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Home , Battle at Bristol, Days of Thunder, Food City 300, Rocky Top, UNOH 200

August 2015 Event Information

th Wednesday, August 19 doubleheader night of racing

6:00pm Bush’s Beans 150 - Whelen Modified Series race

8:00pm UNOH 200 presented by Z-Loop – NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race

Thursday, August 20th events just for the fans!

1:00pm – 9:00pm Food City Race Night in downtown Bristol

8:30pm The Night Race 5k benefitting Speedway Children’s Charities

9:00pm Transporter Parade

Friday, August 21st drivers battle for starting order and their place in Victory Lane

4:00pm – 5:00pm Bass Pro Shops Qualifying

7:30pm Food City 300 NASCAR Xfinity Series race

nd Saturday, August 22 the ultimate August event

7:30pm IRWIN Tools Night Race NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race

Tickets: 423-BRISTOL or toll-free 866-415-4158

Online: bristolmotorspeedway.com

August 2015 Events

Items of Interest/ Significant Storylines

Jeff Gordon’s Final Bristol Ride

The Car: ’s No. 24 “Rainbow” paint scheme is one of the most iconic in NASCAR history, and it will appear on Gordon’s No. 24 SS one last time – at the IRWIN Tools Night Race at . Gordon will return to the seat of this car under the lights on August 22nd when he goes for his sixth NASCAR Sprint Cup Series win here.

The Fan Tribute: All fans in attendance at the IRWIN Tools Night Race will be given a rally towel with Jeff Gordon’s number 24 printed on it when they enter the gates. On Lap 24, fans will be led in a stadium-wide effort to wave the towels in the air for the duration of the lap as a tribute to Gordon as he makes his last Bristol race before retirement.

The Tailgate Party: Prior to the start of the IRWIN Tools Night Race, Bristol will host the “Pepsi Pre-Race Tailgate Celebrating Jeff Gordon”. The VIP experience will take place in Bristol’s Hospitality Village from 1pm on Saturday, August 22nd until the start of the race and will include an appearance by Gordon and other NASCAR personalities and special guests. Fans may purchase the Tailgate package, which features a grandstand ticket to the race, access into the VIP area and $20 in food credit to use inside the Tailgate tent.

Souvenir Shopping Changes

Fans will notice that souvenir shopping is a bit different in August when the new NASCAR “Trackside Superstore” makes its first appearance at Bristol. The massive retail model will eventually replace the traditional souvenir trailers that have been standard trackside shopping setups for two decades.

The new superstore shopping experience will centralize souvenir offerings inside an enormous tent-style structure and offer merchandise from 58 NASCAR drivers and 25 teams. The entire Superstore covers 60,000 square feet of shopping and checkout space - roughly the size of 1.5 football fields.

Haulers and trailers for scanner rentals and other merchandise, including Bristol-specific souvenirs, will still be located around the track and outside of the Superstore.

Your Market Includes Fans Readying For A Road Trip To Bristol

Last August, fans from all 50 states and 25 foreign countries attended the night races, and this August is shaping up to attract a similar crowd.

* Let us know if you’d like details of the fans who have purchased tickets from your DMA; we’ll work with you to facilitate feature stories and segments.

August 2015 Events Items of Interest/ Significant Storylines (continued)

Pre-Race Ceremonies Packed With School Pride and Song Picks

On Saturday, pre-race ceremonies for the IRWIN Tools Night Race will include a performance by The University of ’s Pride of the Southland Marching Band. The ensemble of musicians will treat fans to their trademark rendition of the school’s fight song, .

Then, the drivers of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series will take the spotlight for Bristol’s legendary Driver Introductions. Michael Buffer, the man who made famous the phrase “Let’s get ready to rumble!” will lend his trademark voice to the show again this year. He’ll host the parade of racing superstars, where songs hand-picked by each driver will reveal their identity to the crowd.

