Bristol Motor Speedway Exec VP & GM Jerry Caldwell said that he was “confident that BMS’s aggressive efforts to increase the ‘fan experience’ during the just-concluded” NASCAR race week “have been very successful,” according to Roger Brown of the BRISTOL NEWS. BMS gave fans in Bristol “opportunities to enjoy more outside events,” including a concert by country star Darryl Worley and a "ticket package that combined a race seat with admission" to the Univ. of Tennessee’s Sept. 3 football opener. Caldwell said, “We think (fans) have really appreciated the extra effort.” BMS also “dangled before fans such goodies as infield access, rides with NASCAR drivers, question-and-answer sessions” with Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Jimmie Johnson and “sitting backstage during a live Speed Channel television show” (BRISTOL NEWS, 8/29). In Charlotte, Jim Utter wrote, “Nice gesture by the folks at Bristol to put the names of all of their season-ticket holders on the inside of Turn 4 as a gesture for their dedication” (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 8/27).
PARKING METER: In Kentucky, Kevin Kelly noted Kentucky Speedway “bought a large tract near Ky. 35 in Gallatin County" for $1.5M from local resident Jo Wischer to aid with the track's parking issues. The purchase comes after “miles-long backups formed along the interstate and other roadways leading" to Kentucky Speedway for its inaugural NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race July 9, and fans “still stuck in traffic when the traffic pattern was switched were turned away.” Kentucky Speedway GM Mark Simendinger “declined comment Thursday except to say that details would be forthcoming" this week. SMI Chair & CEO Bruton Smith, whose company owns the track, said in a statement, "We are already progressing on improving and expanding on-site road systems, available parking, restroom and other facilities at the speedway, as well as working with the state of Kentucky to help improve surrounding roadways" (KENTUCKY ENQUIRER, 8/26).
GOING CLUBBING: In Indianapolis, Cathy Kightlinger notes Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Red Bull “created swanky clublike party areas, full of contemporary furniture, for special guests” attending this past weekend's Red Bull Indianapolis MotoGP. The Corner 9 club, “appropriately near the track's turn nine, provided everything from motorcycle video games to flat-screen televisions and lounging areas.” All were “arranged around an industrial-looking square bar, where guests looking for cocktails found them.” The IMS Pagoda on the third floor was an “indoor-outdoor Red Bull suite” that was “decorated with waterfalls, flowers and comfy chairs” (INDIANAPOLIS STAR, 8/29).
