Volume 20, Number 1 April 2019 Published by The Johnson City News & Neighbor - The News & Neighbor
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Volume 20, Number 1 • April 2019 • Published by The Johnson City News & Neighbor Cover image courtesy NASCARmedia.com/Getty Images
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2 Half Mile Heat | April 2019 | Published by The Johnson City News & Neighbor
BMS plans bigger, bolder pre-race ceremony for fans
Bristol Motor Speedway officials are have in store for them during our bigger,
inviting NASCAR fans to get closer than bolder and louder pre-race ceremony.
they’ve ever been before to experience “We certainly think our good friend
a bigger, bolder and louder pre-race pit Clint Bowyer will approve.”
party that will showcase country music Country music favorite Randy Hous-
superstar Randy Houser and provide the er will ignite the pre-race festivities with
official kick-off for the Food City 500 on his robust sound. The Mississippi native
Sunday, April 7th. has scored several No. 1 songs during his
The dynamic pre-race show will in- nearly two decade career in Nashville.
troduce NASCAR’s Monster Energy Cup His hits include “How Country Feels,”
Series drivers and amplify their entrance “Running Outta Moonlight,” “Goodnight
into The Last Great Colosseum behind a Kiss,” “Like a Cowboy” and “We Went.”
pumped-up backdrop of brilliant pyro- “Randy Houser has one of the most
technics, billowing smoke and energized distinctive voices in country music and
music. Fans who purchase the add-on we are honored to have him set the tone
pass to the exclusive BMS Pre-Race Pit as the opening act for our Pre-Race Pit
Stop will have a front and center view of Stop at the Food City 500,” Caldwell
all the pre-race activities, and will be able said. “We feel like his booming vocals
to give high-fives to their favorite drivers will provide the perfect launch to the new
as they are introduced. BMS pre-race experience.”
A brand new double-stage setup will Houser’s latest hit, “What Whiskey
be anchored by an extended walkway, Does,” was released last November on
all centered along a large footprint area Country music favorite Randy Houser
his latest album titled Magnolia, and has
in the pits that parallel the BMS front moved up the charts. Houser recently
stretch. The modern stage configuration performed the song live on The Tonight
will allow for hundreds of fans to gather Smith. Bowyer tweeted to Smith that he race package to our guests on Sunday at Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
around and become an integral part of wanted to see more flames, smoke and the Food City 500,” said Jerry Caldwell, “Excited to be coming to Bristol
the pre-race festivities. dazzle during Bristol pre-race activities executive vice president and general Motor Speedway to perform at the Food
The new pre-race concept was and Smith told him without hesitation manager of Bristol Motor Speedway. City 500,” Houser said. “NASCAR fans
inspired during an off-season Twitter that The World’s Fastest Half-Mile would “The BMS team has long been innovators are known for their passion; every time
conversation between NASCAR star be happy to oblige. on many fronts in NASCAR and we think we play a NASCAR event their energy is
Clint Bowyer and SMI CEO Marcus “We can’t wait to unveil our new pre- fans and drivers alike will enjoy what we incredible!”
More enhanced fan experiences for Food City 500 announced
As the countdown continues at Bris- to life with the addition of the BMS superstar Randy Houser will ignite pre-
tol Motor Speedway, a host of new fan Fun Squad. Watch for these Speedway race festivities with his distinctive sound.
enhancements are being offered to guests ambassadors as they hand out prizes and • And finally, NASCAR’s Trackside
attending the Food City 500 weekend, rev up the crowd during cautions, stage Live, with fan favorites Jose Castillo and
April 5-7. breaks and more. Amy Long, returns to deliver more driver
New amenities and experiences on tap • In addition to the food and beverage access, live music and entertainment
include: locations available on the concourse options, plus worldwide broadcasts from
• The Turn 1 Tavern, the only combined level, BMS is introducing a series of Half- the stage, which serves as a centerpiece
indoor/outdoor suite at BMS. The cli- Mile Hangout locations. These lounge for the BMS Fan Zone near the famed
mate-controlled area of the suite features areas will offer fans comfortable seating, Bristol elevator tower.
