Tailgating: Bristol

If you're lucky enough to be catching a race at Bristol Motor Speedway, there are some things you need to know:

Getting there

From the North: Take Va. Exit 17 off I-81 and turn left on Hwy. 75. At the Tennessee border, the road changes to Hwy. 44. Continue on this route until the stop sign at U.S. 421. Turn right on 421 and stay on it until the traffic light at Hwy. 394. Turn left and proceed to Bristol Motor Speedway and Dragway.

From the South: Take Tenn. Exit 69 off I-81. Turn right at the bottom of the ramp onto Hwy. 394. Bristol Motor Speedway and Dragway are located on the left side of Hwy. 394.

When I go to Bristol, we come from the south and drive up I-26 to Johnson City and take Hwy 11 to the speedway.

Parking and camping

Bristol offers two free parking areas off Hwy. 394 with free shuttle service to and from the track. Parking on speedway grounds is by permit only. There are also several camping sites owned by the speedway, at various prices and with various amenities. Check the official site for details.

Across from the speedway, on White Top and intersecting roads, there are private residences with camping and parking for race fans. On Volunteer Parkway/Hwy 11, on the opposite side of the road from the track, are more residences with camping and parking. The roads off Volunteer Parkway -- Exide Drive, Thomas Bridge Road, Maplehurst Lane, Elm Lane and Beaver Creek Road -- all have residences that allow camping.

Completely surrounding the speedway are large private campgrounds. The only thing between them and the speedway is a moat. Also, many of the businesses on Hwy. 11 offer camping and parking.

What to bring

In addition to permitting one 14-inch cooler, fans now may bring only one carry-in bag. That item also may not exceed the 14-inch size limit. All carry-in items will be searched prior to entry into the grandstands. It is recommended that fans make their way into the gates at least one hour prior to the green flag to allow proper time for inspection of these items.