Fans In Your Area Help Make Bristol Better

Each NASCAR race weekend, fans from across the world make the pilgrimage to Bristol Motor Speedway to experience the on-track battles at The Last Great Colosseum. But a select group makes the trek with an additional responsibility on their shoulders – to speak with track officials on behalf of all other ticketholders about their experience.

Bristol was the first race track to create a Fan Advisory Board, whose Members and Executive Committee participate in monthly conference calls and twice-yearly on-site meetings to provide fan-focused feedback. Since its creation, the FAB’s suggestions, insight and inquiries have been responsible for several improvements and customer service initiatives.

* We’re more than happy to connect you with Fan Advisory Board members who live in or have ties to your area.

Bristol App and Bristol LIVE Radio Keep Fans Informed During Events

Bristol Motor Speedway guests attending the IRWIN Tools Night Race will be able to stay up-to-date on every aspect of the race weekend activities with two key services – the Bristol App and Bristol LIVE Radio.

For users with iPhone or Android devices, the free app is updated in real-time with event schedules, ticket information, the latest news, entertainment options, photos, maps, directions, as well as live audio of race broadcasts. Guests who download the app and register in the application are able to gain access to customized features and communications as well.

The Bristol LIVE radio broadcast is a key source of convenient information for fans as well. The broadcast is a mix of behind-the-scenes interviews, up-to-date information about everything taking place at the race track each day, updates on appearances and schedules and live conversations with drivers and NASCAR personalities. Hosted by long-time Bristol Motor Speedway announcer Tom Taylor, Bristol LIVE radio has become a must-have companion for race fans who want the latest weather updates, music and answers to questions posted on Bristol’s social media channels.

In August, Bristol LIVE can be heard on Racing Electronics scanners at frequency 454.5000, through the Bristol Mobile App and on local broadcast stations103.3 FM, 100.7 FM, 1230 AM and 870 AM.

August 2015 Events Items of Interest/ Significant Storylines (continued)

Speedway Economic Impact

Figures released by representatives from the Bristol TN/VA Chamber of Commerce in spring of 2015 highlighted the extensive and positive economic impact Bristol Motor Speedway has on the region.

According to the combined research, the direct economic impact of Bristol Motor Speedway and Bristol Dragway totaled more than $417 million for 2012 through 2014. This figure was derived from racing and ancillary activities held on-site, charitable events, contributions and tax revenue. The indirect economic impact of the venue totaled more than $1.4 billion moving through the regional economy.

The Chamber noted that a secondary economic bump will take place in less than a year-and-a-half when the takes place. At that time, the iconic NASCAR short track will transform into 's largest venue for what’s billed as ‘College Football’s Biggest Game Ever’. It takes place on Sept. 10, 2016 when BMS will host and the in the Battle at Bristol.

The Chamber study revealed that the event is expected to provide a direct impact of $125 million to the local economy, along with an indirect impact of more than $439 million.

The Battle at Bristol

Excitement continues to build as the clock ticks down towards the 2016 Battle at Bristol, College Football’s Biggest Ever matchup.

History will be made when the World’s Fastest Half Mile hosts a border battle decades in the making between Virginia Tech and the University of Tennessee on Sept. 10, 2016. Expected to draw more than 150,000 fans, the iconic NASCAR short track will transform into college football's largest venue within an estimated two-week timeframe following its August NASCAR race weekend. The Battle at Bristol football game is on track to crush the current NCAA single-game attendance record of 115,109, which was set in September 2013 at .

Fans can get the latest information about the Battle at Bristol by calling the Speedway Ticket Office toll-free at 866-415- 4158, by visiting BattleAtBristol.com or by visiting Facebook.com/BattleAtBristol.

