The following is a statement from Bristol Motor Speedway Executive Vice President & General Manager Jerry Caldwell on the announcement of NASCAR's premier series entitlement partner:

"Today marks a new chapter for NASCAR's premier series with the introduction of Monster Energy as its new entitlement partner. They are a well-known entity in the sporting landscape with crossover appeal, and we know they will bring a new kind of intensity to America's favorite motorsports series.

"We also want to thank Sprint for their support for 13 strong years. They helped advance the sport both on and off the track with their technology and impressive fan activations throughout the years. 

"All of us at Bristol Motor Speedway look forward to the new year at The Last Great Colosseum and the 25th anniversary of the Food City 500 weekend April 21-23, 2017."