In a surprising announcement, the 2024 NTT IndyCar Series Championship Race is relocating from downtown Nashville to the Nashville Superspeedway. The decision was made due to the construction of the Tennessee Titans' new stadium, which posed significant challenges for creating a race course without negatively impacting local businesses.
Scott Borchetta, the President and CEO of the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix, spent weeks reviewing the situation and determined that moving the race to Nashville Superspeedway was the best option. The event will still take place on the same weekend as previously scheduled, serving as the IndyCar season finale on September 15th, 2024, broadcasted on NBC.
The original race course in downtown Nashville utilized the Korean Vets Memorial Bridge, First Avenue, Broadway, Fourth Avenue, and Korean Vets Blvd in a big loop. However, with the proposed course change and the unavailability of key locations near the new stadium, it became clear that finding the necessary space for race teams and ensuring proper access for downtown businesses and residents would be challenging.
Despite the relocation, the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix and the Tennessee Titans maintain a strong relationship, and discussions will continue to determine the right time to return to the streets of Nashville. The involvement of Mayor Freddie O'Connell and his team has been instrumental in navigating this transition, making sure that the event can still provide an exceptional race experience for fans and teams.
Nashville Superspeedway, located in Lebanon, Tennessee, will offer a different but equally thrilling racing experience. The 1.33-mile permanent oval track previously hosted the NTT IndyCar Series from 2001 to 2008, with Scott Dixon achieving a remarkable three consecutive victories in 2006, 2007, and 2008. The move to Nashville Superspeedway will mark the first time in a decade that an NTT IndyCar Series championship will be decided on an oval track.
Mark Miles, the President and CEO of Penske Entertainment, expressed his excitement about incorporating a Speedway Motorsports track into the schedule. Adding to the anticipation, the Indy NXT XT by Firestone, the developmental series for the NTT IndyCar Series, will also shift its 2024 championship finale to Nashville Superspeedway.
For Josef Newgarden of Team Penske, a resident of Nashville himself, the return to an oval race will bring a new dynamic to the season finale and intensify the battle for the championship. The decision to move the race out of downtown Nashville was not taken lightly, but it ensures that the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix can continue to grow and provide exceptional entertainment for fans, while also boosting economic impact for the Middle Tennessee region.
With the event still holding immense potential for growth, despite the temporary relocation, fans can rest assured that the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix will make a triumphant return to downtown Nashville in the future. The combination of downtown activations and entertainment, alongside the racing action at Nashville Superspeedway, will create a memorable experience for all.