Photo courtesy of Gety Images/NASCARmedia
a cigar-lounge feel, complete with leather, free Wi-Fi, charging stations, games and “We always listen to our guests and
theatre-style seating, brick walls reminis- craft beer selections. incorporate ideas to improve the cus-
cent of a speakeasy, and an impressive se- • Earlier this month, BMS announced tomer experience for NASCAR enthu-
lection of bourbon and other spirits. Want a bigger, bolder and louder pre-race pit siasts of all ages,” said Jerry Caldwell,
more of an open-air racing experience? party during the Food City 500. The executive vice president and general
Grab the cigar and/or beverage of your dynamic pre-race show will amplify manager of BMS. “Our goal is always to
choice and step outside onto the rooftop driver introductions with a pumped-up exceed expectations in everything we do
deck to enjoy the best views the Last Great backdrop of pyrotechnics, smoke and and these new enhancements move us
Colosseum has to offer. energized music set on a stage in the pits forward in that mission.”
• Grandstand entertainment comes along the front stretch. Country music
Half Mile Heat | April 2019 | Published by The Johnson City News & Neighbor 3
Food City Family Race Night Returns to BMS
Food City Family Race Night is one stage from 8:00-8:45 p.m. and the event
of the premier pre-race events on the will close with a special fireworks display
NASCAR circuit. The popular fan-based (weather permitting) at 8:45 p.m.
event will return to Bristol Motor Speed- For a complete listing of Food City
way on Friday, April 5th. Family Race Night attractions and events,
Fans can expect an exciting line-up of visit their website at www.foodcity.com,
Xfinity, Monster Energy, Truck and K&N where updates will be posted periodically,
Series drivers, interactive sessions, show or follow Food City on Twitter @FoodCi-
cars, simulators, souvenir trailers and en- ty#FoodCity500 #FCRaceNight.
tertainment, combined with free food sam- Food City has already received confir-
ples (while supplies last). Festivities will mations from several popular drivers and
get underway at 4 p.m. and continue until attractions. Among those already con-
9 p.m., and admission is free of charge. firmed are:
Entertainment kicks off at 4:00 p.m., • Kyle Busch (4pm) - driver of #18 Skittles
with Wanted Stranger performing live in • J ustin Allgaier (6:45pm-7:30 pm) - driv-
concert. Question and answer sessions er of #7 Armour Chevrolet
will follow beginning at 4:45 p.m., featur- •N oah Gragson (6:45-7:30 pm) - driver of
ing Joey Logano, 5:00 p.m. Bubba Wal- #9 Chevrolet for JR Motorsports
lace and 6:45 Corey LaJoie. Appalachia •R yan Newman (4pm) - driver of the #6
Richard Petty was on hand to accept a donation to the Paralyzed Veterans of
Service Project will make a special presen- Wyndam Reward Ford
America by Food City last April.
