Nashville Superspeedway

Nashville Superspeedway stands as a significant racing facility in Lebanon, Tennessee, approximately 30 miles east of Nashville. This concrete racing circuit has experienced a remarkable journey since its opening in 2001, including a period of dormancy before its triumphant return to major motorsports in 2021. The track represents an important part of Tennessee's racing heritage and continues to attract NASCAR and IndyCar events to the Middle Tennessee region.

History and Development

Nashville Superspeedway opened its gates on April 7, 2001, offering racing enthusiasts a modern facility in the heart of Tennessee. The track operated continuously for a decade, hosting NASCAR Xfinity Series and Craftsman Truck Series events until 2011, when racing operations were suspended. During this dormant period, the facility served primarily as a testing venue for automotive manufacturers. The track's fortunes changed in 2021 when Speedway Motorsports, LLC (SMI) acquired the property and revitalized its racing program, bringing NASCAR Cup Series racing to the venue for the first time.

Track Specifications

The Nashville Superspeedway features a 1.33-mile (sometimes listed as 1.333-mile) concrete tri-oval with a distinctive D-shaped configuration. As the largest concrete-only track in NASCAR, the speedway offers unique racing conditions compared to asphalt surfaces. The track includes four turns with 14-degree banking, while the frontstretch has 9-degree banking and the backstretch features 6-degree banking. This configuration creates multiple racing lines and challenging conditions for drivers. The facility also contains a 1.30-mile road course in the infield, adding versatility to the venue.

Seating and Facilities

The speedway provides permanent seating for 25,000 spectators, with the capability to expand to approximately 38,000-40,000 through temporary grandstands. The facility includes lighting systems for night races, allowing for flexible scheduling and evening events that help combat the Tennessee summer heat. The infrastructure supports major racing weekends with all the amenities expected at a top-tier NASCAR venue.

Racing Heritage

From its inception until 2011, Nashville Superspeedway hosted NASCAR Xfinity Series and Craftsman Truck Series races, building a solid reputation as a challenging concrete track. The IndyCar Series also competed at the venue with the Firestone Indy 200 until 2008. After its decade-long hiatus, the track made a celebrated comeback in June 2021 by hosting the Ally 400, marking the first NASCAR Cup Series race in the Nashville area since 1984. Kyle Larson claimed victory in this inaugural Cup event. In 2024, the track expanded its portfolio by becoming the new home of the Music City Grand Prix for the IndyCar Series.

Distinctive Features

Nashville Superspeedway connects to the rich musical heritage of the region through its distinctive trophy—a Gibson Les Paul guitar awarded to race winners. This trophy has become one of the most coveted and recognizable prizes in NASCAR, symbolizing the track's Nashville roots. The concrete surface presents unique challenges for drivers and teams, requiring specific setups and tire strategies that differ from typical asphalt tracks.

Current Status

Today, Nashville Superspeedway hosts all three NASCAR national series: the Cup Series (Ally 400), Xfinity Series (Tennessee Lottery 250), and Craftsman Truck Series (Rackley Roofing 200). The addition of the IndyCar Music City Grand Prix in 2024 further cements the track's status as a premier racing destination in the southeastern United States. The facility continues to grow its reputation after its remarkable revival, bringing high-level motorsports back to racing fans in Tennessee.