What is the best track for first-time visitors and why is it Bristol Motor Speedway?
Fans have the opportunity to pick from 26 different tracks as their “first race ever” track. (NASCAR says 26 tracks because they count the Roval and Charlotte Oval as 2 separate tracks.) When trying to pick the best option, there are so many factors to consider. How do I decide where to sit? What things are there to do around town if I’m there early or there’s a lengthy rain delay? Will I have a good view of the whole track from anywhere? How well does the sound carry? Are the seats comfortable in case of lengthy green flag racing? What are the chances of lengthy green flag racing? Can I expect a lot of passing and bump-drafting? How long will the race go on? There are so many factors to consider when choosing your first track. How do you choose with confidence?
Coming in at 0.533 miles, Bristol Motor Speedway is classified as a short track, meaning quick lap times and more laps per race. A push for the lead has to start much earlier than the last couple of laps to give competitors time to overtake the leader or drive away with the win. Green flag pit stops can easily put a driver down a lap (or more if they have a problem) until the whole field cycles through.
Nicknamed “The Last Great Colosseum” because of the overall shape of the facility, there’s not a bad seat in the house. Steep banking and stadium-like seating combine to give every fan a fantastic view of every moment of the race, including pit stops on the two separate pit lanes. The stadium shape means sound travels well, giving fans in every part of the stadium that chest-rumble feeling that just can’t be beat! Bristol is also part of the NASCAR group of tracks that offer kids seats for only $10, making a family trip to the racetrack quite affordable.
Assuming fans plan to attend for the full weekend of events, there will be a little bit of down time before things get started at the track. Downtown Bristol has a lot of great little shops, many with collectible NASCAR memorabilia to take home. With the city spread across two states, there are many photo ops for the “Am I in Tennessee? Am I in Virginia?” poses. Around the track, BMS has set up several areas that are great for photos, including the “It’s Bristol Baby!” sign. There are plenty of vendors with fan interaction throughout the campus so fans have opportunities to meet other fans of their favorite driver, get free swag from sponsors, meet some current and former drivers, and spend way too much on merchandise that is only available from merch haulers at the track.
Most Bristol fall races average 4 passes per green flag lap and over 400 of the 500 laps run under green. This gives fans a lot more green flag action to watch. Average speeds are over 85 mph, with a track record set by Ryan Blaney in qualifying for the 2019 Spring race at 132.076 mph, keeping fans entertained for every moment of green flag racing.
The speed, the sound, the chest-rumble, the smell of burnt rubber and Sunoco fuel, the incredible view from every seat in the stadium – all this combines to make Bristol Motor Speedway the best track for a first time visitor and it keeps fans coming back year after year. What makes Bristol the best? Trust Dale, Jr; “It’s Bristol, baby!”
All images are the author’s own
