Dirt Returns to Bristol Motor Speedway

4/26/2021

Vineeth Mothe and Bahram Negahban

After over 70 years, Bristol Motor Speedway returns to its dirt roots.

Since the raceway’s construction in 1960, Bristol Motor Speedway instantly became a fan favorite track. It has earned nicknames such as “The World’s Fastest Half-Mile” and “The Last Great Colosseum,” and now this historic track is making a return to its dirt-track roots.

Bristol hosted its first race on July 30, 1961, and now annually hosts two races for the NASCAR Cup series. Bristol’s unique traits make it appealing to many NASCAR fans. For example, the track is home to two pit roads instead of the traditional one. Additionally, with a 36-degree banking on each corner, it is the most steeply-banked track used by NASCAR today. After 31 years of being a beloved dirt car track, Bristol shifted to a slick concrete surface in 1992.

But, Bristol Motor Speedway has made its historic return to its dirt racing origins. More than 30,000 pounds of dirt were dumped onto the track in preparation for the Food City Dirt Race. The race consisted of 250 laps around the track, which is equivalent to about 133.25 miles.

This event was a historic moment for all NASCAR enthusiasts as it demonstrates the evolution of racing. Though sleek aerodynamic track cars dominate the sport, NASCAR is still recognizing and paying homage to its roots.

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She attended high school in the Wichita area where she occupied herself with debate and writing. Ms. Scott obtained her degree in secondary education (speech/ theatre) with a minor in communication studies from Kansas State University. She received her master’s degree in communication from Baylor University in 2018.

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