NASHVILLE, TN – March 10, 2026 – Longtime Bristol Motor Speedway President and General Manager Jerry Caldwell has been named to the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2026. The Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame, sponsored by the Tennessee Lottery, honors individuals who have made a lasting impact on the history of sports in the state of Tennessee.
“Jerry Caldwell has played a pivotal role in shaping one of the most iconic venues in American motorsports,” said Brad Willis, Executive Director of the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame. “Through vision, innovation, and leadership, he has helped expand the reach of Bristol Motor Speedway while preserving the tradition that makes it one of the most beloved tracks in racing. We are proud to welcome Jerry Caldwell into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2026.”
Caldwell has spent nearly three decades at Bristol Motor Speedway, rising from an events department intern to become President and General Manager of the historic venue. Since joining the organization full-time in the late 1990s, Caldwell has been instrumental in the growth of Bristol Motor Speedway and its sister facility, Bristol Dragway, overseeing race operations, major event planning, and the development of new entertainment opportunities for fans.
Under Caldwell’s leadership, Bristol Motor Speedway has continued to host some of the most prestigious events in motorsports, including annual NASCAR Cup Series races that draw national attention to Northeast Tennessee. His tenure has also been marked by creative venue transformations and landmark events, most notably the 2016 college football game between the University of Tennessee and Virginia Tech, and the 2025 MLB Speedway Classic between the Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds.
“Jerry’s leadership has helped make Bristol Motor Speedway more than just a racetrack,” Willis added. “It’s a gathering place for fans and families, a driver of economic activity for the region, and a cornerstone of Tennessee’s sports landscape.”
Caldwell joins Monica Abbott, Jennifer Azzi, Matt Cain, Mike Clary, the late Reggie Cobb, Antone Davis, KermitDavis, Bubba Luckett, Charles McRae, Ron Mercer, David Price, and Pete Weber as announced members of the 2026 Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Induction Class. The full class will be announced over the coming weeks.
The 2026 Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by the Tennessee Titans, will be held Saturday, July 11, 2026, at the Omni Nashville Downtown. Ticket and sponsorships are available now at TSHF2026.givesmart.com.
About the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame
Established in 1966, the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame, sponsored by the Tennessee Lottery, honors athletes, teams, coaches, sports writers, and sports administrators who have made a meaningful impact on the history of Tennessee sports. The Hall serves as a platform to connect athletes, coaches, fans, and supporters while celebrating achievements shaped through sports. The Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame also seeks to educate youth on the importance of healthy habits and the positive role sports play in developing character and leadership. For more information, visit www.tshf.net.
About the Tennessee Education Lottery Corporation
The Tennessee Education Lottery Corporation operates entirely from the revenue generated through the sale of its products. Since January 20, 2004, the Lottery has raised more than $8.1 billion to fund designated education programs, including college grants, scholarships, Drive to 55 initiatives, and after-school programs. In addition to educational beneficiaries, players have won billions in prizes, and Lottery retailers have earned billions in commissions. For more information, visit tnlottery.com and follow the Tennessee Education Lottery on Facebook, X (Twitter), and Instagram.
