The Nashville street race has rapidly become one of the most thrilling and unpredictable events on the IndyCar calendar. Originally scheduled to host the 2024 season finale, the race has now been relocated to an oval track outside the city. This unexpected move has raised questions about the future of the race and its impact on the IndyCar calendar. With three races on two new tracks added for 2024, the season finale has already been marred by controversy. The Nashville street race has relied heavily on the Tennessee Titans NFL football team’s stadium for logistical support. However, the stadium is currently undergoing redevelopment, forcing the race organizers to find an alternative venue. The change in management and the lack of space and guarantees from the NFL have further complicated the situation. Scott Borchetta, the event’s sponsor, acknowledged that the track was unable to accommodate the race due to the ongoing redevelopment and the inability to secure necessary approvals in time. As a result, the decision to move the race to the oval track was a forced one rather than a planned switch. The Superspeedway, which previously hosted IndyCar races, has undergone significant upgrades under the ownership of Speedway Motorsports (SMI). Borchetta aims to ensure that fans can easily access the track, offering shuttle buses and even helicopter rides from the city. The move to the oval track presents a different experience compared to the street circuit, but it may offer increased options for fans. Despite the change in venue, Nashville remains a vibrant and exciting city to visit, known for its country music heritage and growing tourism industry. While the oval track may not replicate the atmosphere of the city center race, it still provides an opportunity to experience the Nashville lifestyle. The addition of the Nashville oval race, along with the return of the Milwaukee Mile, means that the IndyCar season will conclude with three oval races at two new venues. This, combined with the introduction of hybrid units in the second half of the season, adds an element of unpredictability to the championship race. The future of the Nashville street race remains uncertain, with the possibility of a return to the city once the NFL stadium is complete. However, Borchetta expressed his preference for minimizing the use of downtown in future races. The challenge lies in finding a balance between utilizing the city’s footprint and addressing logistical concerns. The success of a street race depends on various factors, including support from local residents and government officials. Mark Miles, president of the Penske Entertainment group, expressed his desire to bring the race back to downtown Nashville in the future. In addition to discussing the Nashville race, Miles also addressed the possibility of a race in Argentina. Despite ongoing conversations, the current conditions in Argentina, including high inflation and extreme poverty, make a race in the country unlikely at this time.
According to the Source the-race.com