The IndyCar Series is set to close out its 2024 season at Nashville Superspeedway, marking the first time in a decade the championship will come to a close at an oval.
The open-wheel series had been scheduled to close the calendar on the streets of downtown Nashville.
However, it was decided the race would be moved due to disruptions caused by construction of the nearby Titans Stadium.
Stan Sport is the only place to watch the 2024 IndyCar Series. All the action streaming ad free, live and on demand
Although the race’s venue has changed, it will still go ahead on its original September 16 date.
The Music City Grand Prix debuted in 2021 and this year was to be the first time the series held its finale at the street course.
Exactly when the series returns to downtown Nashville remains to be seen, with the event’s primary sponsor and instigator Big Machine Label Group keeping a watching brief.
“Regarding when we could turn back into Nashville, it’s really just going to depend on our continued conversations,” said Big Machine chairman and founder Scott Borchetta.
“There’s a lot of things that are very positive about racing in Tennessee. Our governor, Governor Lee, has been incredibly pro-racing, and we’re working on a Tennessee State Racing Commission that we hope comes to fruition.
“He has attended the event. He held a great party for us last year. We have the support of the city. We have the support of the state. When we can get back there, we will.”
The last time IndyCar held its season finale at an oval was in 2014 at Auto Club Speedway.
It’s been more than a decade since IndyCar races at Nashville Superspeedway. The series debuted there in 2001 and raced annually at the D-shaped oval until 2008.
Just two drivers from that 2008 race still compete in the series full-time; New Zealand’s Scott Dixon and Australia’s Will Power.
Six-time IndyCar Series winner Dixon hailed the return of the category to Nashville Superspeedway.
He enjoyed three race wins at the circuit and remains the most successful IndyCar driver there to date.
“I have some fond memories of Nashville Superspeedway,” said Dixon.
“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.”
I love ovals. It’s the DNA of Indycar racing for me. Yes it’s sad we’re not going to race down broadway this year but man it’s great that we have another oval on the calendar. And for it being the finale will be spectacular. Let’s do this @MusicCityGP @IndyCar 💯 https://t.co/8T7kt480Y7
— Marcus Ericsson (@Ericsson_Marcus) February 14, 2024
This year’s 17-round season now features seven oval races and two on superspeedways.
“I know a lot of fans are excited about it and I know drivers are excited about it,” said IndyCar CEO Mark Miles.
“We’ll see what actual effect it will have. But ovals are a big part of INDYCAR’s brand.
“It’s been a while since we concluded on an oval, let alone three different races at the end of the championship.
“We think that’s going to be very exciting. It’s something that fans will watch very closely.”
The 2024 IndyCar Series is set to open its account on the streets of St Petersburg on March 11, and will be live, ad-free, and exclusively on Stan Sport.
2024 IndyCar Series calendar
March 11 – Streets of St. Petersburg
March 25 – The Thermal Club $1 Million Challenge (non-points)
April 22 – Streets of Long Beach
April 29 – Barber Motorsports Park
May 12 – Indianapolis Motor Speedway (road course)
May 19 – Indianapolis 500 Qualifying Day 1
May 20 – Indianapolis 500 Qualifying Day 2
May 27 – Indianapolis 500
June 3 – Streets of Detroit
June 10 – Road America
June 24 – Laguna Seca
July 8 – Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course
July 14 – Iowa Speedway Race 1
July 15 – Iowa Speedway Race 2
July 22 – Streets of Toronto
August 18 – World Wide Technology Raceway
August 26 – Portland International Raceway
September 1 – Milwaukee Race 1
September 2 – Milwaukee Race 2
September 16 – Nashville Superspeedway
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