IndyCar’s second half of the season will feature six oval races, spanning the last eight races. This move from the street circuit in Nashville to the Nashville Speedway is a welcome change for fans of ovals and Team Penske. With the loss of Texas Motor Speedway from the tour, IndyCar only had four ovals to visit in 2024. However, the addition of Milwaukee as a doubleheader and the inclusion of the Iowa doubleheader, World Wide Technology Raceway trip, and the Indianapolis 500 brought the total number of oval races to seven. This change in venue adds an interesting twist to the championship title race.
The last time IndyCar closed its season on an oval was in 2014 at Fontana, where Will Power claimed his first championship. In recent years, no team has been as dominant on ovals as Team Penske. In 2022, Penske’s drivers won three out of the five oval races. In 2023, they won four out of five. The Nashville Speedway will provide another opportunity for Penske to showcase their strength on ovals.
The Nashville Speedway presents a unique challenge for IndyCar teams. The track’s concrete surface was difficult to master in the past, and tire degradation was extremely high. To prepare for the race, IndyCar will likely schedule a test day at the track to allow teams to familiarize themselves with the conditions and refine their setups.
Another factor to consider is the potential introduction of hybrid powertrains. If the energy recovery systems are implemented in July, Nashville would be the biggest oval to feature these new units. The use of hybrid powertrains on a big oval to close the season could have a significant impact on the championship race. The reliability of the ERS units will be crucial in determining the outcome of the finale.
The change in venue from Laguna Seca to the Nashville Speedway has raised questions about the atmosphere and excitement of the event. While the Music City Grand Prix was expected to bring a unique energy to downtown Nashville, replicating that atmosphere in Lebanon will be a challenge. The future of the street race is also uncertain, as it depends on the completion of a new NFL stadium.
Despite the challenges and setbacks, IndyCar’s decision to continue the race in Tennessee is commendable. It ensures that the event will not be lost altogether. While losing a street course for an oval may not be ideal for some, the focus should be on delivering an exciting race and attracting full crowds. The goal is to recreate the energy of the downtown Nashville street race at the speedway, even though the location presents different limitations.
According to the Source racer.com