Spectating Bristol Forest Rally 2023
We’re glad you’re interested in spectating at the 2023 Bristol Forest Rally! The spectator guide is posted below.
It’s worth mentioning that volunteers actually get a better vantage point than spectators, free lunch, and event swag. We hope you’ll consider contributing to the event as a volunteer!
Spectator Safety
Safety is the top priority for Bristol Forest Rally, whether that be the safety of competitors, volunteers, or spectators. It is important for spectators to adhere to the safety guidelines below to keep themselves safe as well as those around them.
Always keep your own safety in mind
Park in a safe place that does not block traffic flow
Follow Marshall’s instructions
Observe and obey all event signage
Pick up your trash and help keep our forests clean
Stay within the official spectator areas
Keep off of the rally stage
Be alert and aware of your surroundings
Cars may run wide on corners
Cars may cut corners
Cars may throw up stones/debris
Failure to follow Marshall directions may lead to pausing or cancellation of the stage and spectator dismissal
Friday May 5th
Friday spectating locations / TIME: 5:00-9:00 pm
The App Tarmac stage offers two spectating locations, Delta and Midpoint. Both locations are captive spectator points, meaning that once the rally begins you cannot leave the location until the stages are complete. Official vehicles will begin entering the stage at roughly 5:30 PM, meaning the stage will be closed for public transit. Spectators should plan to arrive at their chosen location by 5 PM.
Delta (36.514, -82.042)
Times: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
The Delta spectator point is located at the intersection of Flatwoods Rd, Camp Tom Howard Rd, and Little Oak Rd. in Sullivan County, TN. Route to the spectator point by plugging in the GPS coordinates to Google Maps or by clicking the ROUTE ME button. This spectator point is flat, grassy, and easily accessible.
Spectators can drive down Camp Tom Howard Rd prior to rally start to access the Delta. This area may not be accessible from Flatwoods Rd due to potential road construction. Cars must be parked to one side of the road as designated by signage or Marshall direction.
Always listen to the safety marshal at the spectator location. Only go where the marshal allows. If you leave the safe location, you could cause delays in the rally or even for the stage to be cancelled. You don’t want to be that guy.
Midpoint (36.524, -82.019)
Times: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
The Midpoint spectator point is located roughly halfway down Camp Tom Howard Rd. Route to the spectator point by plugging in the GPS coordinates to Google Maps or clicking the ROUTE ME button. There are two designated areas for spectators at the Midpoint, one being a flat area near the parking with the other being a hillside offering 180 degree views of the stage. The hillside is rocky, steep, and may be difficult for some to access.
Spectators can drive down Camp Tom Howard Rd prior to rally start to access the Midpoint. This location is more difficult to access due to a rutted gravel/dirt entry road to the parking area. Spectators must park their vehicles as directed by the Marshall.
Always listen to the safety marshal at the spectator location. Only go where the marshal allows. If you leave the safe location, you could cause delays in the rally or even for the stage to be cancelled. You don’t want to be that guy.
Saturday May 6th
Saturday Spectating Locations / Time 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
There will be two Saturday spectating locations, one on the Jacobs Creek stage (morning) and one on the Sinkhole/Countersink stage (afternoon). These spectating points will be referred to as Jacobs Creek and Flat[out]woods. Spectators should reference the spectator schedule to find out when each location will be active for the rally.
Jacobs Creek (36.578, -81.951)
Times: 8:00 am - 11:30 am
The Jacobs Creek spectator point is located at the end of Wyatt Hollow Road in Sullivan County, TN. Route to the spectator point by plugging in the GPS coordinates to Google Maps or by clicking the ROUTE ME button.
This spectator point is in the hairpin of the Jacobs Creek stage and offers a relatively flat gravel area for spectating or the option of spectating from a raised embankment in the woods.
Cars must be parking to one side of the road as designated by signage or Marshall direction. Always listen to the safety marshal at the spectator location. Only go where the marshal allows. If you leave the safe location, you could cause delays in the rally or even for the stage to be cancelled. You don’t want to be that guy.
Flat[out]woods (36.468, -82.115)
Times: 12:30 pm - 6:00 pm
This location offers accessible parking.
The Flat[out]woods spectator point is located at the intersection of Big Creek Rd and Flatwoods Rd in Sullivan County, TN. Route to the spectator point by plugging in the GPS coordinates or by clicking the ROUTE ME button.
Spectators will be able to view the rally on both the West and East sides of the intersection. The West side will be open to allow spectators to come and go, but the East side may be a captive spectating point depending on road construction. Each location is gravel, flat, and offers good views along the stage. The West side of the spectator point will offer accessible parking and viewing as required.
Cars must be parked to one side of the road as designated by signage or Marshall direction. Always listen to the safety marshal at the spectator location. Only go where the marshal allows. If you leave the safe location, you could cause delays in the rally or even for the stage to be cancelled. You don’t want to be that guy.
The Stage Shedule
The rally stage schedule gives estimated start times for each stage. This can be used to plan when cars will be coming by the spectator locations on App Tarmac, Jacobs Creek, and Sinkhole/Countersink.
The rally will pass spectator points a number of times throughout the weekend:
Friday, May 5th
App Tarmac (Delta & Midpoint) - twice
Saturday, May 6th
Jacobs Creek - twice
Sinkhole Long/ Countersink Long (Flat[out]woods) - twice
Reference the stage schedule for specific times. The ‘First Due’ column on the right of the schedule indicates when the first rally car will enter the stage.
Always listen to the safety marshal at the spectator location. Only go where the marshal allows. If you leave the safe location, you could cause delays in the rally or even for the stage to be cancelled. You don’t want to be that guy.
If possible, please carpool! Space is very limited for parking.
Rally finsih and podiums
Times: 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm
The 2023 Bristol Forest Rally will present trophies and awards at Yee-Haw Brewing in Johnson City, TN. Please join us here after the rally to watch the awards, meet our sponsors, chat with competitors, and see the Top 3 Overall cars!
Awards will likely take place between 8:00 - 9:00 PM but feel free to get there earlier to enjoy great food and drinks!