tation at 5:20 p.m. Dash for Cash drivers •R icky Stenhouse, Jr. (4 pm) – driver of
will take the stage at 6:30 p.m. Welcome #17 Sunny D
ceremonies will begin at 7:05 p.m., with •Z ane Smith (6:45-7:30 pm) - driver of er of #0 JD Motorsports •G ary & Linda Potter and 1958 Chevrolet
Mike Joy serving as MC. Also participat- #8 Chevrolet for JR Motorsports • J oey Gase (7:00 pm) – driver of #35 & Vintage
ing will be Mike Helton, Vice Chairman •A ric Almirola (4:30pm-5:15pm) - driver #66 Toyota • George Lopata Sr. and Stang Stampede
of NASCAR. Food City will honor Ryan of #10 Smithfield Ford • J ustin Haley (Time TBD) - driver of #1 • Hannah Seal and #55 Super Truck
Newman during on-stage ceremonies and •A ustin Cindric (Time TBD) - driver of Leaf Filter Gutter Protection Chevy • Harold Crook and 1957 Chevrolet
make a special presentation to seven-time #22 NXS Mustang •L andon Cassill (Time TBD) - driver of • Jay Swecker and #77 Pure Street
NASCAR Champion, Richard Petty. At •C had Finchum (Time TBD) - driver of #00 StarCom • Jessica Spangler and #07 Pure Street
7:35, there will be Storytime featuring #13 and #40 Toyota Xfinity Series •R oss Chastain (7:30pm - 9pm) - driver • Jim Fritz and Stangstampede
Darrell Waltrip and friends Steve Smith • Chase Dixon and #07 NASCAR Whelen of #4 JD Motorsports • J ohn Earnhardt (4pm-9pm) - Race to
(Food City), Kevin Stafford (Food City) •C orey LaJoie (7pm-8pm) – driver of #32 •S tephen Leicht (7:30pm-9pm) - driver Victory and Micro Midget Race Car &
and Jerry Caldwell (Bristol Motor Speed- Go Fas Racing Ford Mustang of #01 JD Motorsports Trike
way). The Dugger Band will take the •G arrett Smithley (7:30pm - 9pm) - driv- •T yler Reddick (7:00pm-7:30pm) – driv- • John McCloud and 1986 Thunderbird
er of #02 & #31 Chevy Camaro for RCR • Josh Collins and #77 Pure 4
•B rownie King (5pm-7pm) - NASCAR • Josh Trinkle and #68 Pure 4
Legend • J ulie Bowers and Big Dog Chopper & •
•H askell McKee (5pm-7pm) - NASCAR Harley Fat Boy
Legend •K aren Tunnell and Kingsport Speedway
• J ohn A. Utsman (5pm- 7pm) NASCAR Pace Car
Legend • Kevin Wolfe and #17 Late Model
•L arry Utsman (5pm-7pm) - NASCAR • Kres VanDyke and #15 Late Model
Legend •L arry & Austin Payne and Stangstam-
• Mike Potter - NASCAR Legend pede
• Paul Lewis (5pm-7pm) NASCAR Legend • Mike Blevins and 1992 Lumina
•T erry Anderson (5pm-7pm) - NASCAR •M ike Verbonitz – Bobby Allison Tribute
Legend Car
•T ravis Tiller (5pm-7pm) - NASCAR • Bob Hissom - North Carolina Racing
Legend Hall of Fame Historian
• Amber Dawn Huffman and #94 UCAR • Joe Tennis - Local Author
• Bobby Helton and #03 Super Street • Linda Hudson Hoagland - Local Author
• Braxton Surber and #80B UCAR • Moonshiners - Digger & Mark
• Caroline King & #12 UCAR
•D anny Casteel and #41 Vintage 1966 Please note that scheduling and driver
Chevrolet appearances are subject to change and
Kyle Busch (Time TBD) driver of #18 Skittles will be on hand to sign autographs. • Ernie Atwell and #01 Super Street autographs are limited to time availability.
