Smith will change Bristol Motor Speedway

BRISTOL, Tenn. – Bristol Motor Speedway owner Bruton Smith said Wednesday he'll make changes to the track after spending a week reviewing input from fans.

Smith did not reveal what exactly he'll do to the track, but said in a statement an announcement could come in about two weeks.

"The race fans have spoken," Smith said. "We had input that included a wide range of opinions. But the majority we heard from said they wanted to see changes made. The question we wanted to answer as quickly as possible was 'Is something going to be done?' The answer to that is 'yes.' We will have the details in two weeks as to what that 'something' is."

Fans have clamored for him to return it to how it was before a 2007 reconfiguration added variable banking in the corners. It opened up lanes for two-and-three wide racing, and fans preferred tight lines that lent to bumping and banging.

Smith became open to changes after poor attendance at the March 18 race. The speedway says it seats 160,000, and the grandstands appeared half empty during that race.

Smith said any changes will be completed before NASCAR returns to Bristol in August.

"Bristol Motor Speedway has been voted the most popular race track in the country more than a half-dozen times, even one of the 10 things you need to see before you die. We aim to keep the status as the fans' favorite."