Bristol to undergo changes to its configuration before next Sprint Cup event

The half-mile banked oval is one of the most popular with NASCAR fans, but it has come in for criticism in recent years following changes made in 2007, which included resurfacing and the addition of progressive banking.

Track owner Bruton Smith has confirmed that work will begin soon on making further changes, but he would not confirm rumours that Bristol will be returned to its previous configuration.

"The race fans have spoken," he said. "We had input that included a wide range of opinions. But the majority we heard from said they wanted to see changes made.

"As a result, I have ordered the equipment and work will begin within the next two weeks to allow time to have everything ready for [the race in] August.

"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."

Smith explained that the changes were being made in the hope of restoring Bristol's popularity on the NASCAR schedule.

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