'BIG CART' A Fan Favorite at Bristol
There are certain things that fans attending races at Bristol Motor Speedway expect to see when they come to the
World's Fastest Half-Mile... fast cars, bump-and-grind racing, sell-out crowds, and a giant 13-feet tall shopping cart with an engine that packs enough horsepower to make even Rick Hendrick green with envy. Its the giant Food City Shopping Cart and it has become a fixture at Bristol Motor Speedway events and a favorite among the fans.
Created by the Missouri-based National Cart Company, Food City acquired the unique vehicle in the early 1990s, around the same time the company began its sponsorship of the Food City 500 and Food City 250 at Bristol. And the rest, as they say, is history. Since that time the
Big Cart as it is called among the fans, has gained a cult following and is as much a part of racing at Bristol as twisted sheet metal.
"The
Big Cart is an amazing vehicle," says Tim Rhea, a member of the marketing staff and one of a handful of regular drivers who pilots the machine at the speedway and other Food City events throughout the region. "Wherever I take it, you can be certain spectators will arrive. They seem to be in awe as they stare, sometimes shaking their head, but always full of questions. It definitely gets the attention."
Since its first appearance, the
Big Cart has achieved celebrity status. It has been featured in
Sports Illustrated, on
ESPN,
The Speed Channel,
CMT and even in
AutoCar, a British high-performance automotive magazine. You'll also find it starring in videos and photo galleries across the internet on sites like
YouTube,
Flickr, and countless others. Both Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Jr. have climbed aboard the machine for a drive, along with other racing personalities including Danny Chocolate Myers, Mike Wallace, Joe Amato and more. Actor John Schneider of
"Dukes of Hazzard" fame found himself sitting high in the driver's seat for a spin, along with his counterpart Ben "Cooter" Jones from the show. And of course who could forget the famous
White Knuckle Ride by famed radio show hosts John Boy & Billy that helped the
Big Cart achieve its legendary status.
Besides being a regular feature at racing events throughout the year, the
Big Cart is also a highly sought-after participant at community events and celebrations, holiday parades, sporting events and naturally Food City store Grand Openings. One of its main functions is that of a custom convertible which serves as a personal chariot for Miss Food City as she makes her public appearances across the Food City landscape.
The Food City
Big Cart has been a tremendous promotional tool for our company, comments Tom Hembree, Food City senior vice president of marketing. We have used the vehicle effectively and it has provided an outstanding return. It is simply amazing at how individuals, both young and old, flock to see the machine at its various appearances throughout the year.
So just what are the specs on this supercharged wire basket? Here are just a few:
FOOD CITY BIG CART FUN FACTS
- 13-2 Tall
- 8-6 Wide
- 15 Long
- Over 2500 Pounds
- 454 Chevy V-8 Engine
- Premium Fuel, 8MPG
- Driven from the "Baby Seat"
- Stainless Steel Body
- Can Hold 360 Bags of Groceries
- Capacity of 1000 9-inch Balloons
- 600+ Horsepower
- Top Speed Unknown
The Food City
Big Cart will be on display at the upcoming Food City Family Race Nights as well as the Food City 500 and Sharpie 300 spring races and Food City 250 and Sharpie 500 fall races at Bristol Motor Speedway.
Catch it if you can!
Click Here to download the Big Cart Spec Sheet in PDF.
as if a volvo wasnt long enough!
