Bristol, TN, September 19, 2025
News Summary
During a special pre-race ceremony for the Bass Pro Shops Night Race, Bristol Motor Speedway recognized several local heroes for their contributions during Hurricane Helene recovery efforts. God’s Pit Crew from Danville received a Neighborhood Heroes plaque for supporting affected families. The Appalachian Service Project and Virginia State Police Aviation Division were also honored for their critical roles. Emergency management directors from three counties were acknowledged for their leadership in crisis management. This initiative reflects BMS’s commitment to honoring community impact in the face of adversity.
Bristol
Bristol Motor Speedway (BMS) president and general manager Jerry Caldwell presented a BMS Neighborhood Heroes plaque to God’s Pit Crew from Danville for their significant contributions during the recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene. This recognition is part of BMS’s ongoing initiative to honor individuals and organizations making a notable impact in their communities.
Tonight, during pre-race ceremonies for the Bass Pro Shops Night Race, BMS will honor two organizations and emergency management agency directors from three Eastern Tennessee counties. The honored organizations include the Appalachian Service Project (ASP), the Virginia State Police Aviation Division, along with Emergency Management Agency Directors from Sullivan, Washington, and Greene Counties.
The Appalachian Service Project has made a considerable impact in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, having constructed 21 homes for families affected by the flooding. ASP has been operational for over 50 years, assisting more than 350 families in need across the region.
In addition, the Virginia State Police Aviation Division played a critical role during the crisis by rescuing more than 60 patients and staff from Ballad Unicoi Hospital’s rooftop amid the flooding. The swift action of their helicopter pilots proved invaluable during the emergency situation.
Recognition also extends to the leadership of emergency management agency directors Jim Bean from Sullivan County, Evan Clyburn from Washington County, and Heather Sipe from Greene County. Their coordinated efforts were essential for managing the crisis and ensuring the safety of local communities.
Bristol Motor Speedway had previously acknowledged the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) as a Neighborhood Hero due to their extensive work in repairing major highways damaged by Hurricane Helene. Over 900 TDOT employees responded promptly to the flooding, facilitating rescue, recovery, and rebuilding efforts across the affected areas.
As a result of the dedicated work from TDOT, nearly all affected roadways have been reopened and significant debris removal has been accomplished. These efforts have been crucial for restoring normalcy in the region post-disaster.
The Bass Pro Shops Night Race, a significant NASCAR event, will begin at 7:30 PM tonight at Bristol Motor Speedway. Caldwell has acknowledged the invaluable contributions made by all honorees, showing gratitude for their commitment and leadership during the crisis brought on by Hurricane Helene.
FAQ
What recognition did God’s Pit Crew receive from Bristol Motor Speedway?
God’s Pit Crew received a BMS Neighborhood Heroes plaque for their significant contributions during the recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene.
Which organizations and individuals are being honored at the Bass Pro Shops Night Race?
BMS will honor the Appalachian Service Project, the Virginia State Police Aviation Division, and Emergency Management Agency Directors from Sullivan, Washington, and Greene Counties.
How many homes has Appalachian Service Project constructed for families affected by Hurricane Helene?
The Appalachian Service Project has constructed 21 homes for families affected by Hurricane Helene’s flooding.
What role did the Virginia State Police Aviation Division play during Hurricane Helene?
The Virginia State Police Aviation Division’s helicopter pilots rescued more than 60 patients and employees from Ballad Unicoi Hospital’s rooftop during the floods.
What was the response of the Tennessee Department of Transportation to Hurricane Helene?
More than 900 TDOT employees responded to the flooding after Hurricane Helene, facilitating rescue, recovery, and rebuilding efforts.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Bass Pro Shops Night Race |
| Date & Time | Tonight at 7:30 PM |
| Honorees | God’s Pit Crew, Appalachian Service Project, Virginia State Police Aviation Division, EMA Directors from Sullivan, Washington, and Greene Counties |
| Key Contributions | Rescue operations, home constructions for families, and road repairs |
| Community Impact | Restoration efforts following Hurricane Helene |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Kingsport Welcomes a Month Full of Engaging Events
Braves vs. Reds Game Suspended Due to Rain at Bristol
Tragic Losses Impact Bristol Community
Christopher Bell Wins Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol
Virginia High vs. Tennessee High Rivalry Resumes
Hard Rock Casino in Bristol Achieves $22.3 Million Revenue in August
Upcoming Events in the Tri-Cities Area
Christopher Bell Triumphs in Bristol Night Race
Bristol Motor Speedway Honors Heroes of Flood Relief Efforts
Bristol Race Weekend Set for Thrilling NASCAR Action
Additional Resources
- Speedway Digest
- Wikipedia: Bristol Motor Speedway
- WJHL
- Google Search: Neighborhood Heroes at Bristol Motor Speedway
- Speedway Media
- Google Scholar: God’s Pit Crew Neighborhood Hero
- WFXR TV
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bristol Motor Speedway Night Race
- Racing America
- Google News: Food City 500 Bristol
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.
