FYI WIRZ: NASCAR's Chariots to Roar on Steep Walls of Bristol Coliseum

Bristol Motor Speedway is sometimes called the last great coliseum, owing in part to its .533-mile concrete oval with 36-degree banking. The ample 160,000 seats stacked high in the sky often draw frequent comparisons to the ancient ruins in Rome where gladiators on chariots pulled by breathing horsepower competed vigorously.

Modern chariots are much faster with powerful, loud engines that feature technical horsepower. Bristol fans are loud, too, as they get a closer view of their favorite drivers beating and banging their way around the famous short track.

Fans will get to cheer again when many of the 43 NSCS cars exchange fenders Sunday afternoon, April 19, as the Food City 500 in Support of Steve Byrnes event gets the green flag.

All drivers face 500 furious laps.

Six competitors who are positioned in the top 10 in points shared their thoughts about the challenge they face. Perhaps their comments will give fans an insight into the upcoming strategy, something to share with friends.

Kevin Harvick has 2014 championship momentum and two early wins to boost his 2015 chances. He defined BMS.

“Bristol is a lot different than it used to be,” he said. “The fast way around the track is up against the wall now, so it becomes a bit harder to pass. They’re making changes to the soft walls on the straightaways, so that’s going to make the bottom even harder to run.”

Martin Truex Jr. pointed out the support for TV reporter Steve Byrnes, who is battling cancer.

“I’ve taken my blows at Bristol but still love to race there,” he said. “It can be a frustrating place, but it’s also a fun track. This race is even more special because the track is honoring our good friend Steve Byrnes who is battling health issues.”

Truex also commented on the track.

“Unlike the old Bristol, you want to run the high side,” he said. “Before the track was repaved, we all fought to run the low lane. Bristol is about being patient and staying out of someone else’s mess.”

Jimmie Johnson mentioned track configuration efforts.

“Bristol has changed quite a bit over the years,” he said. “We are now figuring out how to get the bump-and-run to work for us when you are running the top lane on the track.”

He added some specifics.

“The track has some big bumps up high in Turns 1 and 2, so you have to get the splitter off the ground so you don’t bottom out, but that can hurt you in Turns 3 and 4.”

Dale Earnhardt Jr. shared his fondness for BMS.

“I just love short-track racing,” he said. “I’ve performed best at the short tracks. Bristol is one of those racetracks I loved to go to as a kid. There were places on the circuit you looked forward to, but Bristol was always on top of the list. No other track like it.”

Denny Hamlin placed BMS at the top also.

“It’s one of the best places that we go to, and I love racing on short tracks, so I’m eager to get to Bristol this weekend,” he said. “It’s a chance for us to hopefully notch another win.”

Aric Almirola hoped to create better memories.

“Last year, we had competitive race cars for both races.” He said. “It was disappointing that we got caught in someone else's wreck and didn't get the finish we deserved. That makes us extremely hungry. I'm anxious to see how we are off the truck.”

These six drivers will race a field seven times greater with the likelihood of being jolted many times higher than on the more common 1.5-mile tracks they race.

Dwight Drum

Perhaps that’s another reason so many compare BMS to a coliseum. Modern chariots appear to show up. Equally modern fans are there to take in the close competition.

Fans not privy to BMS tickets can experience a generous sampling of the fast noise at 1 p.m. ET Sunday on Fox.

FYI WIRZ is the select presentation of topics by Dwight Drum at Racetake.com. Unless otherwise noted, information and all quotes were obtained firsthand or from official release materials provided by sanction and team representatives.