From Tailgate To Trackside: NASCAR Buckles Up, It's Bristol Baby!

"Don't give us none of your aggravation,

We had it with your discipline.

Saturday night's alright for fighting,

Get a little action in."

-Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting) Elton John

Oh yes, Saturday night’s alright for fighting and no better arena for the Sharpie 500, than Bristol Motor Speedway.

Driver patience is often as short as the track itself as the mighty 43 swap paint for 500 white-knuckled laps. Cramped quarters combined with the sheer horsepower of the cars has been likened to "flying fighter jets in a gymnasium."

Bristol knows how to brawl!

The idea for “world’s fastest half-mile” came to be in 1960 after track builders Larry Carrier and Carl Moore attended a race at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Hoping to create a smaller version of CMS with a more intimate setting, the pair, along with R.G Pope sketched out plans for the Northeastern Tennessee track on the back of envelopes and brown paper bags.

Ground was broken on 100 acres of dairy farm in early 1960 and took approximately one year to complete.

Bristol International Speedway was a perfect half-mile, measuring 60 feet wide on the straightaways, 75 feet wide in the turns and the turns were banked at 22 degrees.

NASCAR held its first race at BMS on July 27, 1961 to a sold-out crowd of 18,000. Jack Smith won the inaugural “Volunteer 500” despite not being in the driver’s seat to take the checkered flag. Smith drove the first 290 laps while his relief driver, Johnny Allen took over to complete the remaining 210 laps. The two drivers shared the $3225 purse.

BMS has gone through many changes, identities and owners over the years. In 1969, it was reshaped and re-measured. The turns were banked at 36 degrees and it became a 0.533-mile oval.

In 1976 after the season ended, the track was sold to Lanny Hester and Gary Baker. The track was renamed Bristol International Raceway in 1978 and in August of that same year, the first night race was held. The hot August night race in Bristol quickly became one of the most anticipated and popular races on NASCAR’s Sprint Cup series calendar.

Warner Hodgdon purchased BMS in 1983 and named former track builder Larry Carrier as its general manager. In 1985, Hodgdon filed for bankruptcy allowing Carrier to formally take possession of the speedway and cover all outstanding debts.

In the face of its popularity, Bristol was far from perfect. For years, teams were unable to park their transporters inside the infield. Nor did the track have any significant garage area. Team transporters were parked in a lot outside of the track.

During racing periods, crews and participants were landlocked by the track, and thus, unable to return to the transporters for spare parts, repairs, or rest.

"In the early 1990s, the infield was reconfigured, and completely paved. Teams began parking the transporters in an orchestrated, extremely tight arrangement that takes several hours, and highly skilled drivers, to accomplish. Teams are now able to work out of their transporters in the same fashion as other facilities."

In 1992, the track was overhauled once again, abandoning its asphalt surface for the now famous concrete veneer.

Carrier sold the track to Speedway Motorsports, Inc in 1996 for $26 million dollars. Later that year, the name was changed once again to Bristol Motor Speedway and seating capacity grew to 86,000.

Today, BMS can hold more than 160,000 rabid race fans.

School's out and it's time to begin the beguine in Bristol!

While BMS owns several campgrounds surrounding the track, it does not offer the same kind of infield camping luxury that many of the other tracks do. As far as tailgating goes, you got to get a little creative!

The BMS properties generally sell out quickly, so if you are thinking about a Bristol getaway in 2010, get your reservations in now!

These campgrounds offer reserved spaces for the entire NASCAR race season starting at $860 with electric, sewer and water hookups. Spaces without hook-ups start at $99 per race event.

Prices include unlimited use of the shower facility, dump stations and water. BMS shuttles will offer transportation to the shower house as well as the grandstands on event days.

There are several privately owned campgrounds near the speedway that cater to race fans that are worth looking into as well and of course race day parking is available on a first come, first serve basis.

Parking on BMS grounds is by permit only. BMS also operates two free parking areas on St. Rt. 394. "Speedway Parking" and "Multi-Purpose" parking areas offer free shuttle service to and from the track.

Allow plenty of travel time as the tiny town of Bristol will play host to over 650,000 vehicles during a typical race weekend.

What the fans be grillin?

Looking for authentic tasty Tennessee treats to tantalize your tailgating taste buds?

You can’t go wrong with grilling some barbequed ribs or fresh catfish, but if you want to do it up right southern style pack your Fry Daddy!