FAQ’s

The Fan Info section of bristolmotorspeedway.com contains answers to the most frequently asked fan questions. Short videos with Miss ZMax Christina Davidson explain what fans are allowed and not allowed to bring into the stands, the best ways to get around the area, where to park, area information and more. August 2015 Speedway Trivia

1) Question: Which driver went to Victory Lane by winning the 2014 IRWIN Tools Night Race in Bristol? Answer: , driving the No. 22 Shell/ Pennzoil Ford

2) Question: Who was on the pole for that race? Answer: , driving the No. 4 Stewart-Haas Racing Chevrolet. He broke a track record during qualifying with a speed of 131.362 miles per hour around the half-mile high-banked oval.

3) Question: What driver came from the furthest back in the field to ultimately win the Night Race at Bristol? Answer: Jr. in 2004. He started the race in 30th.

4) Question: Who or What is Bristol Motor Speedway’s mascot? Answer: There are two of them! “Bump” and “Run” are brother and sister raccoons.

5) Question: The winner of each Sprint Cup Series race at Bristol earns one of NASCAR’s most unique trophies – a 4-foot tall elaborate wood and metal prize featuring a hand-crafted silver bowl atop a dark wood pillar. But the race winner also receives an impressive personal present for the win. What is it? Answer: In a fitting acknowledgement of Bristol Motor Speedway’s nickname of ‘The Last Great Colosseum’, the winning driver is presented with a large, custom-engraved silver Gladiator Sword.

6) Question: What year was the first Night Race held at Bristol Motor Speedway? Answer: 1978

Bonus Question: Who won? Bonus Answer: Cale Yarborough

7) Question: What driver, who has won four Night Races as a car owner, led 24 laps and finished seventh in the first night race? Answer:

8) Question: How many drivers named to the NASCAR Hall of Fame have won the Night Race? Answer: Five: Cale Yarborough, , Dale Earnhardt, ,

August 2015

Speedway Trivia (continued)

9) Question: What new record does hold after the March 2014 Drive to Stop Diabetes Nationwide series race at Bristol? Answer: Kyle Busch made his 16th trip to Bristol’s Victory Lane with a win during that race, notching a record number of national series wins at a single track.

10) Question: How many times has the winner of the August Night Race at Bristol gone on to the win the Sprint Cup championship? Answer: Six times

11) Question: How many times in the last 10 years has the driver who led the most laps in the August Night Race at Bristol failed to win the race? Answer: Seven

12) Question: Which Driver has the most overall wins at Bristol Motor Speedway? Answer: Kyle Busch, with 15 total. He’s earned 5 Sprint Cup Series, 6 Nationwide series and 4 Camping World Truck Series wins at Bristol.

13) Question: Which Driver has the most Cup series wins at Bristol? Answer: Darrel Waltrip with 12 - 7 of them are consecutive wins.

14) Question: Which driver named his most recent child “Bristol”? Answer: Former Nationwide Series driver and current RallyCross, Motocross and X Games competitor and his wife – a professional skateboarder - welcomed Bristol Pastrana into the world on February 9th.

15) Question: Which driver earned his 50th win of his career at BMS? Answer: Rusty Wallace

16) Question: Four drivers have won 9 or more races at BMS, name two of them. Answer: Darrel Waltrip (12), Dale Earnhardt (9), Rusty Wallace (9) and Cale Yarborough (9)

17) Question: What has been the closest margin of victory in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at Bristol? Answer: Since the advent of electronic scoring, the closest margin of victory in the sprint Cup Series at Bristol was the March 27th, 2007 race won by Kyle Busch with a margin of 0.064 second.

August 2015

Speedway Trivia (continued)

18) Question: Dale Earnhardt Sr. won 9 Cup series races at Bristol. How many times total has the No. 3 been on a winning car at Bristol? Answer: 8 times.

19) Question: 3 drivers have won a Camping World Truck race, Nationwide race and Cup race at BMS in their careers (not necessarily same season). Name 2 of them. Answer: Kyle Busch, ,

20) Question: What driver has won the most races in different car numbers at Bristol? Answer: Darrell Waltrip in the 3, 88, 11, and 17.

21) Question: Two drivers are tied with most career top-five finishes at BMS. Name either of them. Answer: and Darrell Waltrip with 26 each.

