the community that get involved in the act of serving the food and getting the place decked out for the cars. There’s nothing like watching a race and getting a glimpse of the local neighborhood getting into character.
#2: The Grandstands
Bristol Motor Speedway‘s most recognizable feature are its grandstands. These are the structures that make up the seating section of the track, and they’re pretty extraordinary pieces of architectural engineering. It takes a bit of genius to design a stadium that can accommodate at least 100,000 people, and the architects behind the project must have had a lot of experience in their field. These grandstands are known for their distinctive design, which blends the nostalgic flavor of vintage race tracks with modern architectural elements.
There are 16 wooden grandstands at Bristol, ranging from the iconic Turn 3 grandstand to the newer additions like the Jerry Labriola grandstand. Each grandstand has a different design and flavor, making each one a unique experience. Some you can get very close to while others you’ll have to settle for from the side.
#3: The Scoreboard
The last thing a race fan wants to do while watching a sporting event is to focus on the time. Thankfully, you won’t have to. The scoreboard at Bristol is one of the best in the industry and it does its job without taking up too much of your attention. The LED displays are actually quite small, measuring four feet by two feet, so they don’t block much of the action on the track. Most importantly, the scoreboards at sporting events these days feature LED technology, which allows for much smoother displays and fewer glitches. It also means the scoreboards will be visible even when the lights are out, thanks to the technology employed within.
#4: The Veranda
Yes, you read that right. The Veranda at Bristol Motor Speedway is not your average outdoor seating area. While the rest of the stadium is open and airy, the veranda is a completely different story. This is the section where everyone comes together before the start of the race and it’s a wonderful place to socialize, network, and eat some pre-race snacks while watching the cars go by. People on the social media scene have taken notice and have tagged this as one of the coolest places to watch a race. The view alone is worth the price of admission.
When it comes to pre-race dining at NASCAR races, there are different schools of thought. Some like to eat as soon as they get there, while others want to wait until the announcer calls the start of the race. What’s important is that you make sure you’re comfortable and that you’re not too hot or cold in the venue you’ve chosen. Even if you’re in a hurry to get to your seat before the race starts, you might want to pace yourself and eat a bit earlier so you’re not feeling rushed when the time comes. Also, make sure to visit the bathroom before the start of the race. You don’t want to be scrambling to find a place to puke afterward, especially if you’re in the grandstands. There are also portable bathrooms available at the start line, in case you run out of room in your seat before the race starts. Remember, safety first.
#5: The Stadium Is Timeless
Like most other stadiums, Bristol Motor Speedway has seen the evolution of stadium design throughout the years. It started off as a simple wooden grandstand, with the first turnstand being built in 1960. Since then, the stadium has seen an incredible amount of expansion and renovation, resulting in a stylistic mishmash that still manages to feel like a whole. You won’t find any neon signs or other items that will date the stadium design, making it feel fresh and unique to each fan who visits.
#6: The Parking
Bristol Motor Speedway‘s parking might not be the best in the world, but it’s certainly not the worst either. The parking at the speedway is mostly open parking with some spots for ticketed events. You have to search for a parking spot online before you visit the venue, as there’s no other sort of pre-planning involved. It would be best for everyone if NASCAR made things easier and offered reserved parking, but for now, you’ll just have to make the best of it and find a spot wherever you can. Luckily, the parking at the speedway is fairly close to the entrance, so it’s not like you’ll be far from the action if you get a ticket. You might want to bring a jacket just in case, though.
#7: The Experience
Last but not least, we have the experience, which is everything you need to make the trip worthwhile. The food is great, the atmosphere is electric, and it’s all tied together with a common theme of nostalgia. There are lots of opportunities for you to have a good time, especially if you’re a car fan. You’ll find a lot of activities going on all around you, from car exhibits and drives to movie screenings and concerts. There are even karaoke machines available in some locations, with professional voiceovers to help you belt out a tune. If you show up a little early, you can even get a tee shirt and hat to commemorate your trip.
There, now you know everything you need to know about the legendary Bristol Motor Speedway. We hope this article was helpful and that you have a better understanding of what this place is all about. Make sure to visit the venue soon so you can feel that electric atmosphere and have some tasty snacks