In spite of its negative health benefits, submerging food in hot oil is so wrong that it’s right! EVERYTHING tastes better fried!

Virtually anything can be deep fried, from the usual suspects (french fries, onion rings, corn dogs) to the deliciously unexpected (Twinkies, pickles, cheesecake).

Heck, someone even found a way to deep fry a Coca-Cola!

So fry it up baby! Breakfast, lunch and dinner never tasted so good! Justify a weekend of unhealthy living knowing that you will walk it off in the mountains of Bristol as you make your way along the steep inclines to the track.

Tennessee is home to the famous Jack Daniel’s distillery, so whiskey-a-go-go it up in style with some race day cocktails. Recipes can found at www.jackdaniels.com.

Jack Daniel’s also offers a variety of paradise in a bottle with its Country Cocktails selections. You can’t go wrong with a Downhome Punch or a Black Jack Cola, just load up the cooler and you are good to go!

Jack Daniel’s, sponsor of Casey Mear’s No. 07 Chevrolet, promotes responsible drinking, so be sure to “Obey the caution flag and pace yourself!”

Looking to make your Bristol experience more eventful?

Check out Food City’s Family Race Night on Thursday, Aug. 20 for appearances from your favorite drivers and sponsors.

Get the VIP treatment all weekend long in the Amp Energy Club at BMS. Club members will be treated to great food, drinks, fun and exclusive benefits. For just $180 you’ll celebrate the race day atmosphere with a pre-race track tour and driver appearances.

Membership Includes:

• Entrance into Bristol Motor Speedway's exclusive Hospitality Village
  
• Great meals with non-alcohol beverages (Cash bar available)
  
• Exclusive "member's-only" gift pack with souvenir program
  
• Track tour (Sprint Cup day only)
  
• NASCAR driver appearances
  
• Entertainment, door prizes & music
  

• Access to NASCAR driver Q & A session:
  

• Friday, August 21 -Bobby Allison (4:00 p.m)
  
• Saturday, August 22 - Rusty Wallace (3:00 p.m), Matt Kenseth - (3:30 p.m.). Kasey Kahne - (4:10 p.m), Dale Earnhardt Jr. - (4:30 p.m.), Junior Johnson - (5:00 p.m.)
  

Information about these events, camping, parking and more can be found at www.bristolmotorspeedway.com.

So races fans, let’s buckle up, it's Bristol baby and Saturday night’s the night we like, Saturday night’s alright! See you next weekend when we get Amp-ed up in Atlanta!

From Tailgate To Trackside: NASCAR Gets Manky In Michigan

Looking to rock n’ roll all night and party every day? Then Michigan International Speedway is the place for you!

Located just 67 miles southwest of Detroit Rock City, it’s time to get a little Irish in the hills of Brooklyn.

Michigan, “the birthplace of the automobile” celebrates its 41st year of great racing by hosting this week’s Carfax 400.

MIS opened its grandstands, overlooking the two mile D-shaped oval to 12,000 eager race fans in 1968. As racing in all forms grew, so did the speedway.

Today the track holds 132,000 seats and plays host to the state’s largest, single-day paid admission sporting event.

In 1973, when the nation’s oil crisis and climbing gas prices threatened racing as a whole, Roger Penske purchased the track from the steps of the Lenawee county courthouse for a estimated two million dollars.

Penske envisioned turning the speedway into one of America’s premier motorsport arenas by adding more than 100,000 seats, three garages, 26 pit terrace suites, a sign shop, concessions, an infield hospital entertainment facilities and countless new buildings and warehouses.

In 1999, Penske’s reign came to an end as Penske Motorsports Inc. merged with NASCAR founder, Bill France’s International Speedway Corporation.

MIS is still considered one of the Nation’s premeire tracks to this very day.

Class dismissed, it’s time to get a little manky in Michigan!

MIS offers some of the best camping money can buy. For the swankiest of fans, you can reserve a spot in the private Pit Road Motorcoach RV Campground for a mere $2100 per couple and an additional $250 per additional person.

This exclusive area is home to only the finest of Class A motorhomes.

The grounds feature:

• Water and 50-amp electrical hook-up
• Portable restrooms
• Access to dump station and fresh water
• Private camping area
• Special enter/exit privileges

"Regular Joe" infield overnight camping is extremely limited and is on a first come first serve basis and costs between $150 and $200 per vehicle.

A weekend pass will set you back $100 and $40 for general admission Sunday afternoon walk-ups.

