The Night Race lights will shine brightly on hunters, sportsmen and women – America’s true conservation heroes – as Bass Pro Shops and the National Rifle Association (NRA) team up with Bristol Motor Speedway to create the Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race.
Both organizations are excited to align with one of the most iconic motorsports events in the world and unite two great American traditions – NASCAR and the outdoors – while connecting directly with an audience that is passionate about both.
“NASCAR fans love racing, hunting and the outdoors and we are excited to spotlight them together in Bristol,” said Johnny Morris, founder of Bass Pro Shops. “Located in the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountain region, the Night Race is the perfect venue for us to celebrate our shared love of the outdoors and the importance of protecting natural resources for future generations.”
Both Bass Pro Shops and the NRA, through its Hunting and Wildlife Conservation Committee, are deeply committed to conserving the outdoors and recognize the need to raise awareness about the contributions of America’s hunters and sporting men and women. For example, hunters and anglers are the largest contributors to conservation in the United States, accounting for more than 75 percent of the funds provided to state conservation agencies. Sportsmen have contributed more than $7.2 billion to a variety of wildlife and habitat conservation programs since 1937 through hunting licenses and excise taxes on outdoor gear.
“Racing fans and NRA members treasure their freedom and outdoor heritage, and the Night Race is where we go to celebrate that love of freedom, love of the shooting sports, and love of the great outdoors,” said Richard Childress, NASCAR championship team owner and NRA 2nd vice president. “It’s an electrifying race and an exciting way to celebrate the American values we share and the legacy we preserve for young sportsmen and hunters all across this great nation.”
The partnership builds on existing collaborations to educate and inspire the public about conservation efforts. Bass Pro Shops’ flagship store in Springfield, Mo. is home to the NRA National Sporting Arms Museum, a free educational gallery home to nearly one thousand artifacts telling the story of American icons such as Lewis and Clark and Theodore Roosevelt. The educational reach will expand significantly in 2016 with the completion of America’s Wildlife Museum & Aquarium, a 315,000-square foot world-class conservation attraction dedicated to celebrating American sporting men and women.
Bass Pro Shops and the NRA are long-time supporters of Bristol Motor Speedway and its parent company, Speedway Motorsports Inc. (SMI) (NYSE: TRK) through multiple entitlement sponsorships at various motorsports venues and with NASCAR race teams and drivers.
“The iconic nature of The Night Race and the natural beauty of our region create the perfect opportunity to highlight conservation on a national stage,” said Jerry Caldwell, executive vice president and general manager for Bristol Motor Speedway. “Hunters and sporting enthusiasts attend NASCAR races in droves. We share the same customers and that makes this a well-suited partnership.”
In July 2015 the USA Today 10 Best Readers Choice Winners were announced for Best Motorsports Race. Bristol Motor Speedway’s Night Race ranked fourth, and was the only NASCAR event to make the top-10 global poll results. The official rankings can be found at http://www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-motorsports-race/.
“This past August we entertained one of our largest crowds in years and attracted guests from all 50 states and 26 foreign countries,” added Caldwell. “And with our new partners’ promotional support behind us, we know the best is yet to come.”
Tickets to the August 20, 2016 Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race are now available. Single-day adult tickets start at just $69, with weekend packages as low as $94. For the first time, children 12 and under are eligible for half-price tickets to the Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race. Admission for kids begins at $34 for the Sprint Cup race and $47 for the two-day ticket package. All pricing is valid until January 29, 2016. For more information, visit BristolTix.com or call (855) 580-5525.
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