Nashville, Tennessee --- It is August Race Week at the Bristol Motor Speedway, and the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) will be there in force, working with local law enforcement, to help get racing fans to the track and back home safely.

More than 40 troopers from the Fall Branch, Chattanooga and Knoxville Districts, as well as six supervisors will be working Friday, Saturday and Sunday, August 24-26th, in and around the Bristol Motor Speedway assisting with traffic control. Nearly 500,000 fans are expected to attend the races this weekend. In addition to helping with the large volume of traffic, the THP Special Operation’s Unit will have K-9 teams on site to assist with monitoring the grounds, and THP will be using a helicopter to patrol the area by air.

Drivers are encouraged to dial 511 from any mobile or land line phone for updates on any traffic incidents in the area near the race track. TDOT will also provide HELP units to assist stranded motorists in the area.

The Tennessee Department of Safety's mission is (www.tn.gov/safety) to ensure the safety and general welfare of the public. The department encompasses the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Office of Homeland Security and Driver License Services. General areas of responsibility include law enforcement, safety education, motorist services and terrorism prevention.