Bristol Motor Speedway officials on Wednesday proudly announced Jose Castillo as the 2024 recipient of the BMS Neighborhood Hero award for the Tri-Cities region. Castillo has been a mainstay in the world of NASCAR, serving as a “Spicy Host” for many of the fan stages at race tracks all over the country. At Bristol Motor Speedway, where he got his start nearly two decades ago, he continues to serve as one of the hosts of Colossus TV, the track’s mega TV that hangs in the middle of the facility.
This summer, Castillo got the call of a lifetime to use his talents in a brand-new way. A global way. He was named one of the emcees and hosts for the Team USA House during the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
For the first time ever, the Team USA House was open for public access. There were multiple Team USA athlete appearances, Olympic games viewing, media and celebrity appearances, chats with Olympic legends and plenty of interactive activities. It was three weeks of non-stop talking for Castillo, who says he loved every minute of it.
Castillo was one of eight hosts commanding the stage for hundreds of guests and the fans were there cheering everyone on to create an unreal atmosphere. The Team USA House, located in the historic Palais Brongniart, was open from noon to midnight every day of the games.
“We are so proud of Jose for the amazing job he did this summer as a host and emcee for Team USA House at the Paris Olympics,” said Jerry Caldwell, president and general manager of Bristol Motor Speedway. “This was a demanding three-week assignment and Jose did it with a professionalism and flair that only he can bring to the party. He has evolved into one of the best trackside hosts in NASCAR and we are thrilled to be able to name him our BMS Neighborhood Hero for the Tri-Cities this year for all that he’s done to support the U.S. Team through the Olympic games and also his continuous efforts throughout all of the NASCAR events where he entertains massive crowds each weekend.”
Castillo will be officially recognized during pre-race ceremonies for the Bass Pro Shops Night Race, a Round of 16 Playoff race in the NASCAR Cup Series, on Sept. 21. One of the crown jewels of the NASCAR season, the race will take place under the lights at iconic Bristol Motor Speedway starting at 7:30 p.m.
Established in 2018, the BMS Neighborhood Heroes program recognizes individuals, groups, and organizations who have gone above and beyond in their service, actions and performances to better their communities. Past honorees have included first responders, military personnel, educators, athletes, healthcare workers and other community leaders who have made a lasting impact on the state of Tennessee.
America’s Night Race weekend kicks off Thursday, Sept. 19 with Ben Rhodes and defending winner Corey Heim battling for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series victory in the UNOH 200 presented by Ohio Logistics (8 p.m., FS1, MRN Radio). The rising stars in the ARCA Menards Series, including rising stars William Sawalich and Connor Zilisch and former IndyCar racer Marco Andretti, also will take on the challenging half-mile bullring in the Bush’s Beans 200 as part of a titan Thursday night doubleheader (5 p.m., FS1, MRN Radio).
On Friday, Sparks are sure to fly in the Food City 300, as NASCAR Xfinity Series favorites Justin Allgaier, Austin Hill, Cole Custer, Sheldon Creed and Riley Herbst will be fighting hard alongside Earnhardt Jr. in the Xfinity Series regular season finale (Sept. 20, 7:30 p.m., The CW, PRN Radio).
Finally, the stars of the NASCAR Cup Series will take to the track on Saturday for the Bass Pro Shops Night Race (Sept. 21, 7:30 p.m., USA Network, PRN Radio), you’ll get to see all of your favorite drivers like Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott, Denny Hamlin, Ryan Blaney, Joey Logano and Tyler Reddick to name a few, racing hard in the Round of 16 to advance in the first elimination race of the Playoffs.
To purchase tickets, please visit www.bristolmotorspeedway.com or call the BMS Ticket Sales Center at (866) 415-4158.
