BRISTOL, Tenn. – Once inside the racing cathedral that is Bristol Motor Speedway, fans are subjected to the deafening roar of engines, screaming fighter jets flying overhead and cheers that make decibel levels dance.
But don’t fire up that Marlboro if you’re sitting in the grandstands for the spring races in March or at any event thereafter.
Smoking is now banned in all seating areas, terraces and restrooms, and smokers will be asked to extinguish cigarettes and cigars when spotted.
The same goes for Bristol Dragway.
"We’re not going to have the smoking police out there, we’ll just be trying to adhere to the laws," said Kevin Triplett, BMS vice president of public affairs. "We have reserved seating where a ticket-holder doesn’t have a choice of where he or she will sit. Knowing that, we decided to err on their behalf and go ahead with this."
Triplett said the speedway has fielded many calls about the change.
"Some are happy; some are upset," he said.
The change is the result of a Tennessee law that took effect on Oct. 1. The General Assembly approved the "Non-Smoker Protection Act" in May.
The law prohibits smoking in most public facilities, including "sports arenas."
Guests at the speedway and dragway can still light up in the concourses.
"I don’t smoke, myself," said Alfred Hawkins, who has attended several races at the speedway. "But if a person wants to smoke, they should be allowed to, especially while they’re watching the race. I’ve got some friends that smoke and go to the race all the time. I don’t know how they’re going to take this."
John Leonard, owner of Bristol Virginia’s Sidetrack Tobacco, said he regularly attends the races "with a few stogies and a cooler of beer."
"It used to be called Winston Cup," Leonard barked, referring to the tobacco company that was once NASCAR’s main sponsor. "I wish they’d just leave us [smokers] alone. Drinking and smoking, that’s mainly what people do at the track."
Triplett said "no-smoking" signs will be placed above all gate and concourse entrances, and other signs will briefly explain the rules.
For now, there is no policy that would allow the speedway to eject someone for not complying, Triplett added.
"We don’t want it to come to that," he added. "Frankly, I don’t think it will, because we’ll be providing a place for smokers."
ggray@bristolnews.com | (276) 645-2512
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