News Summary
Bristol Motor Speedway is set to host its first-ever Major League Baseball game and a significant NASCAR race weekend this summer. The MLB Speedway Classic on August 2 will feature a game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Atlanta Braves, while the Bass Pro Shops Night Race is scheduled for September 13. The speedway, recognized as one of the top NASCAR tracks, is also expanding its entertainment offerings with a concert by Tim McGraw. These events are expected to enhance Bristol’s reputation as a multi-sport venue and boost the local economy.
Bristol – Bristol Motor Speedway is gearing up for an exciting summer filled with sporting events, including its first-ever regular season Major League Baseball (MLB) game and a prominent NASCAR race weekend. The weekend highlights include the MLB Speedway Classic on August 2, featuring a matchup between the Cincinnati Reds and the Atlanta Braves. The nation’s eyes will also be on the speedway for one of NASCAR’s marquee events, the Bass Pro Shops Night Race, set to take place on September 13.
The Bristol Motor Speedway, recognized as one of the top 10 NASCAR tracks in the country by a USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards poll, boasts a 0.533-mile oval layout that accommodates up to 160,000 attendees. This historic venue is not only adapting to a new sport but also enhancing its appeal through entertainment options, including a concert by country music star Tim McGraw scheduled before the MLB game.
Major Events on the Horizon
The MLB Speedway Classic will mark a notable milestone in Bristol’s sports history, bringing the excitement of baseball to the renowned racing track. This game is expected to attract a significant crowd, enhancing Bristol’s reputation as a multi-sport venue. The event will provide fans a unique opportunity to experience MLB action in a non-traditional setting.
Following the MLB showdown, Bristol will shift gears to host the prestigious Bass Pro Shops Night Race, a key fixture of the NASCAR season that draws in thousands of racing enthusiasts. This event is not only essential for race fans but also vital for the local economy, contributing to tourism and local business growth.
Supporting Local Racing Action
In addition to these high-profile events at Bristol Motor Speedway, several nearby racetracks will host racing events throughout the summer. The I-75 Raceway, a small dirt racetrack located near Sweetwater, Tennessee, has 14 races scheduled until the end of September. Kingsport Speedway, located about 30 minutes from Bristol, will feature 16 weeks of racing across seven divisions, having been a staple in the community since 1965.
Knoxville Dragway, near Maynardville, offers weekend races and operates on a cash-only admission basis, while Mountain View Raceway provides affordable tickets with races starting at 6:45 p.m., hosting 11 events scheduled through September.
Newport Speedway, known for its family-friendly atmosphere, has 14 events planned until the season’s end, including ride-along experiences available for $25. Meanwhile, Smoky Mountain Speedway in Maryville, open since 1964, will host nine races through September. Tazewell Speedway, established in 1965, is a 1/3-mile track providing 13 races with free admission for children ages 9 and under. Lastly, Volunteer Speedway in Bulls Gap will feature seven races over the summer.
Background of Bristol Motor Speedway
Bristol Motor Speedway, located approximately 100 miles from Knoxville, Tennessee, has long been a central hub for motorsport in the region. Known for its unique semi-banked oval design, the track presents challenges that attract both drivers and racing fans. The introduction of baseball and the commitment to hosting large-scale events like the NASCAR weekend are part of ongoing efforts to diversify the attractions offered at the speedway.
As the summer unfolds, Bristol Motor Speedway is set to transform, aiming to position itself as a premier destination not only for motorsport fans but also for baseball enthusiasts and live music lovers alike.
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Additional Resources
- Knox News
- Wikipedia: Bristol Motor Speedway
- The Tennessean
- Google Search: Bristol Motor Speedway
- Jayski
- Google Scholar: Bristol Motor Speedway
- News Channel 9
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bristol Motor Speedway
- Knox News
- Google News: Bristol Motor Speedway
