A future Nascar return to Nashville is still being explored despite Freddie O’Connell taking over from previous mayor John Cooper.
Confirmed:
- Renovation project for Fairgrounds Speedway would cost around US$100 million
- O’Connell said he was “committed to making sure we have a successful conversation about the speedway” last year
- Previous mayor Cooper tried and failed to bring about a Nascar return
Context:
Nascar currently races at the Nashville Superspeedway, although this circuit is actually in Lebanon, Tennessee, rather than Nashville itself. The Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway last held a Nascar race in 1984 and is the second-oldest continually operating circuit in the US.
Track operator Speedway Motorsports is pushing for a return, but there are local opponents that would rather see the venue converted into affordable housing.
Comment:
“The mayor’s office continues to discuss with multiple stakeholders how to improve the remaining facilities at the Fairgrounds,” O’Connell spokesperson Alex Apple told the Nashville Banner. “This includes [District 17 Metro Council member Terry Vo], neighbours and other interested parties.”
Speedway Motorsports representative Joe Hall added: “We’ve had multiple conversations with the O’Connell administration.”
Coming next:
Nascar’s ninth race of the season is this weekend at Texas Motor Speedway on 14th April.
Go deeper:
- Nascar’s US$7.7bn TV deal: Why the annual value went up, who gets what, and the impact on fans
- What Nascar has learned from three years of the Bristol Dirt Race
BlackBook Motorsport Forum is back for its 10th anniversary edition. Join us in London this April to navigate the transformation of motorsport and the trends driving the industry forward into the next decade.