BRISTOLMOTOR SPEEDWAY

Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains on the Tennessee-Virginia border, Bristol Motor Speedway is unlike any other track in NASCAR. The half-mile concrete oval, carved into the hillside like a modern-day Roman colosseum, has been producing legendary racing since 1961.

Larry Carrier built the track as Bristol International Speedway, originally as a half-mile with relatively modest banking. But over the years, the track evolved into something special. The banking was increased to as much as 36 degrees at its steepest, creating a unique bowl where cars could run flat-out around the entire track.

The nickname "Thunder Valley" comes from the incredible sound that reverberates through the surrounding mountains when 40 stock cars thunder around the tight confines. The acoustics of the natural amphitheater create a sensory experience unlike any other in motorsport.

Bristol is famous for its "bump and run" style of racing. With no room to pass cleanly, drivers often resort to moving competitors out of the way. This has led to some of NASCAR's most memorable confrontations, both on and off the track.

The Bristol Night Race, held every August, has become one of the most coveted tickets in all of motorsport. The combination of short track racing under the lights creates an atmosphere that fans describe as electric, intense, and absolutely unforgettable.