INDYCAR and the Big Machine Record Label announced on Wednesday that the season-ending Big Machine Music City Grand Prix moves from the streets of Nashville to the oval at Nashville Super Speedway.
It is the first time that the series has gone to Nashville Super Speedway.
The reasoning behind the change was due to the logistics of creating the new city circuit layout brought on by the construction at the Nissan stadium.
Founder and Chairman of the Big Machine Label Scott Borchetta said:
Nashville is a world-class sport and entertainment market that loves its racing. “In its first three years, the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix successfully established itself as a major event in Nashville, and it has tremendous potential for growth, so I couldn’t be more excited to make this statement regarding its future.”
Penske Entertainment Corporation President and CEO Mark Miles commented saying:
Nashville Superspeedway is ideally suited to our highly competitive and extremely intense style of racing, and we look forward to adding a Speedway Motorsports track to our schedule. “Our fans will eagerly anticipate watching a championship be decided on a high-speed oval, with NBC providing a must-see network telecast to viewers around the country. Scott and his team will do a terrific job organizing our finale weekend, and I’m incredibly appreciative of their efforts to pivot and find a fitting venue for our fans, drivers and teams.”
Speedway Motorsports President & CEO Marcus Smith:
“This is fantastic news for race fans, Nashville, the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and Nashville Superspeedway. This partnership is a natural fit amongst our companies, and I am grateful for the faith that Roger (Penske), Scott (Borchetta) and INDYCAR have placed in us to host their season finale. When we acquired Nashville Superspeedway in 2021, hosting events like the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix was part of our vision. Speedway Motorsports always wants to expand our event calendar with exceptional entertainment for fans that also increases economic impact for the entire Middle Tennessee region.”
Chip Ganassi Racing driver Scott Dixon:
“I have some fond memories of Nashville Superspeedway. 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.”
Team Penske driver Josef Newgarden:
“Nashville is a great market for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and a perfect host city for our championship finale. Wrapping the season on a high-speed oval is going to be really thrilling for everyone, most especially our fans. 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.”
Arrow McLaren Sporting Director Tony Kanaan:
“I’m so excited that the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix is relocating to the Nashville Superspeedway. We always need more ovals. I’m very fond of my win there— it’s the coolest trophy I own!”