It was just after sunrise in the campgrounds of Bristol Motor Speedway.
The hills were alive with the sound of southern rock, the smell of sizzling bacon, and the sight of thousands of folks in multi-colored t-shirts swapping stories.
Welcome to one of the largest sporting events in the world.
While many of the 160,000 fans make the trek to Bristol purely for the spectacle, the most passionate fans can be found far away from the luxurious motorhomes and cozy suites.
The campground crew leaves the weighty issues and worries of the day to others.
As fans and media types debate the merits of the new track configuration at BMS or the struggles of Dale Earnhardt, Jr., the wild-eyed southern boys are here for some old-fashioned fun. They drink, they party and they get loud at times.
While NASCAR shed its rural roots for the big city many years ago, the heart of stock car racing can still be traced to those blue-collar ruffians hungry for a diversion from bills and unemployment lines.
Since its humble birth in 1961, BMS has offered an almost intoxicating escape from the normal.
The smooth concrete surface and variable banking may have changed the personality of this place, yet few sights in sports are more intriguing than watching 43 rolling billboards compete on a high-banked, half-mile track.
NASCAR has its share of problems. From pre-programmed drivers and look-alike cars to the growing dominance of multicar teams, the sport has become too glitzy.
The glitzy influence of network television is especially frustrating to tradition-loving fans who remember when maverick drivers were far more interested in wins than points and commercials.
Considering that Bristol is the second smallest market on the Sprint Cup series, the string of 54 consecutive sellouts is astounding.
The Mountain Empire does not offer a beach, casino or high-end shopping options. It does feature friendly people, scenic mountains and the most radical challenge in motorsports.
For a while it appeared that Sunday’s Food City 500 would not be a sellout. The hardcore fan knew better.
The lousy economy may have created a sense of desperation across the nation, but folks will still find a way to satisfy their short-track fix.
Long after Sunday’s event the campgrounds were alive with good music, good smells and good stories.
You don’t have to understand the appeal of racing. There’s no denying its popularity, however.
It’s loud, wild and raw. And it’s colorful - so dang colorful.
There’s no better, or more popular seat, for this high-speed form of theatre than Bristol Motor Speedway. Just call BMS the little track that could.
agregory@bristolnews.com|(276) 645-2544
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