The IndyCar season finale this year was slated for the Streets of Nashville but it has been moved instead to the nearby Nashville Superspeedway oval in Lebanon.
The series last raced on the short oval in 2008 and the reason stated for the change this year is construction around the new Titans NFL stadium.
“With construction set to begin for the new Titans Stadium, the Grand Prix operations team knew they’d be faced with new challenges, knowing that the course used for the first three years would have to change dramatically for 2024’s race,” said Scott Borchetta, of Big Machine Music Grand Prix. “With several key locations around the stadium not available as in years past, and with the proposed course change to run through the streets of downtown Nashville (a big loop that utilizes the Korean Vets Memorial Bridge, First Avenue, Broadway, Fourth Avenue, and Korean Vets Blvd.) we simply don’t have the proper space needed by the race teams nor the proper access for downtown businesses and residences to execute the world-class event that is expected by our amazing fans, IndyCar teams and sponsors.”
The second-tier Indy NXT division will also shift its season finale to the oval during the weekend of September 15.
“This has no bearing on our great relationship with the Tennessee Titans,” Borchetta continued. “The team’s management has been nothing but supportive regarding the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix, and we fully intend to continue conversations with them and the City of Nashville as to when the right time will be to return to the streets of Nashville. We also want to underline how supportive Metro and new Mayor Freddie O’Connell and his team have been during this transition.
“The mayor is a real fan of the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix and has attended the race every year. He and his team have helped us address all angles in how best to proceed, and we feel that we’ve landed on the best option for a great race experience, for both fans and race teams, by moving to Speedway Motorsports’ Nashville Superspeedway.”
Scott Dixon, the six-time series champion, was the last driver to win on the Tennessee oval and will actually be seeking a fourth straight win at the track after wins from 2006-08.
“I have some fond memories of Nashville Superspeedway,” Dixon said. “The racing was always intense, and strategy was always key. Add the fact that it’s now hosting the season finale, and I have no doubt it will make for a fantastic show. While we’ll miss being on the streets of Nashville in 2024, I look forward to returning to a place that has been special to my career.”
Racing in the greater Nashville Metro area is important to native son Josef Newagrden.
“Wrapping the season on a high-speed oval is going to be really thrilling for everyone, most especially our fans,” Newgarden said. “As a Nashville resident myself, I’m also excited Scott (Borchetta) and his team are still planning to host activations and entertainment downtown, ensuring the entire city feels the presence and energy of the weekend.”
The change also gives IndyCar a much needed additional oval after the loss of Texas Motor Speedway to join the Indianapolis 500 and races at Milwaukee Mile, WWTR Gateway and Iowa Speedway.