The second-shortest track on the NEXTEL Cup circuit, Bristol is unique because its turns are banked higher than those at Daytona and Talladega, the biggest superspeedways. Added to the schedule in 1961, Bristol was resurfaced from asphalt to concrete in 1992. The track had 18,000 seats in the beginning but now accommodates more than 160,000 fans. Speedway Motorsports, Inc. purchased the track in 1996 and the following year invested $15 million to revamp the site. The August race, first held at night in 1978, is one of the most anticipated events of the year. There is a waiting list for tickets each season.

Date Opened: 1961
Location: Bristol, TN
First Race: Volunteer 500: July 30, 1961
Race record: Charlie Glotzbach: 101.074, July 11, 1971
Distance: .533 miles
Front stretch: 650
Back stretch: 650
Degree of banking:
In Turns 1-4: 36 Degrees
Straightaways: 16 Degrees Distance: 266.5 miles
Laps #: 500 laps
Seating capacity: 160000
Tickets: (423) 764-1161
Website: www.bristolmotorspeedway.com