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Jerry Caldwell
Jerry Caldwell is a highly respected business and civic leader whose influence spans sports, tourism, economic development, philanthropy and regional community service. As president and general manager of Bristol Motor Speedway and Dragway, he has helped transform one of the most iconic venues in American sports into a nationally recognized platform for major events, strategic partnerships and meaningful community impact. His rise from college intern to senior executive reflects not only a remarkable personal journey, but also a leadership style defined by vision, innovation and a deep commitment to the Appalachian Highlands.
Since assuming day-to-day leadership in 2010, Caldwell has guided Bristol Motor Speedway through a period of exceptional growth and reinvention, elevating both the venue and the region on a national stage. Under his leadership, the Speedway has hosted landmark events including the Pilot Flying J Battle at Bristol, which set the NCAA single-game attendance record with 156,990 fans, and the 2025 MLB Speedway Classic, which brought Tennessee its first regular season Major League Baseball game and drew an MLB record crowd of 91,032 fans. He has also helped position the venue as a premier destination for live entertainment through sold-out Kenny Chesney and Morgan Wallen concerts, while expanding Bristol’s reach through major digital creator events and other innovative non-traditional uses of the facility.
From converting the World’s Fastest Half-Mile into a nationally prominent dirt-racing spectacle to hosting top-tier concerts and viral YouTube productions, Caldwell has helped redefine what a speedway can be. He also oversees Bristol Dragway, known worldwide as Thunder Valley, one of the busiest and most historic drag racing facilities in the United States. Together, these properties serve as major engines for tourism, economic activity and regional pride.
Caldwell is equally recognized for leveraging leadership and organizational resources in service of the broader community. In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in 2024, he helped establish the Northeast Tennessee Disaster Relief Center at Bristol Motor Speedway, coordinating critical support efforts across Northeast Tennessee, Southwest Virginia and North Carolina. His community-minded leadership is also reflected in his work with the Bristol Chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities, which has contributed more than $22 million to child-focused nonprofits across the region, including a record $1.25 million raised in 2025 alone.
A trusted ambassador for the Appalachian Highlands, Caldwell has served on numerous boards and leadership initiatives focused on business, tourism and civic advancement. His honors include being named 2023 Tennessee Tourism Leader of the Year, earning Speedway Motorsports Promoter of the Year recognition three times, induction into the Tri-Cities Business Hall of Fame in 2025, and selection to the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2026.
A native of Lexington, North Carolina, Caldwell lives in Jonesborough, Tennessee, with his wife, Belton, and their six children. He is widely valued not only for his executive leadership, but also for his character, service and enduring commitment to the continued growth and well-being of the region he calls home.