Nashville Superspeedway: The Revival of Tennessee’s Racing Legacy

The Return of Racing to Nashville

Tennessee has long been a hub for motorsports, with its deep-rooted passion for stock car racing and open-wheel competition. At the heart of this tradition lies Nashville Superspeedway, a 1.33-mile tri-oval track that has witnessed thrilling races from NASCAR, IndyCar, and various other racing series. After a long hiatus, the track roared back to life in 2021 when NASCAR returned, reviving its status as a premier motorsports venue.

Track Specifications and Layout

Nashville Superspeedway, located in Lebanon, Tennessee, approximately 30 miles east of downtown Nashville, boasts a unique 1.33-mile concrete tri-oval layout. Unlike many asphalt tracks, the concrete surface provides a different grip level and tire wear compared to traditional ovals, making for challenging racing conditions.

• Length: 1.330 miles (2.14 km)
• Configuration: Tri-oval
• Surface: Concrete
• Banking: 14 degrees in turns, with 9 degrees on the frontstretch and 6 degrees on the backstretch.
• Capacity: Permanent seating of 25,000 and up to 38,000 seats, with temporary grandstands.

Racing History: NASCAR, IndyCar, and More

Nashville Superspeedway first opened in 2001 as part of Dover Motorsports, Inc., intended to bring NASCAR, IndyCar, and ARCA events to the region. While the track never hosted a NASCAR Cup Series event in its early years, it became a staple for NASCAR’s Xfinity Series (then known as the Busch Series) and NASCAR’s Craftsman Truck Series (now NASCAR Truck Series).

Between 2001 and 2008, IndyCar Series races at Nashville Superspeedway became a must-watch event, with legendary drivers like Scott Dixon, Dario Franchitti, and Buddy Lazier battling for supremacy. The track’s layout made for unique racing, where pit strategy and fuel management played a crucial role in determining the winner.

The Trophy: A Nashville Tradition

One of the track’s most iconic elements was its custom trophy – a hand-painted Gibson guitar. Given Nashville’s legendary music scene, the track integrated local culture with racing by awarding winners a one-of-a-kind guitar, a tradition that continued with NASCAR’s return in 2021.

The Hiatus: 2012-2020

Despite a decade of competitive racing, Dover Motorsports Inc. suspended all major racing operations at the track in 2012, citing financial difficulties and the inability to secure a NASCAR Cup Series event.

For nearly a decade, the facility remained mostly dormant, used sporadically for testing sessions, private events, and smaller-scale motorsports activities. However, the growing interest in NASCAR’s return to new markets and fan engagement reignited discussions about bringing NASCAR back to Middle Tennessee.

NASCAR’s Return to Nashville Superspeedway (2021 - Present)

In June 2020, NASCAR officially announced that the NASCAR Cup Series would return to Nashville Superspeedway in 2021, marking the track’s first-ever Cup Series race after nearly 10 years of inactivity.

The Ally 400, held in June 2021, signaled the track’s triumphant comeback. Kyle Larson dominated the event, securing victory in the first-ever Cup Series race at Nashville Superspeedway. Since then, the track has remained on the NASCAR schedule, hosting both Cup and Xfinity races each year.

Modern Events and Growth

• NASCAR Cup Series: Ally 400
• NASCAR Xfinity Series: Tennessee Lottery 250
• NASCAR Truck Series: Rackley Roofing 200

Since its return, the track has seen strong fan attendance and commercial success, thanks to its proximity to Nashville’s vibrant downtown scene and NASCAR’s growing emphasis on engaging new audiences.

In addition to NASCAR races, the track has hosted music festivals, car shows, and other motorsport events, capitalizing on its prime location near the country music capital of the world.

The Future of Nashville Superspeedway

Nashville Superspeedway’s return has injected new energy into Tennessee’s motorsports scene, and with NASCAR’s continued commitment to the venue, the future looks promising.

With ongoing renovations, improved fan experiences, and the possibility of new events, the track is poised to remain a staple in the NASCAR calendar. Additionally, discussions about bringing back IndyCar or expanding its use for sports car racing and major entertainment events suggest that the facility will continue to evolve in the years ahead.

As NASCAR continues to explore new markets and enhance its fan experience, Nashville Superspeedway stands as a shining example of revitalizing historic tracks to meet modern racing demands. Whether you’re a die-hard racing fan or a newcomer to the sport, the track’s blend of history, competition, and Tennessee culture makes it a must-visit destination for motorsports enthusiasts.