With an atmosphere so good that it should be a National Holiday, it's a must to take the fun and spirit of the Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race weekend into the community.
The cities of Kingsport, Johnson City and Bristol will all host downtown block parties to round out America’s Night Race week.
Kingsport will host their Race Week party from 5:30 to 11 p.m. featuring musical act Hundred Acres on Monday, Aug. 13 with Johnson City taking the baton on Tuesday, Aug. 14 from 6-9:30 p.m. with musical act Seth Thomas. Bristol will finish up the trio on Wednesday, Aug. 15 from 5-11 p.m. featuring Borderline, Wyldeheart and Shooter. For fans at the race track, shuttle service will be provided from BMS to/from the three parties.
"We’re blessed to have the support of the Chamber/CVB leadership teams who are creating these exciting community lead-up activities to America’s Night Race," said Jerry Caldwell, executive vice president and general manager of Bristol Motor Speedway. “These Race Week events will get the party started and provide an opportunity for race fans and locals to have fun while supporting the businesses in our region.”
The Kingsport Green Flag Party will follow the World Long Drive Competition Finals at the MeadowView Marriott on Monday, Aug. 13. Following the event, the party will move to High Voltage, a fun social spot in downtown Kingsport. Race fans are invited to head to High Voltage around 5:30 p.m. with music beginning at 8. Visitors will be able to sample numerous food trucks, including Project Waffle, Let’s Taco Bout It and Sam’s Snowball Paradise and visit with personalities from NASCAR and the Golf Channel.
Johnson City’s event, “Gearing Up for America’s Night Race”, will begin at 6 p.m. at King’s Commons in downtown Johnson City. Bikers are invited to take part in the group bike ride that will leave at 6 p.m. from Trek’s and travel through downtown, led by the official BMS Chevy Camaro SS pace car. The ride will arrive at King’s Commons around 6:30, where food trucks, yard games, music and more will await visitors. Those daring to win a race can compete in the “Slowest Bike Race”, where competitors will try to ride as slow as possible without falling around the Johnson City sign.
The parties will conclude in downtown Bristol with “Red, White & Bristol” on Wednesday, Aug. 15. Beginning at 5 p.m., the event will feature live music, an official cornhole tournament, food trucks, yard games, a kids zone, numerous beer gardens and more. Merchants in downtown will also compete in a storefront decorating contest, which will allow fans the chance to explore the different stores in a festive atmosphere.
The three Race Week parties guarantee exciting action during every single day of the Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race week. Following the three days of downtown partying, race fans will want to check out Food City Family Race Night on Thursday from Noon to 6 p.m. at BMS’ Hospitality Village as well as the Fitzgerald Peterbilt Transporter Parade. Select haulers in the parade will be on display mid-day at the Bass Pro Shops at the Pinnacle. Guests are encouraged to find a spot by 4 p.m. on the BMS property side of Hwy 11E/Volunteer Pkwy between White Top Rd. and Exide Dr. for the best viewing spot. The haulers are expected to arrive by approximately 4:10 p.m.
That night, the future stars of NASCAR take to the track for the UNOH 200/Bush’s Beans 150 doubleheader.
The action continues Friday night with Pinty’s Qualifying and the Food City 300. The party culminates with the party of the year, the 40th running under the lights of the Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race on Saturday night.
Bristol Motor Speedway officials are making it easier than ever for families to enjoy the weekend. Kids’ tickets (12 and under) are free and adult tickets start at $30 for Thursday’s (Aug. 16) UNOH 200 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race and the Bush’s Beans 150 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour race. On Friday (Aug. 17), kids’ tickets are free and adult tickets start at $30 for the Food City 300 NASCAR XFINITY Series race and Pinty’s Qualifying. On Sunday (Aug. 18) adult tickets start at $70 for the Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race and kids’ tickets are $10. For all races, each child must have a physical ticket in hand to enter the gates. The Bristol Motor Speedway ticket office is the only authorized location that can produce the free kids’ tickets. Tickets can also be purchased for a limited time directly from any neighborhood Food City store. To purchase tickets, please call 423-BRISTOL or buy them online at www.BRISTOLTIX.com.
