Who We Are
Bristol Raceway Ministries is a nondenominational Christian ministry serving at Bristol Motor Speedway and throughout the surrounding community. Founded in 1992, we're an all-volunteer organization made up of people from across the Tri-Cities and beyond. Though we come from different backgrounds, our shared faith in Jesus Christ and desire to serve others in His name bring us together.
What We Do
At NASCAR events, our volunteers operate golf cart shuttles, staff ministry tents along the concourse and throughout the campgrounds, distribute free New Testament Bibles and other Christian literature, and host chapel services. We also provide prayer, encouragement, and pastoral care to those who need it. Beyond race weekends, we partner with other organizations to serve the community through outreach events and other activities.
Our Mission Field
Bristol Motor Speedway creates a unique setting for ministry. During race week, tens of thousands of race fans, campers, employees, vendors, and their families fill the speedway and nearby campgrounds.
This brings our volunteers into contact with people they might never otherwise meet. Some have little or no connection to a church, and many arrive at Bristol without expecting to encounter a Christian ministry. Yet even a simple interaction, whether a golf cart ride or a visit to one of our ministry tents, can open the door to a conversation about faith, family, or something happening in someone's life.
We may never know the full impact of these encounters, but each one is an opportunity to encourage someone, offer prayer, and share the love of Jesus Christ. Our goal is to serve others faithfully, make the most of the opportunities God places before us, and trust Him with the results.
Ministry Impact
These statistics reflect thirty-four years of ministry and outreach, but the story is not found in numbers alone. Behind those numbers are people we've met, conversations we've shared, and opportunities God has given us to serve. The testimonies that follow offer a closer look at some of those experiences and the impact they've had. Together, they give a glimpse of how God has worked through Bristol Raceway Ministries over the years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Race weekends are exciting, but they can also bring plenty of questions. We’ve put together answers to some of the things we’re asked most often to help make your experience a little easier. If you need additional assistance, just reach out. We’re happy to help.
We’ve organized our FAQs into two sections: one for guests attending events and another for volunteers. This makes it easier to find the information you're looking for.
Our campground and trackside ministry tents host chapel services. They take place on Sunday during the Spring race and Saturday during the Fall race. Click the location links below for directions on your mobile phone.
- 9:00 AM in the All American Campground beside the shower house.
- 9:00 AM in the Earhart Campground beside the campground check in tent.
- 9:00 AM at the Fellowship Chapel tent below the dragstrip tower.
Yes, our chaplains, who are ordained pastors, can perform weddings during race events. We work with Bristol Motor Speedway to coordinate the ceremony and will do our best to accommodate special requests. Please give us at least 24 hours’ notice if you plan to get married during an event. If you need a marriage license, visit the Sullivan County Clerks website.
Yes. There are no state restrictions on who can conduct a memorial service for spreading a loved one’s cremains. We work with Bristol Motor Speedway to coordinate these services and will do our best to honor special requests. If you’d like to hold a service during an event, please notify us at least 24 hours in advance.
Unfortunately, we are not able to loan or rent out our golf carts due to insurance restrictions. However, we do offer a golf cart shuttle service for local events in exchange for a donation to our ministry. Contact us for more details.
Bristol Raceway Ministries is part of a nationwide network of Raceway Ministries teams serving at racetracks across the country. From major NASCAR and IndyCar venues to local short tracks, these ministries work alongside their racing communities to serve race fans, teams, and staff in Jesus' name. While our ministry is focused on Bristol Motor Speedway, we share a common mission with Raceway Ministries teams serving at tracks throughout the United States.
Yes. For safety reasons, Bristol Motor Speedway suspends all shuttle and tram services for up to one hour following the conclusion of an event. This allows guests to safely walk from the venue to the parking areas before vehicle traffic resumes. If you need transportation assistance back to your vehicle, please visit the Guest Services booth located across from Gate 6 or Gate 17 and wait for a shuttle. Once track officials authorize shuttle and tram operations to resume, guests waiting at those locations are given priority service before regular pickups begin.
Yes. Our ministry tents on the concourse, across track property, and in the campgrounds have homemade cookies available for guests to enjoy. We'd love for you to stop by and visit with us while you're there.
Yes! Our focus isn’t the race; it’s the people we serve. Many of our volunteers are so engaged in their work that they hardly notice what’s happening on the track.
Yes! Our volunteer opportunities are flexible, and we’ll work with your availability.
Before the event, we’ll send out detailed instructions and a map showing where to park, where to check in, and what to expect. We can also give you a tour of the facility to help you get your bearings if needed.
Yes! Our website is designed to introduce you to our ministry and how we serve at the track, it also has a section for volunteer resources to help you get started. When you arrive at an event for your shift, you’ll get a short tour, and we’ll pair you with an experienced volunteer to help you feel comfortable and show you the ropes.
We also try to schedule orientation and training sessions throughout the year to help you better prepare for sharing your faith with others.
We encourage volunteers to sign up with their friends; it makes the whole experience even better! And yes, children are welcome, but race weekends can be very busy, and younger ones may tend to get restless with all the excitement around. If you’d like to bring your child, speak with our volunteer coordinator for the best guidance.
Yes. Our ministry partners with other organizations across the Tri-Cities to provide support for community events, outreach efforts, and special ministry opportunities. While most of our work takes place at Bristol Motor Speedway, we’re glad to serve in other local settings when our volunteers and resources allow.
Yes. Group volunteering is welcomed and encouraged. Churches and other organizations can serve together in a variety of ministry areas and may also sponsor a campground, allowing their members to volunteer and minister together during the event.
There are many ways to support Bristol Raceway Ministries beyond race weekend. Some people bake cookies for our Cookie Ministry, while others help with event setup and teardown or assist with maintaining our golf carts and ministry equipment, helping ensure our resources remain safe, reliable, and ready for service.
For details on donating homemade cookies, get a copy of our Cookie Information Sheet