KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Tennessee's Department of Transportation is preparing for heavy traffic in conjunction with this weekend's NASCAR events at Bristol Motor Speedway by sending special HELP trucks to assist drivers.

This weekend, two HELP trucks from Knoxville will patrol the area from Friday to Sunday to assist with incidents to keep traffic flowing. The four-wheel drive trucks are equipped with bumpers that can be used to push cars.

TDOT will also have portable message signs to warn drivers of possible delays.

After the race, one westbound lane of Interstate 40 from the Tri-Cities area to Knoxville will be closed in Jefferson County at the I-40/I-81 interchange to allow two lanes to flow from Interstate 81 to Knoxville.