BMS GOES BACK TO ITS ROOTS WITH SATURDAY SPECTACULAR SPRING/SUMMER SERIES

Those are just a few ways drivers have described racing at the World’s Fastest Half-Mile. And those drivers were talking about racing with just 43 cars on the track.

Imagine what it will be like with nearly 100 cars racing on the .533-mile oval. That’s exactly what will happen on April 5, when the Frank Kimmel Street Stock event kicks off a four-race Saturday Spectacular series of events held this spring and summer at Bristol Motor Speedway. The field could consist of as many as 99 cars, racing three wide on 33 rows.

“It’s something we’ve never done here before and it’s going to be wild,” said BMS president Jeff Byrd. “I feel sure it will take the fans’ breath away and I’m guessing that will hold true for the driver’s too. If you’re a fan you’re going to want to be here for this race. I’m guessing this will give beating and banging an all new meaning here at Bristol.”

The 150-lap Street Stock Spectacular will be staged by nine-time and defending ARCA champion Frank Kimmel. Cars competing in the event must be stock-appearing American made models built between 1960 and 1988, powered by all-cast iron engines no larger than 410 cubic inches.

Kimmel launched his Street Stock Spectacular in 2007 at Kentucky Speedway to rave reviews from fans and competitors alike. Now, the series moves to Bristol Motor Speedway, where nothing like this has even been attempted and Byrd is anxiously looking forward to giving fans something more to be excited about.

 “We ran four Late Model races last summer and fans loved it,” said Byrd. “At the time
we wanted to get the cars on the new concrete to get some rubber on it and these guys ended up coming in here and giving us a great show. Fans love this kind of racing and the drivers really like being able to race here. This is definitely that bullring type of racing that a lot of us grew up with and fell in love with. It’s going to be a lot of fun for everybody.”

And there will be other forms of racing during the Street Stock Spectacular… most notable a trailer race which is another first for BMS. American-made stock cars will pull trailers around the World’s Fastest Half-Mile in a survival of the fittest in what should be a fan favorite. The night will open with a 30-lap Thunder Roadster race.

UARA-Stars, NHRA Drivers Event – Saturday, May 17

Spring racing continues when UARA and NHRA drivers collide on the Speedway on Saturday, May 17.

Late Model Stock Car Racing competitors from the UARA-Stars Series return to Bristol Motor Speedway for the fifth time for racing very familiar to fans of local tracks throughout the area.  In 2007, UARA drivers were first on the new BMS concrete surface, and they demonstrated that the track offered racing lanes from top to bottom.

In 2008, UARA hits Bristol on the same weekend as the NHRA O’Reilly Thunder Valley Nationals, and some of the NHRA drag racing stars will try their oval track skills in full-bodied “Charger Division” stock cars in a 20-lap feature.

The regular Charger Division drivers will compete in their own 25-lap feature.  Lonesome Pine Raceway promoter Harold Crook created the Charger Division as a stepping stone series, utilizing retired NASCAR Cup and Nationwide Series cars, Hooters Pro Cup cars and late model cars.  Cars must weigh 3,300 pounds, and are powered by a spec engine equipped with a 5,500 rpm chip.

Also on the program, an appliance race... American-made stock cars will race with major appliances strapped to the cars... last car carrying its cargo is the winner!

The popular Pro Challenge Series also comes back to Bristol for a 30-lap feature, and fireworks will light up the sky to complete a great Saturday at Bristol Motor Speedway and Bristol Dragway.

Stock Cars, Fireworks -- Saturday, July 5

What a great way to celebrate Independence Day weekend! The UARA-Stars, Pro Challenge cars, Charger cars, a trailer race, jumps through fire and a fireworks finale offer a heaping slice of Americana to celebrate our nation’s birthday.

Late Model competitors from the UARA-Stars Series headline the night’s action with a 150-lap feature. Three years ago, Steven Wallace, son of former Sprint Cup Series champion Rusty Wallace, became the first UARA driver to win at Bristol enroute to his current career in NASCAR’s Nationwide Series.

The regular Charger Division makes its second appearance at Bristol in a 25-lap feature utilizing retired NASCAR Cup and Nationwide Series cars, Hooters Pro Cup cars and late model cars, only now they compete with a little less power and a spec engine.

Another trailer race will provide entertainment for all ages... remember, it’s another “last-car running with all of its parts” test for these heavy-metal cars, and the most important part is the boat or camper attached to the car.

Pro Challenge cars will compete in another 30-lap feature, and a stunt jump through a fireball completes the on-track action before fireworks fill the sky above the Speedway.

ASA Late Model Series -- Saturday, Aug. 9
 
A year ago, the ASA Late Model Series made its first appearance at Bristol Motor Speedway, demonstrating that the quickest cars on the new Speedway surface can be powered by crate engines.  ASA Late Model Series competitors established all the speed records for the track, and provided some of the greatest excitement.

Also on tap: a 50-lap feature for 4-cylinder modified stock cars, a first appearance at Bristol for this series.  Expect as many as 100 competitors to attempt to qualify for the 28 spots available.

The Charger Division will compete in another 25-lap feature, and Bristol’s first demolition derby in more than 20 years will complete the night’s action.