As the area prepares for the onslaught of race fans and RV’s, the folks at Food City are gearing up for their annual Food City Race Night, which will return to Bristol Motor Speedway on Friday, April 15th. 

The event paves the way for a weekend of action-packed Xfinity and Sprint Cup racing at one of NASCAR’s most popular venues.  Fans can expect a great line-up of driver interactive sessions, along with show cars, simulators, souvenir trailers, entertainment and a smorgasbord of free food samples.  Festivities will get underway at 4 p.m. and continue until 9 p.m.  Admission is free of charge.   

Food City has already received confirmations from several drivers and attractions.  Among those already confirmed are:  Kyle Busch (details to be determined), Kasey Kahne (300 wristbands to be given out at 4 p.m.), Brad Keselowski (150 wristbands to be given out at 4 p.m.), Greg Biffle (200 wristbands to be given out at 4 p.m.), Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. (200 wristbands to be given out at 4 p.m.), Chris Lafferty, Ryan Reed, Ray Black, Jr., K&N East drivers Collin Cabre, Ali Kern, Jairo Avila, Jr., Ruben Garcia, Jr., Harrison Burton, Justin Haley, Tyler Dippel, Hunter Baize, Todd Gilliland, Riley Herbst, Dillon Bassett, ARCA driver Blake Jones, Late Model driver Matthew Eades, Vintage drivers Gary Potter and Haskell McKee, NASCAR Legends Brownie King, Paul Lewis, Travis Tiller and John Utsman, Kart drivers Brandon Morris, Jenna Herrmann, Levi Herrmann, William Foster and Dillon Hodge, Super Modified driver Brian Voiles, Street Stock driver Colin Eades, D2 U-Car drivers Daniel Tate, Danny Ray Tate and Zack Mathena, Super Street drivers Eric Sweat and Tim Widener, Lonesome Pine driver Kevin Wolfe, Kingsport Speedway driver Kres VanDyke, Open Wheel Modified driver Morgan Widener, Dirt drivers Philip Thompson and Trevor Craiger, Forge Muscle Cars and Mod 4 driver Toby Jones.  Also making special guest appearance are:  Miss Food City 2016, Azlinn Hope Alder, Official NASCAR Artist, Sam Bass, RCR Owner Richard Childress, 2014 VOICE finalist, Audra McLaughlin, co-founder of Earnhardt Racing, Gray London, Race to Victory’s John Earnhardt and country music sensations, Charee White and Levi Riggs.

Free food sampling will begin at 4 p.m. and continue while supplies last.  Cody Shuler & Pine Mountain Railroad will take the stage from 4:00 until 5:00 p.m., followed by Charee White and Levi Riggs from  5:10 until 5:45 p.m. Welcome ceremonies will begin at 6:00 p.m., featuring MC Larry McReynolds and Audra McLaughlin singing the National Anthem.  During on-stage ceremonies, special announcements/presentations will be made to Jimmie Johnson, Richard Petty, Richard Childress and Brad Keselowski.  Audra McLaughlin will perform live in concert from 8:00 until 9:00 p.m.  The event will close with a special 9:00 p.m. fireworks show (weather permitting).  This year’s media sponsors are Bristol Herald Courier and News Channel 11 in your corner.

For a complete listing of Food City Race Night attractions, visit the Event page, where updates will be posted.  Follow us on Twitter @FoodCity#FoodCity500 #FCRaceNight. Please note that scheduling and driver appearances are subject to change and autographs are limited to time availability.  Food City Race Night in Knoxville, TN is scheduled for Thursday, April 14th at the Knoxville Expo Center from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m.