For the first time since Fontana 2014, the IndyCar season finale will be at an oval. The new layout of the downtown Nashville street circuit was set for the season finale. However, the proposed layout had to be scrapped in favor of the Nashville Superspeedway.
The primary reason for this involves the areas surrounding the new downtown NFL stadium construction site. Several of the key areas that are needed to host the grand prix will no longer be available.
Without the proper space for the teams as well as accommodation for the local businesses, it is no longer logistically possible to race on the streets of Nashville.
About Nashville Superspeedway
Nothing quite like this view 😍 pic.twitter.com/j5mhmLl5HJ
— Nashville Superspeedway (@NashvilleSuperS) February 1, 2024
Located outside of Nashville, this 1.33-mile concrete oval first debuted in IndyCar back in 2001. It would remain on the calendar until 2008.
Six-time series champion Scott Dixon was the last man to take victory lane. He won three years in a row in 2006, 2007, and 2008.
Its tricky track surface proved to be a formidable challenge for the drivers in the past. The cars of the past were different beasts compared to the Dallara machines of today.
Nevertheless, it will be fascinating to see how today’s cars with the new hybrid technology take to the concrete.
Beware Team Penske
For the second half of the 2024 season, it will be an oval party. Six of the last eight races will be ovals now including Nashville. There will be two oval doubleheaders. The first at Worldwide Technology Raceway followed by the Milwaukee Mile.
The Milwaukee double-header will be followed by the Nashville Superspeedway. This brings us to Penske. Penske and Josef Newgarden dominated the ovals last year. With this many ovals on the schedule in 2024, this could be a huge factor in the championship.
Chip Ganassi and the other teams will need to be on their absolute A-game if Penske retains their form on the ovals.
Drivers’ Reaction
When the news about Nashville Superspeedway broke, it was met with an overall positive reaction from the drivers. 2016 Indy 500 champion Alexander Rossi voiced his excitement on X about having an oval race as the season closer.
“Championship decider on an oval?! Say less. Going to be wild.”
Scott McLaughlin on the other hand had more of a mixed reaction, stating that he was looking forward to racing on Broadway. The Kiwi ultimately voiced his enthusiasm nonetheless.
Unsurprisingly, the biggest reaction of them all was Nashville native Josef Newgarden.
Nashville season finale is going to be a blast! The party will rage all weekend long in this great city. https://t.co/yYUet4wdL3
— Josef Newgarden (@josefnewgarden) February 14, 2024
Will IndyCar return to the Nashville streets?
While the NTT IndyCar Series won’t be racing on the streets of Nashville in 2024, a return is not out of the question. Once the new Tennessee Titans stadium is complete, it is entirely possible that the same or similar layout can return to the calendar.
It will be a question of whether the areas around the stadium will be available/useable when that time comes. Another factor will be how the weekend at Nashville Superspeedway goes. If it’s a success and the oval-dominant second half works out, that could change things.
Come September, we will find out.
