BRISTOL, Tenn. (WJHL) - Beginning on Thursday, race fans will take to the stands of Bristol Motor Speedway to cheer on their favorite NASCAR drivers.
But leading up to the races, the speedway kicked off race week by honoring one of its own.
On Wednesday afternoon, speedway officials honored the BMS Tri-Cities Neighborhood Hero, a program recognizing those making a positive impact on the community.
"[Just] making sure that we shine a light on on things that are happening in our area that are positive people that are making a real impact," said Jerry Caldwell, general manager for Bristol Motor Speedway.
This year, the Tri-Cities BMS Neighborhood Hero was one of the speedway's own. Jose Castillo has served as the speedway's emcee for the last 20 years. Castillo recently returned from Paris after serving as one of the hosts of the Team USA House during the Paris Olympics.
Castillo said this award came as a complete surprise.
"I don't feel like a hero, but it's definitely humbling to represent your community on a global scale," said Castillo.
For Castillo, Bristol will always hold a special place in his heart.
"Thank you to Bristol for being my home track and will always be my first and always my favorite," Castillo said.
Caldwell said he was grateful to present the award to a member of the speedway family.
"We love highlighting anyone that is making a positive impact in the community," Caldwell said. "But especially when they're right here, part of the Bristol Motor Speedway family."
Later on Wednesday, the speedway also coordinated a visit to Avoca Elementary School with surprise guest NASCAR driver Jack Wood. For his upcoming race, Wood is partnering with Mongoose Bikes.
As part of this partnership, Wood, alongside BMX racer Mason Hayes and Olympic BMX racer Cameron Wood, presented the Avoca students with Mongoose bikes and a bike kit.
"[It's] something cool to get the kids involved and have some fun," Wood said. "Get them hyped up, and hopefully teach me a little about science, technology, engineering, and math."
Wood said he's thankful to be able to take a break from preparing for his upcoming race.
"To have an opportunity to come to something like this, that put a smile on some kids' faces and get away from the racetrack and still have a good time and talk about what we do is always fun and so I was lucky to be here today," Wood said.
Wood will take to the track for the UNOH 200 on Thursday Night. The green flag will drop on the Bass Pro Shops Night Race on Saturday at 7:30 p.m.