The last time James Buckland visited Las Vegas, it was the 1970s and Robert Urich occupied the TV screen as Dan Tanna.
It did not appear a return trip for the Beckley, W.Va. resident was in the cards … so to speak.
At least it seemed that way — until he learned this week that he was the big winner in the “Be-Bristol’s-Guest-In-Vegas Giveaway,” featuring an all-expense paid trip to Las Vegas for NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion’s Week™.
“I don’t ever win anything,” said Buckland. “Haven’t won much of anything in my whole life. I’m pretty excited about it – I’m ready to get on that plane and go now.”
Buckland, a 17-year season ticketholder at Bristol Motor Speedway, won the trip after a random drawing that included more than 29,000 entries.
“They picked me out of all those people? Wow. My luck’s changing then… so maybe I can do pretty good in the casinos too,” said Buckland.
BMS general manager Jerry Caldwell is excited about the Bucklands joining him for NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion’s Week™.
“This is the fourth year we’ve been able to reward one of our season ticket holders with a trip to Champion’s Week,” he said. “Our fans are the greatest in the world and to be able to do this for James and Janet Buckland, two of our most loyal fans, is something really special. I can’t wait for them to be able to take part in this experience; they’re going to have an amazing time.”
Buckland and his wife also receive round-trip airfare for two, a three-night stay at the Wynn Las Vegas, two passes to the Fan Pre-Event Reception and access to the red carpet prior to the Sprint Cup Series Awards™. BMS also provides the Buckland’s with $500 in spending money.
Additionally, the Bucklands may attend the NMPA Myers Brothers Awards Luncheon and NASCAR After the Lap™, one of the most anticipated events of the post-season which features all of the Chase drivers.
While in Vegas, Buckland is hoping for a chance to meet his favorite driver, Clint Bowyer.
“I was always an Earnhardt man,” he said. “And after he died, I started following Junior. I still like him but there’s something about Bowyer… he just seems to be a great guy. And he’s an ol’ farm boy, and I like guys like that.
“My wife, she’s the one who got me into NASCAR years ago. She’s always liked it. Her favorite has always been Bobby Labonte but she likes ol’ Clint too. And the 29 driver (Kevin Harvick).”
As for his favorite track, that’s an easy one.
“I’ve been coming to Bristol for a lot of years,” he said. “I’ve had season tickets for 17 years but I came long before that. I’ve gone to a few other tracks but Bristol’s always been number one.
“We really enjoy coming down there. And I like Bristol the most because of all the knocking and banging. There’s no other race track out there like Bristol.”
BMS PR
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