4 Half Mile Heat | April 2019 | Published by The Johnson City News & Neighbor
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Half Mile Heat | April 2019 | Published by The Johnson City News & Neighbor 5
Megan Grace Stanley crowned Miss Food City 2019 The annual Miss Food City Pageant this year of service filled with once in a was held last October 27th at the historic lifetime experiences!” says Stanley. She Paramount Center for the Arts in Bristol, succeeds Hannah Everhart of Jonesbor- TN. Each year, the pageant showcases ough, TN, who held the title in 2018. talented young women from across the Megan is a 24 year old student at region bidding for the coveted title and East Tennessee State University. She the opportunity to represent Food City is employed by Universal Companies in the coming year. The contestants are as an Account Manager. Megan enjoys judged on a number of criteria, including working out, spending time with family private interview, sportswear, formal and friends and volunteering with the eveningwear and on-stage questions. Endometriosis Foundation of American When the triumphant moment arrived, and their educational program ENPOWR Megan Grace Stanley of Abingdon, VA (Endometriosis: Promoting Outreach was crowned Miss Food City 2019. “Be- and Wide Recognition). It is her goal to coming Miss Food City 2019 is a six year spread awareness of endometriosis to dream come true. In the time that I have young women and men, educating them worked toward this title, I have learned on the warning signs of the disease. what an incredible corporation K-VA-T In the coming year, Stanley will repre- is. I am truly honored and humbled to sent Food City at a number of company have the opportunity to represent such related events and activities, including a community focused, family oriented the Food City 500, Food City 300 and organization. I’m beyond excited for Food City Family Race Night events. Megan Grace Stanley Fan-favorite BMS Transporter Parade moves to Food City 500 weekend The fan-favorite Bristol Motor Speedway Transporter Parade is moving to the Food City 500 weekend and will see a return to its original route. The BMS Transporter Parade is set to begin at 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 4 at the Bass Pro Shops at The Pinnacle. The haulers will then begin the nine-mile trek as night falls, passing by historic State Street in downtown Bristol as well as two Food City locations before arriving at Bristol Motor Speedway around 8 p.m. “It was important to us to have the Transporter Parade return to its traditional route, allowing our guests the best chance to see this popular nighttime spectacle,” said Jerry Caldwell, executive vice president and general manager of Bristol Motor Speedway. “When looking at our schedules, it made sense for this parade to be the Thursday night kickoff to an exciting Food City 500 weekend. We’re always working for the fans and we can’t wait to welcome everyone to the region in just a few weeks.” Guests are encouraged to visit Bass Pro Shops at The Pinnacle to get an up close and personal look at the colorful haulers, which will be arriving throughout the day. Food City locations on Euclid Ave. in Bristol, Va. and Volunteer Park- way in Bristol, Tenn. will provide prime viewing spots as the transporters make their way to The Last Great Colosseum. A small section of grandstand near the pit gate will be open to allow guests the opportunity to see the transporters enter the Speedway and assemble in the infield. 6 Half Mile Heat | April 2019 | Published by The Johnson City News & Neighbor
‘Holy grail of short tracks’ stands
ready to thrill fans in 2019
Photo courtesy of Gety Images/NASCARmedia
NASCAR fans have got a fever. And of 95-percent, was the Bass Pro Shops
there’s only one prescription to cure it. NRA Night Race last August. After an Kyle Busch, driver of the #18 Skittles Toyota, celebrates in victory lane after winning the rain
delayed Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway on
No, with apologies to Blue Oyster amazing duel that featured plenty of
April 16, 2018 in Bristol, Tennessee. Photo courtesy of Gety Images/NASCARmedia
Cult, Christopher Walken and fans of plot twists and turns, eventual race
NBC’s Saturday Night Live, it’s not winner Kurt Busch raised the tradition-
more cowbell. al Gladiator Sword in Victory Lane and
BMS fans for life with the
It’s something much better. These adamantly proclaimed BMS the “Holy
high-octane injected NASCAR fans are Grail of short tracks.”
yearning for more short-track racing. Second-place finisher Kyle Larson,
And they’re screaming loudly. To
satisfy this out of control craving, one of
the most battle-tested bullrings on the
drained of energy but managing a huge
smile on his face, was such a fan of
what had transpired on the track during
addition of teen pricing
planet stands ready to deliver: icon- the race he was passionate when he met With the growth of the kids and college kids and college ticket programs, which
ic Bristol Motor Speedway. with the media post-race and famously ticket pricing programs at Bristol Mo- provide significantly reduced pricing for
Bristol Motor Speedway’s recent NA- said, “Let’s build more Bristols.” tor Speedway, track officials are adding those two age groups.
