The following is a statement from Bristol Motor Speedway Executive Vice President & General Manager Jerry Caldwell on the 2017 NASCAR race format enhancements:

"Today's race format announcements are exciting for the future of NASCAR. I applaud the industry collaboration for making enhancements to better the fan experience and incentivizing the drivers by making every lap matter. Bristol Motor Speedway has been home to some of NASCAR's most memorable moments and I can't wait to see the excitement and action on the track that comes next. The stakes for April's Food City 500 weekend just got higher and the fans are guaranteed to see some great racing."