22) Question: The No. 2 has been on the winning Cup car at BMS 11 times for 3 drivers, name them. Answer: Dale Earnhardt Sr., , Rusty Wallace

23) Question: 5 drivers won their 1st career NASCAR Cup race at BMS, name 2 of them: Answer: , Dale Earnhardt, , , Rusty Wallace

24) Question: What Cup Series driver has the most Nationwide – now Xfinity - series wins at BMS? Answer: Kevin Harvick, 5

25) Question: Who was the first driver to record a sub-15 second lap at Bristol Motor Speedway, and when? Answer: Ryan Newman, in March 2003. He grabbed the Food City 500 pole with a 14.908 sec./128.709 mph lap.

26) Question: Where does Bristol Motor Speedway rank in terms of the size of sports venues in America? Answer: Bristol is the 4th largest sports venue in America.

Bonus Question: Where does it rank worldwide? Bonus Answer: Bristol is ranked as the 8th largest in the world.

August 2015

Speedway Trivia (continued)

27) Question: Bristol Motor Speedway holds three spots in the Guinness Book of World Records. Name two of them. Answer: Fans joined together and set the Guinness World Record for the Largest Crowd Wave in August 2008.

The World Record for the Largest Card Stunt performed at one time was set in Bristol in August 2008 as well. It was performed by fans during the National , when they turned over coordinated cards to display an American flag that covered the stands.

Bristol fans set the World Record for the Largest Karaoke in August 2009 when the sold out crowd of 160,000 simultaneously sang “Friends in Low Places” by Garth Brooks.

28) Question: When is the next World Record expected to be set at Bristol? Answer: September 10, 2016, when the race track will be transformed into the world's largest football stadium for the inaugural Battle at Bristol, College Football's Biggest EVER game. The event will feature a border battle between the Virginia Tech Hokies and University of and is projected to set the NCAA record for highest single-game attendance ever.

Bonus Question: Will this be the first time football is ever played there? Bonus Answer: No. In 1961, the track hosted an NFL preseason game between the and the Washington Redskins.

29) Question: What driver accomplishment made NASCAR history at Bristol in August of 2010, and who did it? Answer: In August of 2010, Kyle Busch made NASCAR history by sweeping the Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series' events at Bristol Motor Speedway. It was the first time a driver had won all three events at the same track in the same week/weekend.

30) Question: What winning driver holds the record for the fastest Cup race at BMS? Answer: Charlie Glotzback, 101.074 mph - there were NO cautions in that race.

31) Question: The record for most lead changes at Bristol was the 1991 spring race with 40. Who won the race? Answer: Rusty Wallace

August 2015

Speedway Trivia (continued)

32) Question: What was originally on the land where Bristol Motor Speedway was built? Answer: The land was formerly part of Gray's Dairy, at one point one of the largest dairies in the eastern half of the .

33) Question: What is unique about pit road at Bristol? Answer: There are two of them! Bristol has two separate pits roads because of its compact size - 22 pit stalls on the front stretch and 21 on the back stretch.

34) Question: Bristol Motor Speedway has been featured in or has been the inspiration for several Hollywood productions. Name 2 of them: Answer: The speedway was one of the racing tracks used in the 1990 film Days of Thunder, starring , and .

The 2006 Disney-Pixar film Cars used Bristol Motor Speedway as the inspiration behind the Motor Speedway of the South, featured in the film's opening scene. Cars director and NASCAR fan John Lasseter made the fictional Motor Speedway of the South a 1-mile track, compared with Bristol's half-mile, to make the straightaways little longer for some of the scenes and allow for fans in the infield.

A replica of Bristol’s iconic trophy was used in the movie “Talladega Nights”. The coveted award stands over four-feet tall, features a winged woman on top of a silver cup perched upon a wooden pedestal and weighs around 50 pounds. That makes it one of the largest – if not the largest – trophies in NASCAR.