SCAR Monster Energy Cup Series races The all-concrete high-banked half- another option to provide more flexibility Kids 12-and-under are $10 to the Food
have become fan-approved instant mile oval has been producing incredible and help reduce costs for families with the City 500 (April 7) and Bass Pro Shops NRA
classics. Both Bristol races from the racing and thrilling finishes since it was addition of its new teen pricing program. Night Race (Aug. 17) and are free to Bush’s
2018 season rank among the top six of constructed in 1961. However, these In the new program, teenagers ages Beans Pole Day (April 5), Alsco 300/Zom-
veteran NASCAR reporter Jeff Gluck’s days, with the use of the sticky traction 13-19 are now eligible for half price tick- bie Auto 150 (April 6), UNOH 200/Bush’s
popular Twitter-based “Was it a Good compound in both turns, one could ets with the purchase of an adult ticket Beans 150 (Aug. 15) and Food City 300/
Race?” fan poll. argue that it is even more exciting as to Bristol’s NASCAR events, including Pinty’s Qualifying (Aug. 16) events. On
The No. 1 race as voted by more than drivers have a variety of options for get- both the April and August race week- property, kids will want to check out the
10,200 fans with a popularity rating ting around the track like never before. ends. For all races, each teen must have BMS Kids Zone, complete with a zip line,
a physical ticket in hand to enter the rock wall, euro bungee, face painting and
gates. The Bristol Motor Speedway ticket more. The BMS Kids Zone is located in the
WELCOME RACE FANS!
office and Ticketmaster are the only two Fan Zone off Volunteer Parkway near the
authorized locations that can produce famed Bristol elevator tower.
the teen-priced tickets. College students who have a valid
Bienvenidos “The addition of our teen pricing
program provides yet another affordable
student ID or student .edu email address
can also experience NASCAR racing at
Mon & Wed 5p.m. - Close - 13oz. Margaritas - $2.25 w/meal
option for families to maximize their en- its finest. Tickets begin at just $35 for the
Tues & Thurs 5p.m. - Close - 32 oz. Draft Beer - $2.00 w/meal
tertainment dollar,” said Jerry Caldwell, Food City 500 and $45 for the Bass Pro
3102 Bristol Highway, Suite B executive vice president and general man- Shops NRA Night Race. All tickets are re-
On the Bristol Hwy, 423-232-1003 ager of Bristol Motor Speedway. “We fully served in a special section just for college
1805 W. State of Franklin, Johnson City believe that when a new fan is exposed to students. Each student may purchase
Next to Kroger, Near ETSU • 423-928-0929 the incredible action on the high banks, two discounted tickets. For more infor-
508 Broad Street, Elizabethton they will become a fan for life.” mation on the college ticketing program,
Next to Kroger, Near ETSU • 423-543-2003 In addition to teen pricing, Bristol Mo- visit www.bristolmotorspeedway.com/
tor Speedway will continue its popular tickets/college-students/.
Half Mile Heat | April 2019 | Published by The Johnson City News & Neighbor 7
BMS to celebrate 40th Anniversary of Dale Earnhardt’s first NASCAR Cup Series victory in April 1979 Motorsports artist Bill Patterson created a special painting to celebrate Earnhardt’s win As the father and son walked back to the parking lot after an amazing experience at Bristol Motor Speed- way on Sunday afternoon, April 1, 1979, the nine-year- old first-time NASCAR fan, still trying to process all the action that had unfolded to him in a whirlwind of colorful sights and loud sounds, quizzed his father. “Did your favorite driver win today?” the son asked his dad, who was proudly covered from head to toe in green and white No. 88 Darrell Waltrip gear. “Naw, he didn’t. He had a chance, but finished third,” the father said, dejectedly. “Well, who was the winner of the race?” the youngster shot back, still trying to piece it all together. “Ahhh, it was some rookie named Earnhardt,” the dad said in frustration. Little did the pair know – or really anyone who attended the Southeastern 500 that day – that the race was actually the official launching pad for a driver who would become one of the most dominant, revered and greatest champions in Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series history. The rookie winner that day at Bristol, 28-year-old Dale Earnhardt from Kannapolis, N.C., was a second-gener- ation driver who was able to build his own cars, had cut his teeth on Carolina dirt tracks and was following in the Dale with car owner Will Cronkite in late season 1978. tire tracks of his famous racing father Ralph Earnhardt. That maiden victory led to a