Downtown Bristol Welcomes Fans With Race Night

2008 Food City Family Race Night

* 1-9 p.m., State Street, downtown Bristol
* $4 in advance at Food City stores, $5 at the gate, children under 5 free.
* Free shuttle bus pick-up/drop-off: Bruton Smith Building; BMS Tower 9; Bristol Mall; U.S. Highway 11E/Whitetop Road; state Route 394/Whitetop Road; and 394/Copperhead Road
* Autograph wristbands and/or tickets are required and available at the CitiFinancial tent at 1 p.m.

For a complete list of attractions, visit http://www.foodcity.com, where updates will be posted. 

NASCAR drivers, live music, show cars, simulators, food and fun games await those who attend today’s annual Food City Family Race Night on State Street in downtown Bristol.

As folks pour into the Tri-Cities region for NASCAR’s “weekend on wheels” at Bristol Motor Speedway, a healthy helping of race fans from across the nation, as well as local residents, will flood the downtown area today.

They’re not likely to be disappointed.

The event, which gets under way at 1 p.m. and runs through 9 p.m., paves the way for a weekend of action-packed Nationwide and Sprint Cup Series racing at “The World’s Fastest Half-Mile.”

A total of 40,000 to 50,000 people are expected to attend the event.

Fans can expect a fun-filled evening packed with driver autograph sessions, show cars, simulators, souvenir trailers, entertainment and a smorgasbord of free food samples. 
“It’s really a time for Bristol, Tenn., and Bristol, Va., to shine,” said Bristol Tennessee Mayor Joel Staton. “And this year – especially because of high gas prices – it gives people a chance to enjoy quality, family entertainment that’s close to the track and their homes.”

Abingdon, Va.-based Food City has hosted the hugely popular event since 1987. The company has contributed more than $500,000 in proceeds to area non-profits over that time and will do so again this year. Proceeds from this year’s event will benefit the Birthplace of Country Music Alliance Cultural Heritage Center. 

“Food City is committed to giving back to the community,” Tom Hembree, Food City senior vice president of marketing, said Wednesday. “Our NASCAR sponsorship enables us to host our annual Food City Family Race Night events. And there are so many race fans that don’t get to go to the races. They’re able to come down and see the drivers and cars and enjoy the atmosphere.”

Bill Dennison, Bristol Virginia city manager, has seen the event grow over the years.

“You really had to be around for the first one to know how much it’s grown,” he said. “I remember when we just had a couple microphones out on the street.”

A number of drivers will be on hand from all four series, including the Craftsman Truck Series and Hooter’s Pro Cup division, which exploded into action Wednesday with the running of the O’Reilly 200 and Aaron’s 150.

Food City already has received confirmation from several big name drivers and attractions, with more expected, including former driver Ernie Irvan, who will be honored from 5:30-6 p.m. on the Coca-Cola stage at the east end of State Street.

Among other confirmed drivers are: Sprint Cup drivers Kevin Harvick (limited number of autographs available, wristbands to be given out beginning at 1 p.m.), Kasey Kahne, Bobby Labonte, David Ragan, Marcos Ambrose, Casey Mears and Juan Pablo Montoya.

Nationwide Series drivers include Jamie McMurray (limited number of autographs available – wristbands to be given out beginning at 1 p.m.), Eric McClure, Jason Keller, Morgan Shepherd, Kenny Wallace, Bobby Hamilton Jr. and Brad Coleman.

Confirmed Truck Series drivers include Todd Bodine, Stacy Compton and Dennis Setzer and UARA Series drivers Josh Hale, Jake Crum, Caleb Roark, Wayne Hale and Nate Monteith. 

Special appearances also will be made by former driver and ESPN lead analyst Rusty Wallace and NASCAR artist Sam Bass.

Live entertainment begins at 1 p.m. on three stages. Firehouse, presented by Arm Entertainment, will perform at 7 p.m. on the Leclerc Foods stage on Piedmont Street. 
 
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