Bristol Motor Speedway
About Bristol Motor Speedway
Known as 'The Last Great Colosseum,' Bristol Motor Speedway is a legendary 0.533-mile short track located in Bristol, Tennessee. This concrete oval is famous for its high-banked turns and amphitheater-style seating, hosting premier NASCAR events including the Food City 500 and the iconic Bass Pro Shops Night Race.
Historical Overview
Carved into the landscape of the Tennessee mountains, Bristol Motor Speedway opened in 1961 as a half-mile track, hosting its first NASCAR Cup Series race on July 30 of that year. Originally known as Bristol International Speedway and later Bristol International Raceway, the venue was founded by Larry Carrier and Carl Moore. The track quickly gained a reputation for intense, high-speed short-track racing, eventually earning the moniker The Last Great Colosseum due to its steep banking and amphitheater-style seating that keeps fans close to the action. In January 1996, the facility was purchased by Bruton Smith and Speedway Motorsports for 26 million dollars, marking the beginning of a significant era of expansion and modernization that increased the venue's capacity to its current level of 146,000.
Did You Know?
The track is a 0.533-mile oval that has hosted NASCAR Cup Series events since its inaugural season in 1961.
ArchitectureDarrell Waltrip holds the record for the most NASCAR Cup Series victories at the track, having won 12 times during his career.
RecordsSpeedway Motorsports acquired the venue from founder Larry Carrier in January 1996 for a purchase price of 26 million dollars.
HistoryThe speedway features a seating capacity of 146,000, making it one of the largest sports venues in the United States.
ArchitectureIn 2025, the venue expanded its sporting footprint by hosting a regular-season Major League Baseball game between the Atlanta Braves and the Cincinnati Reds.
Culture
Quick Info
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Location
Upcoming Matches
Food City 500 vs
NASCAR Cup Series
Sun 11 Apr 2027, 15:00
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Travel & Matchday
Travel Guide
Everything you need to know about getting to Bristol Motor Speedway
Getting There
Bristol Motor Speedway is located at 151 Speedway Boulevard in Bristol, Tennessee, and is primarily accessed by car via Interstate 81. Fans typically drive to the venue as it is situated in a rural area of the Blue Ridge Mountains where private vehicle travel is the standard method of arrival.
Public Transport
There is no dedicated public transit system or rail service that connects directly to the speedway. Most visitors rely on personal vehicles, rental cars, or organized shuttle services provided by travel packages or local lodging providers.
Parking
The speedway features extensive on-site parking lots that accommodate thousands of vehicles for major race weekends. It is highly recommended to purchase parking passes in advance and follow official traffic signage, as local roads can become heavily congested during peak event times.
Nearby Airports
The closest major airport is Tri-Cities Airport, located approximately 20 miles from the speedway. Other regional options include McGhee Tyson Airport in Knoxville, which is about 100 miles away, requiring a longer drive through the mountains.
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