championship title the very next season and a hall of fame career that produced 76 wins, including a total of nine BMS trophies, and seven tive program will feature a throwback ‘70s cover design like his fellow drivers on the track, such as Waltrip, Cup Series championships. in tribute to the Earnhardt victory and will include an they knew immediately that the driver of the blue and Bristol Motor Speedway officials will celebrate that in-depth cover story inside remembering that magical yellow No. 2 Chevy Monte Carlo was different. He had monumental moment in NASCAR history during the weekend by veteran NASCAR journalist Ben White. special talents and was able to handle the car on one of upcoming Food City 500 weekend, April 5-7, the 40th Finally, a special Chevy Camaro pace car will be NASCAR’s toughest racetracks with the skill and flair of anniversary of Earnhardt’s first Cup Series victory. adorned with a similar blue and yellow paint scheme a seasoned veteran. A special tribute area commemorating the significant resembling the No. 2 Rod Osterlund-owned car, and it To win a race back in those days and outrun some of event will be constructed in BMS’s vintage victory lane will be utilized as part of the race weekend experience. the sport’s kingpins like Cale Yarborough, “The King” located near the BMS Hospitality Village for guests to “We felt it was important to officially remember, Richard Petty, Waltrip, Buddy Baker, Bobby Allison enjoy with plenty of photo opportunities for their social recognize and celebrate that vitally significant moment and Benny Parsons, it took a really special effort. media channels. Original photos from Earnhardt’s 1979 in Bristol Motor Speedway history,” said Jerry Caldwell, For a rookie to do it, well, that was an entirely differ- victory will fill the two wings of the ceremonial winner’s executive vice president and general manager, Bristol ent story. Back then, like today, it was a very rare thing circle. As guests visit the area during the race weekend, Motor Speedway. “On April 1st 1979, Dale Earnhardt for a rookie to earn a trophy during a Cup Series race. they will be encouraged to sign the checkerboard Victo- – then a rookie – officially let the world know that he Especially a Cup Series race on the high banks of Bristol ry Lane floor. was going to be a major contender in the NASCAR Cup Motor Speedway. A key component of the tribute will be a special limited Series. What he accomplished that day is very special “Dale ran a great race that day in 1979 and I remem- edition print of Earnhardt crossing the finish line that and remains the only Cup victory by a rookie driver in ber it because he beat me.” Waltrip said recently. “He day captured in a beautifully-composed painting by Bristol Motor Speedway history. We are proud to cele- was good on the short tracks and had made a name for noted motorsports artist Bill Patterson. A limited edition brate the 40th anniversary of that landmark victory in himself so everyone knew of him. He was with a bunch print of the painting will be given to the first 10,000 fans NASCAR history with all of our guests during the Food of young guys on that team under [crew chief] Jake as they enter the gates on Sunday, April 7. City 500 weekend.” Elder, such as Doug Richert and several others. In addition, the official Food City 500 commemora- For those who watched closely that day back in ‘79, “That day he stayed out of trouble in the car and didn’t 8 Half Mile Heat | April 2019 | Published by The Johnson City News & Neighbor
let anyone intimidate him.”
In only his 16th career Cup Series race, Earnhardt
started ninth and took the green flag behind pole-sitter
Baker and 28 other cars. Earnhardt led a couple of laps
early on, but was quickly overtaken by Donnie Allison.
However, Earnhardt wasn’t done. He hung tough as
Waltrip led a bunch of laps. When Baker and Yarborough
crashed out of the race around lap 143, Earnhardt surged
forward. He moved past Bobby Allison to take the lead at
lap 254 and stayed out front for 134 laps, to the amaze-
ment of both the fans and media in attendance.
“At that point, he still had a bit of a chip on his
shoulder,” said veteran television and radio announc-
er Ken Squier. “He was one tough customer. He was
absolutely determined to bring it home. Even though
he could be a difficult soul at times, people understood
that he was a real racer.”
Waltrip then reclaimed the lead late in the race and
led for 85 laps until a caution at lap 473 sent the leaders
into the pits for service and brought on another restart.
That’s when Earnhardt beat Waltrip off pit road and
held the lead from lap 474 to the finish.