Set up camp as early as 4 p.m. on Thursday afternoon and stay through until noon on Monday morning.

Infield amenities include showers, restrooms, dump stations, fresh water and Buddy’s Convenience Store.

Strapped for cash or don’t fancy yourself a full weekend warrior? That’s okay. MIS welcomes all forms of free tailgating from the exterior lots that surround the track.

What the fans be grillin?

Despite its name, “The Coney Dog” is a quintessential Detroit delicacy. Recreate the historic hot dog at the track by smothering it with beanless chili, raw onions and yellow mustard.

If pizza is more your thing, then pick up a few pies on your way to the track. Served up square, and paired nicely with an antipasto salad, Detroit’s version on the deep dish boasts a crispy crunchy crust piled high with your favorite toppings.

We are headed to the Irish hills, so what could be better than at good Guiness Stout to compliment your meal? Pack a few bottles of Bailey’s Irish Cream and Jameson’s Irish whiskey and you’ll be getting a little Irish in no time.

Since fans will leave the driving to the professionals on race day, kick up your tailgating experience by replacing your favorite light beer with “Irish Car Bombs” in an Erin Go Bragh round of beer pong.

Pour a ½ pint of chilled Guiness into a cup, fill a shot glass with ½ ounce of whiskey and ½ ounce of irish cream. Drop the shot glass into the Guiness and start chugging!

Pace yourself or you’ll be as useful as a cigarette lighter on a motorbike in no time!

Looking to rev up you race day experience?

Tour the pits to see how racing looks from the inside out. The pit area will be available when admission to the track opens and will close one and one half hours before the start of the race, so get there early to enjoy all of the festivities. Pre-race pit passes can be purchased for $50 at any MIS ticket office.

Wanna see paradise by the dashboard lights? Join fellow fans at the Trackside Club. Located in the Terrace Suites directly above Pit Lane, you’ll be able to see and feel the action on the track, then sit back and enjoy resort-quality food service.

The Trackside Club also provides a rooftop deck that puts you atop of all the action. Purchase an August weekend package for $500.

Each package includes:

• Trackside Club Admission
• Pre-Race Pit Pass
  
• Continental Breakfast and Catered Lunch
  
• Commemorative Event Gift
• Unlimited Beverages
• Souvenir Event Program (Sunday only)
  
• Roof-Top Viewing Deck
  
• Paddock Parking Pass
• Pre-Race Driver Introduction
  

Access MIS offers a new hospitality option for fans and company gatherings at Acceleration, “an inclusive resort at the track.”

Entertain and relax throughout the day and remain one hour after the conclusion of the race.

Each package includes:

• Hospitality credentials
• Pre-race pit access
  
• Buffet style breakfast and lunch
  
• Unlimited Beverages Coke Products
  
• Six (6) drink tickets per guest Budwieser products and wine
• Post-race snack (Sunday only)
  
• Entertainment
  
• Closed circuit color television
  
• Company name displayed on reserved table
  
• Souvenir programs
• Event gifts
  
• Special Guest Speakers (June Speakers: Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Kasey Kahne, Robby Gordon)
  
• Complimentary scanner rental
• Lot 11 parking pass
  

Check out these packages and more at www.mispeedway.com.

Let the Michigan melee begin and buckle up as we head into Bristol next weekend.

kara martin - bleacher report

NASCAR's Female Fans: We're Just Like You Only Prettier!

Late last week, I got an e-mail from NASCAR.com entitled “Fast and Fabulous: NASCAR lifestyle, insight and recipes for the female fan.”

C'mon, really?

It was filled with links to great recipe ideas and a full page spread about “NASCAR’s most eligible bachelor” Tony Stewart.

I am betting with 100 percent certainty that the male fans of NASCAR were not privy to this type of absurdity.

The more I thought about it, the more laughable it seemed. Just who does NASCAR think they are, trying to buy me with their pink baby-doll driver tees and glittery tank tops?

Sure there will always be women at the track donning ill fitting t-shirts with iron-on messages like “Mrs. Lil E” or “Driver Butts Drive Me Nuts,” but for the majority of female fans, we’re just like the rest of you, only prettier!

Statistics show that NASCAR’s female fanbase is nearing 50 percent, but the sport itself is still perceived by many as a “boys club.”

Being a knowledgeable female fan at the track is much like being a lone mare in the middle of a stud farm.

