TIPS FOR FANS

The Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway is one of the highlights of the NASCAR season, and a bit of planning can make your race weekend even more enjoyable. From visiting the Fan Zone and enjoying pre-race entertainment to choosing the right grandstand seat and avoiding the busiest areas, preparing ahead helps you make the most of every part of the event. Whether you want to meet drivers, watch the racing up close, or simply enjoy the unique Bristol atmosphere under the lights, these tips can help you have a smooth and memorable race day.

If meeting drivers is one of your goals, timing and preparation are important. Arriving early is highly recommended, as drivers usually take part in various scheduled activities before the main race, including practice sessions, media appearances, and fan events. Being at the circuit when the gates open gives you a better chance of seeing them during autograph sessions, driver introductions, or appearances in the Fan Zone, which is often one of the best places for fan interaction.

It’s also useful to keep an eye on the official event schedule. In the days leading up to the race, NASCAR and the circuit often organise fan activities, such as autograph sessions, pit tours, and meet-and-greets. The Bristol Motor Speedway Fan Zone regularly hosts driver appearances, so checking the daily programme and monitoring NASCAR or the track’s social media channels can help you catch any late announcements.

Some teams and sponsors may also arrange special autograph sessions for fans during the weekend. These can take place at sponsor booths, promotional events, or FanFest-style activities, offering another chance to meet drivers and collect signatures.

Knowing where to be at the right time can also increase your chances of seeing drivers. The garage and pit areas are usually restricted to guests with special access, but if you do have this privilege, you may spot drivers walking between their haulers and the track. Even without garage access, drivers sometimes pass through the Fan Zone on their way to the grid or paddock, and many will briefly stop for photos or autographs if their schedules allow.

It’s always a good idea to bring something suitable for signing. Items such as event programmes, caps, die-cast models, or photos work well. Smaller items are often easier for quick signatures, especially in busy areas.

Remember to be respectful. Race weekends are busy and tightly scheduled for drivers, so avoid interrupting meetings, interviews, or team briefings. Being patient and polite greatly improves the chances of a positive interaction.

Comfort is also important when attending a NASCAR race. With large crowds at Bristol, many other fans will likely have the same plans as you. Try to schedule food or restroom breaks during calmer periods of the race rather than during cautions or just before major restarts, when queues tend to be longest.

When choosing where to watch the race, consult the grandstand guide to find the section that suits your preferences. Some fans prefer seats close to the action, while others enjoy a wider view of the entire track or the best angles for photography. Bristol Motor Speedway is a very large venue, so moving between sections can take time, particularly with heavy crowds. It is best to limit unnecessary movement and allow extra time if you plan to change locations.

Upgrade options

Pre-Race Track Pass

If you want to be close to the stage for the Bristol infield Pre-Race Concert and the NASCAR Cup Series driver introductions, the Pre-Race Infield Experience Pass places you right in the middle of the pre-race atmosphere. This upgrade provides exclusive access to the infield area before the race begins, allowing fans to enjoy the concert and driver presentations from a unique, close-to-the-action perspective.

Please note that this pass does not include access to the NASCAR Garage (Pit Pass) or the Pre-Race Track Walk. It is also not valid for entry to the venue, so a separate race ticket is required. Passes are sent by mail before the event, so it is important to ensure your mailing address is correct.

Pre-Race Track Walk

The Pre-Race Track Walk offers a rare opportunity to step onto the famous Bristol high banks before the race begins. Participants can explore the front stretch, Turns 1 and 2, the backstretch, and the apron area, and even leave their signature on the iconic start-finish line or the track wall.

Along the route, fans can enjoy interactive activities, entertainment, and the unique experience of standing directly on the racing surface. Coolers are permitted, so you can bring refreshments while taking in the atmosphere.

This experience is available as an add-on to any NASCAR Cup Series race-day ticket package, with entry located at the Flagman stand near the start-finish line.