Bristol, TN, September 16, 2025
News Summary
Bristol Motor Speedway will recognize key heroes and organizations for their flood relief contributions during pre-race ceremonies for the Bass Pro Shops Night Race. Honorees include the Appalachian Service Project, Virginia State Police Aviation Division, and Emergency Management Directors from local counties for their significant efforts in response to the flooding caused by Hurricane Helene. The event aims to highlight their heroism and dedication to community service as NASCAR prepares for a thrilling race night.
Bristol
Bristol Motor Speedway will honor several heroes and organizations for their outstanding efforts in flood relief during pre-race ceremonies for the Bass Pro Shops Night Race, part of the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs. The event will take place on an evening that has become significant in NASCAR history.
This recognition spotlights two organizations and emergency management agency directors for their heroism in response to the devastating flooding caused by Hurricane Helene. The honorees for this year include the Appalachian Service Project (ASP)Virginia State Police Aviation Division from Abingdon, VA, and Emergency Management Agency Directors from Sullivan, Washington, and Greene Counties in Eastern Tennessee.
Key Recognition Details
During the ceremony, all honorees will receive commemorative plaques and will be acknowledged on stage. The Appalachian Service Project has made significant contributions by constructing 21 homes for families impacted by the flooding, with ongoing efforts to assist even more families.
The ASP has a storied history of over 50 years, providing vital repairs to more than 350 families, all made possible through the dedicated work of over 15,000 volunteers. Representing ASP during the ceremony will be key personnel including Melisa Winburn, Matt Akins, and Tyler Rhodes, who lead various disaster recovery initiatives.
The Virginia State Police Aviation Division is recognized for their exceptional service during the crisis, notably rescuing over 60 patients and staff from Ballad Unicoi Hospital amidst the severe flooding. The recognized members include Team Leader Sgt. John Ratliff, along with pilots Jake Culp and Jeff Bush.
Additionally, Emergency Management Agency Directors Jim Bean from Sullivan County, Evan Clyburn from Washington County, and Heather Sipe from Greene County will also be honored for their leadership and contributions in managing the emergency response effectively.
Department of Transportation Achievements
The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) will join in the recognition as a Neighborhood Hero for their relentless efforts to repair roads and aid the community in recovery following Hurricane Helene. Over 900 TDOT employees have worked tirelessly to save lives, rebuild vital infrastructures, and ensure transportation routes are accessible.
Currently, all but two damaged routes affected by the hurricane are open, thanks to TDOT’s continuous efforts. During their recovery, TDOT has removed over 720,000 cubic yards of debris from roadways since October 2024. Representation from TDOT at the event will include District Manager Michael Dick and District Construction Team Lead Camren Yarberry.
Bristol Motor Speedway’s Neighborhood Heroes Program
The Bristol Motor Speedway Neighborhood Heroes program, initiated in 2018, aims to recognize individuals and organizations that exceed community service expectations. Past honorees have included first responders, military personnel, educators, and healthcare workers, reflecting a broad spectrum of community service.
The Bass Pro Shops Night Race will commence at 7:30 p.m., drawing significant crowds eager to witness thrilling NASCAR action under the lights. The event stands as an important occasion in the NASCAR racing calendar and is well-regarded for its legacy of memorable moments.
Event Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Bass Pro Shops Night Race |
| Date and Time | 7:30 p.m. (Date not specified) |
| Location | Bristol Motor Speedway |
| Honorees | Appalachian Service Project, Virginia State Police Aviation Division, Emergency Management Directors |
| Significance | Acknowledgement of flood relief efforts post-Hurricane Helene |
FAQ Section
What is the purpose of the recognition event at Bristol Motor Speedway?
The event aims to honor heroes and organizations for their contributions towards relief efforts following the flooding caused by Hurricane Helene.
Who are the honorees being recognized during the ceremony?
The honorees include the Appalachian Service Project, the Virginia State Police Aviation Division, and Emergency Management Agency Directors from Sullivan, Washington, and Greene Counties.
What achievements has the Appalachian Service Project accomplished?
ASP has constructed 21 homes for families who lost everything in the flooding and has provided crucial repairs to over 350 families over the years.
What did the Virginia State Police Aviation Division do during the crisis?
They conducted heroic rescues of over 60 patients and staff from Ballad Unicoi Hospital during the flooding.
What role did the Tennessee Department of Transportation play in the recovery efforts?
TDOT played a significant role in repairing roads and assisting the community, managing to remove over 720,000 cubic yards of debris and reopening nearly all affected routes.
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Additional Resources
- WJHL News
- Wikipedia: Bristol Motor Speedway
- Speedway Digest
- Google Search: Hurricane Helene
- WGRV
- Google Scholar: Appalachian Service Project
- Greeneville Sun
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Virginia State Police Aviation Division
- Speedway Media
- Google News: Tennessee Department of Transportation
Author: STAFF HERE BRISTOL WRITTER
The BRISTOL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBristol.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bristol, Sullivan County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, NASCAR races at Bristol Motor Speedway, Border Bash concert series, and the Hot Bristol Night Car Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, Believe in Bristol, and the Birthplace of Country Music, plus leading businesses in healthcare, manufacturing, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Ballad Health, Strongwell, and Bristol Motor Speedway. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