Men have it pretty darn easy when it comes to attending a race—throw on some shoes, pants, and an optional shirt and you’re good to go. The fairer sex has to worry about all of the sugar and spice and everything nice that goes along with being a woman.

There are countless websites out there that cater to the female fan, providing tips for your day at the track. They answer the burning questions, like what the best waterproof mascara is to wear to the track to prevent your “eyes” from melting down your face in the summer sun, or just how many tampons to bring to the track.

Hey guys, have you ever thought about packing some antibacterial wipes to clean the toilet seats with before sitting down on it or adding your “in case of emergency” number into your cell phone just in case you meet with certain danger.

Seriously, how many of you have carried a small bottle of hairspray on your person so that you can “fluff up your hair” when the hat comes off or some antiperspirant so that you can “freshen up” during caution flags?

This is what women are fed all the time, “a girl has always gotta look good!” Give me jeans, a t-shirt, flip flops, and a baseball cap any day. It’s a stock car race for God sake, not a freaking fashion show!

There will always be that girl who makes the rest of us look bad, you know the one. She’s had way too much to drink and during a caution will stand up and flash the entire race day community.

The instant gratification is astounding as people will take notice. There will be a lot of cat calling and a handful of “hell yeahs,” but ultimately in the end it is her drunk ass who gets escorted out in a shiny pair of designer handcuffs.

Way to represent ladies!

Yes at times being a girl at the race is like being that sweet little black feline who is stalked by smelly ol’ Pepe Le Pew.

"Ze arms of Pepe are upon you, I am ze captain, and you are ze first mate. Promotions will follow quickly!"

One year during the spring race in Richmond I was caught in a crowd with two of the drunkest souls I’ve ever had the pleasure of sharing company with. They both had foot long hot dogs and as they bumped up next to a lucky lady they would ask the question that we all long to hear. “Wanna see my wee-nah?”

While I found it oddly amusing, all fun and games came to a screeching halt when one of them disrespected me by reaching out and grabbing a handful of my left breast!

He was like the redneck version of “Arthur.” Instead of introducing himself in proper British fashion he slurred, “I’m from Salisbury Merle-and,” as if it were a proper handshake.

I leaned into him and whispered something that is not fit to print, but lets just say it was a fair warning about what was going to happen if he didn’t remove that hand post haste!

“Hey mah bad, mah bad, it’s all good,” he replied as he raised both hands up into my line of vision, right before he high fived his buddy for making the play!

Got to give him props for trying, he made it to first base without even buying me the obligatory cocktail.

Fast forward years later to this year’s spring race in Richmond and I am still getting no respect! I mentioned to a fellow writer and seasoned media center veteran that I had obtained press credentials, his response…

"Just what NASCAR needs...another media babe in the garage area, you rock it, baby! (hehehehe...could rock me :-p ). Yeah...you groupie you!”

Are you freaking kidding me!?

While it could not be farther from the truth, it is still the perception of some NASCAR Neanderthals.

While NASCAR Dads delight in the fact that they can share the racing experience with their brand loyal spouses through sponsors like Little Debbie and Betty Crocker, there are many female fans who consider themselves true gearheads.

They are the ones who will challenge even the most seasoned good ol' boys to a hardcore lesson in NASCAR trivia. She'll spout out team stats and qualifying lap times without blinking a made up eye.

Sure some might be dazzled by the feminine exterior, but get to know the inside before assuming that we female fans are only at the track to get hit on or lost in the baby blue eyes of Kasey Kahne.

Forty million female NASCAR fans can't be wrong!

kara martin - bleacher report

From Tailgate To Trackside: NASCAR Gets It On At The Glen

This week we head to Watkins Glen where we’ll crown another King of the road course as NASCAR’s Sprint Cup Series takes on some twisty turns.

Road course racing in the village of Watkins Glen, New York became reality in 1948 after law student Cameron Argetinger’s dream of bringing European style competition materialized. Argetinger drew up a course that encompassed asphalt, cement and dirt roads in and around the village and on Oct 2, the top names in American sports car racing were welcomed by huge crowds in the first post-World War II road race in the United States.

The Glen, as it’s come to be known as, has changed tremendously over the years. Racing moved to a temporary course in 1953 and in 1956 a permanent 2.3-mile was built. One year later the speedway hosted its first race, a NASCAR event won by Buck Baker.

The Glen played host to virtually every style of road racing, but in the early eighties the track fell into disrepair after a bankruptcy forced the track to close.