Bobby Allison finished second, followed by Waltrip,
Petty and Parsons to round out the top five.
While the fans and media were shocked to see a
rookie visit Victory Lane at rugged Bristol, Earnhardt,
while happy that his dream had come true, seemed
right at home.
“I’ll probably believe this in the morning,” Earnhardt
said in post-race interviews, as documented in the 40
The Dale Earnhardt 40th anniversary first Cup win poster will be given to the first 10,000 fans. Years of Stock Car Racing book series compiled and
written by Greg Fielden. “This is a bigger thrill than
my first-ever racing victory. This win was in the big
leagues—the Grand Nationals. It wasn’t some dirt track
back home.”
Allison said he respected Earnhardt for his tenacity
and commitment to winning from day one, but like
everyone else, didn’t think he’d see the No. 2 car take
the checkered flag that afternoon.
“That day, I don’t believe anyone really thought of
Dale as a contender for the win,” Bobby Allison said.
“He had a really good car, but not the experience to
do it so soon as a rookie driver. He surprised us all by
staying in contention all day and led a bunch of laps. I
was able to gain a few positions in the final 25 laps or so
and got to second, but all I could do was watch him pull
away at the end and take the win.”
Waltrip, who led 155 laps of the race and was the
race’s defending winner, said that day clearly belonged
to Earnhardt. It was his breakthrough coming out party
and an indicator of greater things on the horizon for
him in the sport.
“Everyone knew he would be good, but getting him
calmed down and smoothed out around the edges was
the main thing we all tried to do,” Waltrip said. “He be-
came the 1980 Winston Cup champion the next year and
went on to win six more championships. He was good
from the start and over time, became one of NASCAR’s
Young Dale, Jr. with dad. Getty Images greatest drivers.”
Half Mile Heat | April 2019 | Published by The Johnson City News & Neighbor 9
No longer a rookie, Byron looks to make his mark in Bristol
those places you walk into and crawl out of.” Jimmie Johnson, who Byron counts as a valu-
As tough as Bristol has been in the past, able mentor as he launches his Cup career.
Byron is among several drivers who believe “He’s the most experienced, so I usu-
the intensity will ramp up further this week- ally go to him,” Byron said of Johnson. “I’ve
end thanks to NASCAR’s new rules package. tried to go to him and learn a little bit from
An increase in downforce will send cars what he’s doing.”
zipping through the turns faster than they’ve More than anything, Byron said taking
gone before, and that increase in speed will the yellow rookie stripe off the back bumper of
turn up the pressure on man and his car and embarking on his second
machine alike. lap around the Cup circuit at the
“I’m anticipating it being ex- start of 2019 gave him some
citing,” Byron said. “I think confidence. His rise has been
it’s going to be really fast, meteoric, and now Byron
By Dave Ongie and because it’s going is trying to build a firm
to be really fast, it’s foundation that will
For a racecar driver, there are few attributes more going to be tough provide him with lon-
valuable than the ability to make up for lost time. to pass. I feel like gevity at NASCAR’s
Nowadays, NASCAR’s elite Monster Energy Cup it’s going to be a highest level of com-
Series is littered with prodigies who started racing go- lot of intense rac- petition.
karts almost as soon as they learned to walk. William ing on the restart to “I think it gives me
Byron, on the other hand, didn’t climb into his first try to get position on a lot of confidence to
racecar until he had reached the ripe old age of 15. Five people.” know that I can go out
years later, he was selected by Rick Hendrick to take With his rookie season there and not have to be
over as the driver of the iconic No. 24 Chevrolet made behind him, Byron is there for the first time,” he
famous by Jeff Gordon. starting to find his footing in said. “So that’s exciting. I can
So what was Byron’s secret weapon? Turns out an the Cup Series, and he credits go back there and have some
online racing simulator called iRacing, which allowed the Hendrick organization for notes to look back on.
him to compete virtually with racing enthusiasts from that. His crew chief this season is “Hopefully we can go back (to
all over the globe, helped ease the learning curve once Chad Knaus, who won seven Cup Bristol) with a new approach and be
he went racing for real. championships while working with competitive.”
