Bristol Motor Speedway, Motorsport racing track in Bristol, Tennessee, United States
Bristol Motor Speedway is a motorsport racing track in Bristol, Tennessee, known for its short, steeply banked concrete oval layout. The turns climb up to 28 degrees while the straights hold a 6 to 10 degree slope, allowing high speeds and close overtaking moves throughout the race.
The facility opened in 1961 under the name Bristol International Speedway with a relatively modest budget and gradually became a fixture on the national racing calendar over the following decades. In 1996 the complex received its current name and has since been expanded several times to accommodate more spectators and modern technology.
The track earned the nickname "The Last Great Colosseum" because its steep seating surrounds the entire oval and gives fans an unobstructed view from nearly every seat. On race days the surrounding area turns into a sprawling celebration with tailgate parties, live music, and fans waving flags and wearing their driver's colors.
The racing track sits near two main highways, making it easier to approach from different directions. During race events there are numerous parking lots and camping areas around the venue, though they fill up quickly and arriving early is recommended.
In 2016 the facility temporarily transformed into a football stadium and hosted a college game that set an attendance record for the sport. The central display system was originally promoted as the largest screen of its kind at a racing venue and hangs above the infield so no seats are obstructed.
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