NASCAR Experience sessions offer fans an opportunity to hear from some of the people on the inside of the motorsports world. The six classes, held on at 6 p.m. on Thursday evenings Jan. 24- Feb. 28, will provide a new and unique perspective on NASCAR racing each week. Whether you are a NASCAR rookie or a seasoned veteran, the NASCAR Experience has something for everyone.
On Jan. 24, Bristol Motor Speedway President and General Manager Jeff Byrd will join other guests to share personal stories about their NASCAR experiences and to discuss how the sport has changed. Dr. Thomas Holmes, ETSU Department of English associate professor, will show film clips of Hollywood's depictions of the NASCAR phenomenon on Feb. 7. From 43: The Richard Petty Story to Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, Holmes covers the great racing movies and asks fans to talk about their place in NASCAR history. On Feb. 14, those who want to learn about the legends and lore of Bristol Motor Speedway will want to visit local author David McGee and others as they discuss everything from the humble beginnings of the Speedway to the epic battles waged within its walls. Sharyn McCrumb returns on Feb. 21 to share stories from her experiences while writing St. Dale, a retelling of Chaucer's Canterbury Tales in a NASCAR setting. Local journalists also will be on hand to discuss what it is like to cover the sport. These sessions take place at ETSU at Bristol.
The NASCAR Experience also hits the road to give fans an up-close look at what really makes the NASCAR world go ‘round. A trip to Henderson Racing in Abingdon, Va., takes place at 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 31 and will provide a behind-the-scenes look at a team race shop. On Feb. 28, participants will conclude their journey at the World's Fastest Half-Mile and will learn what employees and the community must do to prepare the track to become the third largest city in Tennessee on race day.
Open to individuals of all ages, this learning opportunity will provide insight into the high-speed world of NASCAR from the people who live it daily.
Adults may register for the complete program at a special price of $50. When accompanied by a paid adult, the fee for children under 12 is only $25. Individual session pricing is also available.
To register for the program or to learn more about the NASCAR Experience, please contact the ETSU Office of Professional Development at 800-222-3878.
"Start Your Engines for the NASCAR Experience" Class Schedule
January 24 - Introduction to NASCAR- Join BMS staff for an introduction of the NASCAR Experience program. Learn about the history of the sport, behind-the-scenes stories, and ask your NASCAR-related questions.
Will be held at ETSU @ Bristol.
January 31 - Shoptalk - Go behind the scenes at Henderson Racing, and learn what takes place in a real race shop. See the actual cars and amazing work this shop produces.
Will be held at Henderson Racing, 25111 Lee Hwy, Abingdon, VA at 5:30 p.m.
February 7 - Hollywood's NASCAR Experience - ETSU English Professor, Thomas A. Holmes, discusses Hollywood's attempts to get a handle on the NASCAR phenomenon, including such films as The Last American Hero, Thunder Road, Cars, Talladega Nights, 43: The Richard Petty Story, and Days of Thunder.
Will be held at ETSU @ Bristol.
February 14 - Tall Tales - The racing world is full of entertaining stories laced with both drama and comedy. Remember the legends of the sport and hear how Bristol Motor Speedway was formed.
Will be held at ETSU @ Bristol.
February 19 - Snow Date - Tuesday, February 19 is reserved as a snow date for any previous session that may have been cancelled due to hazardous conditions. If no previous dates have been cancelled, there will be no program on this date.
February 21 - Writin' About Racin': Writers and Journalists on NASCAR - Join writer Sharyn McCrumb and local journalists to hear their experiences about writing in NASCAR. Sharyn McCrumb, author of St. Dale, is known for her Ballad Series novels. Her books will be available for purchase and signing.
Will be held at ETSU @ Bristol.
February 28 - The Big Show - Join the BMS staff at the World's Fastest Half-Mile and learn what the community does to prepare for "The Big Show."
Will be held at Bristol Motor Speedway.
