By Allen Gregory
Sports Writer / Bristol Herald Courier
Published: February 20, 2008

You have to admire Wayne Estes. The vice-president of events at Bristol Motor Speedway is certainly not afraid to take risks.
Estes, who grew up watching grassroots racing in Georgia with his father, has helped re-introduce the fun concept to NASCAR’s most popular track.
Remember, it was Estes who accomplished the impossible by putting dirt around the 36-degree BMS banks for World of Outlaw and dirt late model events.
Long before the recent announcement by NASCAR chairman Brian France about the need to appeal to traditional fans of stock car racing, Estes and his staff were formulating their own innovative plans.
The funs begins on April 5 with the Frank Kimmel Street Stock Spectacular.
“This is a very much a throwback kind of thing,’’ Estes said.
The field could include up to 99 cars, racing three-wide on 33 rows.
“It’s something we’ve never done before and it’s going to be wild,’’ BMS president Jeff Byrd said.
The agenda also includes United Auto Racing Association, Pro Challenge Series, and the American Speed Association events on May 17, July 5 and Aug. 9. The trailer and appliance races, along with the demolition derby and a fire jump, add spice to the gritty shows.
“There are some people who think short-track, grassroots racing is at a perilous point in its history because NASCAR is so big, but I tend to look at that in another way,’’ Estes said. “I think because NASCAR is so big there is now a door opened up for these kind of [Late Model] events.’’
The best part of this story are the $15 tickets and reduced concession prices.
Bring it on, Wayne It’s time someone in NASCAR finally thought of the blue-collar race fan.
Racing should be wild at times. Where’s the Tilt-A-Whirl?