BMS adding fan day for its spring race

BRISTOL, Tenn. - It's been a winter of economic discontent in NASCAR, but Bristol Motor Speedway officials remain on the attack.

On Tuesday, track general manager Jeff Byrd announced the latest salvo in an effort to retain and attract fans.

The March 20 qualifying sessions for the NASCAR Sprint Cup and Nationwide races at BMS have been dubbed "Ford Fan Friday."

"The total emphasis on that day is going to be on the fans," Byrd said. "This is going to be the best value in NASCAR."

Another press conference is planned at BMS Thursday, which Byrd promises will have the "NASCAR world abuzz."

"We are committed to giving our fans more than they've ever gotten from Bristol Motor Speedway and dragway in 2009," he said.

During the recent NASCAR Sprint media tour in the Charlotte area, Byrd proposed a Forum-type event for his track where fans can interact with drivers.

From ticket vouchers to lower concession prices, various speedway presidents have unveiled plans to reach out to fans in an effort to counteract the troubled economy.

Jack Roush, owner of NASCAR's flagship Ford operation (Roush Fenway Racing), attended Tuesday's announcement at BMS along with representatives from Ford.

Roush Fenway drivers have claimed 10 Cup victories at Bristol, including a sweep by Carl Edwards in the fall events of 2007 and 2008.

"That's pretty amazing when you consider that we always seemed to get caught up in a wreck the first three or four times we came here with Mark [Martin]," Roush said, referring to his long-time team leader.

"I really can't say why we're so successful at Bristol. I know that drivers must have nerves of steel and be really motivated to win here, and we've been able to attract a core of drivers that share those attributes."

Roush, a former engineer with the Ford Motor Company, eventually won his won his first race at Bristol in 1993 with Martin driving the No. 6 Ford.

Taking a break from a hectic travel schedule Tuesday, Roush shared several Bristol memories, including his stint as a drag racer in the mid 1960's and his friendship with track co-founder, Larry Carrier.

"I had the opportunity to build two Ford hot rods for Larry," Roush said.

In terms of action and entertainment, Roush said no track compares to Bristol Motor Speedway.

"When I talk to first-time fans at different events, they ask me which track they should go to and what the best show in NASCAR is," Roush said. "Without exception, I always tell them to come to Bristol.

"By a large margin, Bristol is the best show in NASCAR."

The past 53 Cup races at Bristol have been sellouts, a number that Roush referenced Tuesday.

"I'm told that there are a few tickets still available for the March race," Roush said. "I'll be amazed if there's an empty seat."

The Scott's Turf Builder 300, part of the Nationwide Series, is scheduled for March 21, with the Sunday Food City 500 Sprint Cup race to follow on March 22.

Byrd said details on tickets for the March 20 "Ford Fan Friday" will be announced soon. He projects a crowd in "excess of 75,000."

"When you're dealing from a position of power, like Jack is in NASCAR, you can use your strengths, and I think we've done just that," Byrd said.

A new three-year sponsorship agreement between Ford and Bristol Motor Speedway was announced early last month. The vehicle sponsorship was previously held by General Motors.

Bristol Motor Speedway is also featured in a new advertising campaign by Sprint, which focuses on the NASCAR Sprint Cup Mobile phone. As the centerpiece of a magazine advertisement, a photo of the BMS track under lights is set in a Sprint Mobile phone.

agregory@bristolnews.com|(276) 645-2544