| Michigan International Speedway | Darlington Raceway |
|---|---|
| Bristol Motor Speedway | Daytona International Speedway |
It took us about 7.5 hours from Indiana once we hit the road. We left around 6 on the Friday before the race. Not knowing if everything booked up around the track we played it safe and stayed in a hotel late Friday night somewhere around 4 hours outside of Bristol. Even though we were 4 hours out we still saw plenty of NASCAR fans headed to the track the next morning in the lobby. Traffic wasn't bad at all until we got about 5 miles from the track. Definitely make a list of everything you need for the trip, I forgot my SD memory card for my camera and had to stop at a nearby CVS to pick up a couple. There are stores and restaurants in Bristol, but once you get right up on the track its hard and timely to move out and around. Traffic is bumper to bumper out front of the track and there is really only a gas station with in walking distance from the campgrounds. I recommend taking a bike to get around with ease.
Back on the road we slowly moved closer to the track and all the sudden - BAM - there it was. What a sight to see, Bristol Motor Speedway is the most impressive track I've ever seen. The fact of how tall it is, and that it isn't surrounded by anything makes for an aggressive presence. This is all from the road, wait until you walk into the speedway. This Massive coliseum like structure will leave an impression on you with out a doubt. There are a lot of inclines at Bristol. If you aren't keen on walking up hills, look for the shuttle taking people up, or I should say look for the line of people. Once I made it up the numerous flights of stairs and into the grandstands is where the real sight is. I got goose bumps once we made that step out of the concessions and into the stands. You can see it all from every seat. I honestly don't think there is a bad seat in the house of Bristol.
We were in the Kulwicki Terrace section G row 20. We had some great seats but like I said before I really don't think there is a bad seat in the house. Obviously the higher up you are the better but at Bristol you can really sit anywhere and see a lot of great racing. Unfortunately our seats were a little to high up, we sat under the last towers above us, but there were steel beams a couple rows in front of us. I'd say next time I'll be there but row 12 is where it's at, no beams perfect view.
We camped out the night before the race without reservations anywhere. We literally pulled in the Earhart West Campground and found a spot. $150 to tent camp for the weekend, we only stayed one night but I'm sure you could show up Wednesday and stake your spot. I know that campground fills up for the August race so if your planning on going then be sure to call ahead for reservations. You can take 2 parking spots for $20 each and set up camp in one spot(small vehicle only). There are porter potties and a shower house on the property. $5 a shower, they also have all the bathroom accessories you can purchase (towel, soap, shampoo, toothbrush etc.). NO FIRES allowed on this campground. It was a chilly night so be sure to pack for the weather.
When the race was over and some 160,000 fans exit the speedway it can get a little hectic. I'd recommend heading back to your car or campsite and relaxing for a bit. Traffic after the race is pretty bad, I'd recommend heading back and fire up the grill. We arrived to the car at 5:45pm and didn't leave the campground until 6:47. After finally getting out of the campground we were directed out of Bristol for about another 30 min or so. Not following everyone else, we found an alternate route out of there, 421 North. So its around 7:15 or so, and we are on this Tennessee back road and the sun is setting. No cars were around us and this was most beautiful landscape I've ever scene. The old country barns and rolling hills just made for a great ride home. If your headed north after the race, I recommend checking it out.
by: William Perry
One (1) regular bag (backpack) is allowed into the grandstands per ticket holder
NASCAR Legal Coolers are always something to keep in mind from track to track. All carry-in items will be searched prior to entry into Speedway grandstands. It is recommended that fans make their way into the gates at least one hour prior to green flag to allow proper time for inspection of these items.
Bristol is loud! Great Seats all around, like always sit at least half way up.
View from Kulwicki Terrece
Bristol grandstand, terrace and suite seating areas will be non-smoking! Please respect others
Items Fans May NOT Enter Bristol Motor Speedway Gates With
- Folding Stadium Seats... Please note that STADIUM CUSHIONS ARE PERMITTED
- Umbrellas
- Fires, Grills, or Fireworks
- Weapons of any kind
- Folding Chairs
- Coolers over 14 inches
- More than one carry-in bag (bag cannot exceed size of cooler)
- Glass Containers
- Pets (except service animals assisting the disabled)
- Scaffolds or Platforms
- Bicycles
- Beer Balls
- Noise-Makers, Horns, Helium Balloons and Beach Balls
- Other items that may pose a safety hazard or diminish the enjoyment of an event by other patrons
What do you need to know to go to Bristol Motor Speedway - What to pack - What not to pack - Tips. NASCAR Camping is a great way to vacation at the track and get the full experience. We are always looking for tips from any one that has visited Bristol and will add any valuable information to this page along with other NASCAR tracks as well.
To order a Bristol Speedway Camping Campsite Call - 1.423.989.6944
THIS SAT! Sept 5th
