BRISTOL, Tenn. — From making donations to seemingly charitable organizations to properly securing golf carts, police are issuing warnings and reminders to race revelers.
During past NASCAR race weeks at Bristol Motor Speedway, the Sullivan County Sheriff's Office has received reports of individuals soliciting money from campers, purporting to be gathering funds for charities. But according to SCSO Public Information Officer Leslie Earhart, no charitable organizations have received permission to request donations in the BMS campgrounds, and would-be philanthropists should be cautious in handing over funds.
If individuals are solicited for donations at campgrounds located outside of the BMS property, police suggest checking with campground personnel to make sure the individuals and their organization are legitimate.
Reports of stolen golf carts are also fairly common, with the vehicles usually located after being ditched by the joyriders. Earhart says the owners of these carts often make themselves easy targets by leaving keys in the ignition. Besides removing the key when unattended, police are suggesting owners consider placing a steering lock on the vehicles.
Another persistent issue is lost keys, wallets, cell phones and other personal items. Police report that race fans who find these items usually hand them over to authorities. Information booths located through the BMS facility can direct individuals to lost and found, where their possessions can hopefully be reclaimed.
