Bristol Motor Speedway officials are busy making preparations to host one of motorsports' most tradition-rich events, the famed NASCAR All-Star Race, on Wednesday night, July 15, and the winner of that historic race will earn the signature trophy and lucrative $1 million prize in front of a significant number of spectators. 

While it is the first time that BMS will host the prestigious NASCAR All-Star Race, it will also be the first time that a major U.S. sporting event will conduct an event in front of a large contingent of fans since the COVID-19 pandemic began earlier this year.

BMS officials understand that hosting such an event comes with great responsibility and the BMS Team is tackling the challenge with cohesive planning and preparation.

"While some new procedures may cause a temporary inconvenience for a limited time, it's a small price to pay to ensure that we can continue to enjoy live sporting events," said Jerry Caldwell, executive vice president and general manager. "Bristol Motor Speedway is known for a number of firsts in the industry, so we would encourage all of our guests to be supportive of these protocols and set the standard for how large events can be conducted safely during this pandemic."

Caldwell said that while planning for the NASCAR All-Star Race, BMS officials are in frequent contact with numerous federal, local and state partners to exchange information, seek guidance, and make real-time, data-based decisions regarding the best ways to execute fan safety protocols and experiences. Organizations involved in ongoing conversations include numerous civic leaders from throughout the Tri-Cities, Sullivan County Health Department officials, Ballad Health representatives, Tennessee state health experts, the city of Bristol, Tennessee and regional/state travel and tourism advisors.

"We are in constant communication with regional and state leaders and NASCAR about our collaborative plans, and we are all in consensus," Caldwell said. "Guests will see a few new ways of doing things, all of which are good, old-fashioned Northeast Tennessee common-sense practices that will help ensure the safety of our fans, drivers, vendors, employees and overall community."

BMS is instituting procedures to reduce contact and crowd density as guests purchase tickets, enter the grounds, enjoy the event and depart the facility. Below are some of the highlighted items that fans need to be aware of while planning their visit. Please review the full details and requirements of the BMS Safety Plan prior to arrival.. 

Once the fans are safely in their seats, 19 of the most decorated NASCAR Cup Series drivers, most of them past champions, multi-time winners and future hall of famers, will take to the storied all-concrete high banks at the World's Fastest Half-Mile, where sparks are sure to fly. Tempers will flare. And at the end of the night, one driver will earn the signature NASCAR All-Star Race trophy and add a nice pile of cash to his bank account.

All-Star eligibility includes 2019 or 2020 Cup Series winners; previous All-Star Race winners; or former Cup Series champions. Drivers who are All-Star Race eligible include: Ryan Blaney, Alex Bowman, Kurt Busch, Kyle Busch, Chase Elliot, Justin Haley, Denny Hamlin, Kevin Harvick, Jimmie Johnson, Erik Jones, Matt Kenseth, Brad Keselowski, Joey Logano, Ryan Newman and Martin Truex Jr.

The action gets underway on Wednesday, July 15 with the NASCAR All-Star Open, a last-chance qualifier race for those drivers without a starting spot in the NASCAR All-Star Race. The two stage winners and the race winner of the NASCAR All-Star Open will advance into the NASCAR All-Star Race. The winner of the NASCAR All-Star Fan Vote, which is currently ongoing at NASCAR.com, also will earn a starting spot in the NASCAR All-Star Race. The Fan Vote closes at noon on Tuesday, July 14.

Live coverage of the NASCAR All-Star Open and NASCAR All-Star Race at Bristol Motor Speedway will be provided by FS1, MRN and Sirius XM NASCAR Radio starting at 7 p.m. (ET).

For ticket information, please visit www.bristolmotorspeedway.com/tickets/nascar-all-star-race.    

Safety Protocol Modifications

Tickets

  • All ticketing, from initial purchase to scanning, will be conducted digitally to eliminate contact points
  • Seating will be strategically assigned at the time of purchase to ensure social distancing between groups
  • No will-call or in-person ticket pickup services will be available (all ticketing will be conducted digitally)
  • Tickets start at $35 for adults, $10 for kids 12 and under, and are on sale at www.bristolmotorspeedway.com
  • Guest Services personnel will be on hand during the event to help answer questions and provide guidance

    Transportation
  • Trams and shuttle buses will not operate during this event
  • Golf cart shuttles will be reserved for guests with limited mobility
  • Free parking is available at Speedway Parking (located at the corner of White Top Road and Highway 394)
  • Paid parking options are available at neighboring properties

    Face Coverings

  • Guests are encouraged to put on masks once they enter the property
  • Facial coverings are required whenever guests are in common areas such as gates, restrooms, concessions, souvenir stands, elevators, concourses and suite-level hallways
  • Masks may be removed once guests are socially distanced in their assigned seats

    Wellness

  • If a guest purchases a ticket and then becomes ill, a refund will be issued
  • All BMS personnel will be temperature screened on event day and wear a face covering at all times. Personnel will also wear gloves, as needed.
  • Whether on grounds or off, BMS encourages all residents and guests to observe the practices of social distancing, frequent hand washing, wearing a face covering in all public spaces, and using hand sanitizer

    Entry/Exit

  • Guests will receive notification of designated entrance times and assigned gate
  • All guests accessing the suites will undergo temperature screenings before entering elevators
  • No re-entry after leaving the facility
  • On completion of the race, a staggered exit plan will be in effect (BMS will provide guidance for dismissal of seating areas to help reduce crowding on concourses and in aisles)

    Social Distancing

  • Guests are asked to socially distance at all times while on grounds (floor markings at concourse, concession and souvenir stands and directional traffic flow signage will be provided)
  • BMS' Ticket Office will stagger seating throughout the stands to provide for a minimum of 6 feet of distance between groups
  • Suites will operate at a reduced capacity, in line with Tennessee state guidance

    Cleanliness
  • Hand sanitizer stations are available throughout the grounds
  • BMS will follow enhanced cleaning procedures, especially in high-touch surface areas such as handrails and bathrooms

    Food & Drink and Souvenirs
  • All purchases from food and souvenir stands will be electronic transactions (debit and credit cards only, no cash or checks)
  • Only clear, soft-sided bags 14" x 14" x14" and smaller will be allowed in
  • No coolers or glass containers permitted
  • Speedway World, Bristol Motor Speedway's gift shop inside the Bruton Smith Building, will be closed

    Camping
  • No on-grounds camping, other than a limited number of overnight RV spaces, will be available
  • Area campgrounds will open on Tuesday, July 14, and close on Thursday, July 16.

    Additional Changes

The following amenities have been temporarily halted in order to comply with industry guidelines and help reduce the risk of transmission:

  • On-grounds concerts
  • Public access to infield (no track walks or hot/cold passes)
  • Public access to drivers' meeting
  • Driver meet-and-greet sessions
  • Headset/scanner rentals
  • Golf cart rentals
  • Fan Zone, corporate and vendor displays
  • Pay phones