After being purchased in early 1983 by a subsidiary of Corning Glass Works, the renovated track reopened on July 7, 1984.

Watkins Glen and NASCAR rekindled their relationship on Aug 9. 1986 where fans witnessed Tim Richmond take the checked flag.

OK class, history lesson over, let's get it on!

At The Glen it seems that anything goes, unlike camping restrictions at Pocono, feel free to bring your pets, scaffolding, non-metallic flagpoles, BBQ grills, heck you can even bring your personal weed whackers and furniture, just as long as you don’t leave it behind. Clean toilets and hot showers are available for $3, a small price to pay cleanliness!

You can camp virtually anywhere at The Glen. Reserve your spot in the infield or near one of one of the tracks numerous Jumbotrons, so that you don’t miss a second of the action. For those less structured of planners, unreserved camping is located on a first come, first serve basis at gates one and seven.

The Glen kicks tailgating up a notch this weekend as the newly formed National Tailgating League, (The NTL) announced that it’s first stop in New York will kick off an officially sanctioned cornhole tournament in conjuction with the Heluva Good Sour Cream Dips at The Glen.

Cornhole is a game similar to horseshoes in which participants take turns tossing corn bags at wooden boxes in an attempt to get the bag through a hole in the top, or at least land the bag on the top of the box. The game is also known as bags, corn toss, bean bag, bean toss, soft horseshoes or Indiana Horseshoes.

The Aug. 9 main event will offer a $2,500 cash prize. Top finishers in the two Aug. 8 amateur cornhole tournaments will receive race-related awards such as suite passes, pace car rides, driver meet-and-greets and private pit tours.

What the fans be grillin?

Dip served with chips, crackers or vegetables are always a perfect race day munchies.

With Heluva Good sponsoring the event, you can’t go wrong with any one of their tasty treats. Check out their website for recipes that incorporate their products into race day main dishes like French Onion marinated chicken breast , white cheddar and bacon infused burgers or grilled tomatoes with onion basil topping.

Watkins Glen is home to over 70 wineries, it’s been said that drinking wine in moderation has its health benefits, so harness your inner Sommelier and let’s get bottle-shocked!

Pair any of their suggestions with a good beer or wine and you have the makings of one great weekend!

Looking for an extra twist or turn?

Fans will have unprecedented access to their favorite drivers during the race weekend.

August 6: Hang out with Bobby Labonte in the Winner’s Lounge at Tioga Down Casino from 5:00-7:00 PM.

Joey Logano, along with crew chief Greg Zippadelli will be signing autographs for the first 700 wristbanded fans from the Painted Post Home Depot.

Reed Sorensen will be at the Corning, NY McDonald’s from 6:00-7:30 signing autographs for the first 200 guests. Kurt Busch will also be in Corning for the Race Fever festival where he will make an appearance and sign autographs.

August 7: An all-driver autograph session for the stars of Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series will take place from 2:00-3:00 PM in the Grand-Am paddock at the track.

Ryan Miller, goaltender for NHL’s Buffalo Sabres and Grand Marshal of Friday night’s Crown Royal 200 will make an appearance at The Pyramid at Watkins Glen International from 5:00-6:00 PM.

Kasey Kahne will be at the Horseheads NY McDonald’s from 6:00-7:30 PM to sign autographs for the first 200 fans.

August 8: NASCAR artist Sam Bass will be making three appearances at the Zippo display at the track along the Fan Midway. Appearances are scheduled at 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM, and 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM.

Reed Sorensen will make two appearances from the McDonald’s Family Zone at the track to sign autographs for the first 75 fans. The appearances are schedulde for 11:00 AM – 11:25 AM and 2:00 PM – 2:30 PM.

August 9: Leading up to the race on Sunday morning, drivers and NASCAR personalities, including Kasey Kahne and Richard Petty will be available for autographs as well as question and answers.

Want to test out your own road racing skills? Sign up for a Thunder Road Tour. For just $25 you can “follow the pace car down the FrontStretch into the Ninety, twist, climb and claw your way up through the Esses and onto the BackStretch, braking as you hit the Inner Loop and navigate the Carousel turn, then drop off the face of the earth into the depths of the turn-heavy Boot, climb your way out into Turn Ten, regain your senses and make a run for the finish line!”

Check out these events and more at www.TheGlen.com

Have a “Heluva Good” time this weekend and see you next weekend as we melee in Michigan!