BRISTOL, Tenn. (WSMV) - Bristol Motor Speedway opened its campground for evacuees in East Tennessee. BMS welcomed evacuees seeking refuge from Helene to its Medallion campground at 6 p.m. on Friday. Those who went were welcomed free-of-charge.

Bristol Motor Speedway was one of many areas in east Tennessee and the southeastern United States to sustain damage from Hurricane Helene. The “It’s Bristol, Baby!” sign that sits in the parking lot outside the racetrack received the bulk of the damage.

Bristol Motor Speedway impacted by storm damage Category 4 hurricane Helene developed in the Gulf and picked up strength along the way. It struck land in Florida on Thursday and has since hovered over Tennessee.

Those fleeing the Category 4 hurricane can find sanctuary at the NASCAR track Charlotte Motor Speedway in North Carolina.