It won't be difficult to spot Craig Shelton this weekend at the Saturday Spectacular at Bristol Motor Speedway. Not only will he be competing in the infamous Trailer Race but he'll also be the only guy sporting a patriotic theme.
Shelton's ride, painted red, white and blue, earned him the nickname Captain America during a previous event at the Speedway. It's the only color scheme he's ever had on his cars, regardless of the type of race in which he was competing.
"I'm a very proud American so I love that," said Shelton who lives in Flagpond, Tenn., just outside of Erwin. "I've always painted my cars red, white and blue and I've done pretty well in the races I've been in.
For the past five years Shelton has competed in demolition derbies, specifically at the Appalachian Fairgrounds. For five consecutive years his car has taken top honors as the best looking ride.
"Even though it's a demolition derby, I want my car to look good," said Shelton. "I love the kind of racing we get to do with the derbies but I also love the races we get to take part in at Bristol Motor Speedway.
"I've seen some Trailer Races on TV and when I saw Bristol was going to start having some I couldn't wait to try my luck."
In the first Trailer Race, held in April, it rained and although the drivers got to take a few laps on the World's Fastest Half Mile, Shelton says it was enough to give him a good feel for the track.
"It was totally awesome," he said. "It was my first time on the track and I just couldn't believe I was racing there. More guys should come out and race in these races they're having there because it's so fun and it's such a great experience. I mean, where else can a barnyard mechanic get this kind of chance - running at a place as famous at Bristol?"
Shelton, who has helped construct the majority of trailers that will be used on Saturday, won't make any predictions for the trailer race but feels he's learned a few things from past experiences, which also includes the appliance race held in May.
"I feel like I've got a pretty good feel for the place," he said. "This is our first official time since the rain got us last time so I'm looking forward to it. I'd love to win it but it's just a whole lot of fun to be able to get out there and race.
"It's the luck of the draw but I'll sure give it my best shot. I know it'll be a good time with a lot of rolled up fenders and beating and banging. And that's what everybody's looking for anyway - just having fun."
The Trailer Race is one of four on-track events taking place Saturday. Also on the agenda is a 25-lap Pro Challenge race, followed by a 15-lap Charger event. The Thompson Metal 150 UARA Stars will then race, with the Trailer Race bringing the on-track action to a close before fireworks light up the sky.
Bristol Motor Speedway will feature an incredible display of fireworks after an action-packed evening at The World's Fastest Half-Mile. The spectacular fireworks presentation will have a patriotic theme and WQUT FM 101.5 also will simulcast the fireworks show with synchronized music to add to the experience.
General admission tickets are available for $15 for adults. Children 12 and under will be admitted free with a ticketed adult. A pit pass also is available for $35. No one under the age of 15 will be admitted into the pits.
Gates open July 5 at 6 p.m. For more information, please call the BMS ticket office at 423-989-6900.