“I think the iRacing kind of helped me get estab-
lished,” said Byron, who won over 100 races and scored
nearly 300 top-five finishes while honing his skills
online. “I didn’t grow up in a racing family, so I was
America’s night race moves to pivotal playoff
able to practice in that way and try to gain experience.
It was really the only way that I could gain experience
spot in NASCAR 2020 Monster Energy Cup series
and track time without being in a real car.”
When Byron finally did climb into a real racecar, he
schedule; Food city 500 again April opener
hit the ground running and has never looked back. In
Bristol Motor Speedway will once again host two with the Food City 500 returning to the schedule on
2015, he won the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East cham-
Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series races next a beautiful Sunday, April 5 spring afternoon and the
pionship. In 2016, he moved to NASCAR’s Truck Series
season -- including one for the first time ever as a Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race moving to Saturday,
and won rookie of the year honors before moving up to
NASCAR Playoff race -- it was announced today by Sept. 19, as a key race in the NASCAR Playoffs,” said
the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2017 and winning both the
NASCAR officials as the stock car sanctioning body Jerry Caldwell, executive vice president and general
points championship and the rookie of the year award.
released its much-anticipated 2020 season schedule. manager for Bristol Motor Speedway.
Byron’s rise through the ranks was completed when
The Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race, one of the “If NASCAR fans thought they’ve seen tempers
Hendrick gave him the opportunity to race on the Cup
most popular races on the Cup Series schedule flare and sparks fly under the lights at the Bass Pro
circuit as a 20-year-old in 2018. As he prepares for the
and a bucket list destination for many, will move to Shops NRA Night Race, just wait until they expe-
Food City 500, Byron knows full well how unforgiving
Saturday night, September 19, and become the first rience a real pressure-packed NASCAR playoff
Bristol Motor Speedway can be.
cut off race during the 2020 NASCAR Playoffs. elimination race at Bristol Motor Speedway. We’re
“Bristol’s tough,” Byron said. “It feels really fast, and
The Food City 500, a springtime tradition where thankful to the fans that voiced their opinions and
it’s definitely a place that can put a lot of wear and tear
those in the industry and fans from around the world rooted for more short-track racing in the Playoffs,
on your body and a load on the cars.”
come home to Bristol, will once again be held on its and appreciative of NASCAR collaborating with its
While iRacing certainly helped Byron gain a familiar-
usual spot on the calendar, Sunday, April 5. many stakeholders to deliver a schedule with many
ity with the layout of the track, it didn’t prepare him for
“I am really excited about the 2020 season positive adjustments.”
the physical toll 500 laps can take on a driver. As NA-
schedule, which promises to be a memorable one
SCAR legend Darrell Waltrip once put it, “This is one of
10 Half Mile Heat | April 2019 | Published by The Johnson City News & NeighborAPRIL 15-16, 2018
Photos courtesy of Getty Images/NASCARmedia
Half Mile Heat | April 2019 | Published by The Johnson City News & Neighbor 11Welcome to our City
For groceries and fuel, we have the Bristol area covered.
1
4*
2*
3
6
5
7 Convenient Bristol
Area Locations
1 100 Bonham Rd., Bristol, VA
* Diesel available at these locations 2 1201 Virginia Ave, Bristol, TN*
(Gas n’ Go Convenience Store)
3 1317 Virginia Ave., Hwy. 421, Bristol, TN
Let our pit crew work for you - try GoCart Curbside Pickup!
Available at two Bristol area locations. 4 1320 Euclid Ave., Bristol, VA*
(GoCart Curbside Pickup)
5 1430 Volunteer Parkway, Bristol, TN
6 1921 Highway 394, Blountville, TN
(GoCart Curbside Pickup)
7 5970 Highway 11-E, Piney Flats, TN
foodcity.com • foodcity.com/gocart
12 Half Mile Heat | April 2019 | Published by The Johnson City News & NeighborYou can also read
