As race fans prepare to arrive for an exciting Food City 500 race weekend, Speedway Children's Charities is racing towards the green flag with numerous events.
Some of SCC's opportunities include the Meade Tractor Cornhole Classic, Bristol Ultimate Experiences Online Auction, Track Laps presented by NN Inc., Half-Mile Hot Laps driven by Seat Time Racing School, Spring Race 5K and the annual SCC dinner
"We are so excited for race week to get here," said Claudia Byrd, executive director of speedway children's charities. "There are so many wonderful events for people to get involved with that will benefit the region's children. We encourage everyone to check out these great opportunities."
The Meade Tractor Cornhole Classic will take place April 15, 16 and 17 in the Fan Engagement Area at BMS. Cost is $40 to enter per team. Guests can register at www.bristol.speedwaycharities.org or on site, pending open spaces. Qualifying will take place on Friday, April 15 at Noon and 3 p.m. and Saturday, April 16 at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. The Grand Championship will be held Sunday, April 17 at 9 a.m.
The Bristol Ultimate Experiences Online Auction runs till April 12. Auction items include the Bristol Motor Speedway All-Access Package and the Ride of a Lifetime package. For more information, visit www.scauctions.com.
On Thursday, April 14, Track Laps presented by NN Inc. will be held at 7 and 8 p.m. For $35, guests can drive their own vehicle around the World's Fastest Half Mile for five laps. Additionally, fans can get their picture taken in victory lane for an extra $10. Guests are asked to arrive 30 minutes prior to their session time.
For guests who want to experience the thrill of top speeds around BMS will want to check out Half-Mile Hot Laps driven by Seat Time Racing School. Experiences will be set up on track from 9:30 - 11:30 p.m on Friday, April 15. For more information, visit www.seattimeracingschool.com. A portion of the proceeds will benefit SCC.
The official Spring Race 5K will also take place on Friday, April 15 at 8:30 p.m. It is the first race of a three-race series for BMS in 2016. Guests will be able to take in the sights and sounds of Food City Race Night, BMS campgrounds and go for a lap around the Last Great Colosseum. Registration is $25 at www.bristol.speedwaycharities.org.
The annual SCC Dinner will be held Thursday, April 14, beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the third floor banquet room of the Bruton Smith Building. NASCAR Hall of Famer and current FOX announcer Darrell Waltrip, PRN announcer Brad Gillie and current NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver David Ragan will entertain and host the evening's festivities. Please contact Betsy Holleman at (423) 989-6975 for details and to reserve a space.
New for 2016 is the Red Bucket Brigade. During the first caution or at the 50 lap mark, whichever comes first, volunteers will be passing around red buckets in the grandstands. Fans are encouraged to donate their loose change into the buckets. The program has been a success at a few of Bristol's sister facilities and is sure to be at BMS as well.