Indy NXT - Nashville

The Indy NXT by Firestone series returns to Nashville Superspeedway in 2026 for another competitive race on the oval. This developmental open-wheel series brings fast racing action to the Nashville venue, running alongside the NTT INDYCAR SERIES during the Borchetta Bourbon Music City Grand Prix weekend. Nashville Superspeedway hosts one of three oval races on the Indy NXT calendar, providing fans with a different style of competition compared to the road and street course events that make up most of the season.

Race Format at Nashville Superspeedway

The Indy NXT race at Nashville consists of 65 laps around the oval. The cars reach high speeds on the concrete surface while drivers navigate the banking and compete for position. The race offers close competition as drivers use strategy and skill to advance through the field. The push-to-pass system adds an extra element, allowing drivers to deploy additional power at key moments during the race.

The Nashville Superspeedway Circuit

Nashville Superspeedway is a 1.33-mile D-shaped oval with 14 degrees of banking. The track features a concrete surface that provides consistent grip throughout the race. The layout creates multiple racing lines, which allows drivers to attempt passes in different areas of the track. The banking helps maintain speed through the corners while testing driver control and car setup.

Teams and Drivers in 2026

Several established teams prepare their entries for the 2026 Indy NXT season. HMD Motorsports adds Salvador de Alba to its lineup. Myles Rowe continues with Force Indy/ABEL Motorsports, bringing his Nashville experience to the team. Alexander Koreiba joins Juncos Hollinger Racing for the season. Other teams competing include Cusick Morgan Motorsports, AJ Foyt Racing, Chip Ganassi Racing, Cape Motorsports Powered by ECR, and Andretti Global. The series limits teams to a maximum of four cars per entry.

Technical Specifications

Indy NXT cars use the AER-P07 engine, a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder unit made from aluminum. The engine weighs 230 pounds and produces approximately 450 horsepower. Each engine is built to last around 6,000 miles between rebuilds, which allows teams to run through the season without frequent overhauls. The push-to-pass system gives drivers extra power on demand during competition. Firestone supplies the Firehawk race tires, which incorporate Bridgestone's ENLITEN Technology for improved performance and sustainability.

Open-Wheel Racing History in Nashville

Nashville Superspeedway has hosted open-wheel racing since 2001, when the Indy Racing League first competed at the facility. Those races continued through 2008 before a break in oval racing at the venue. IndyCar returned to the Nashville area with a downtown street circuit starting in 2021. Construction in downtown Nashville prompted a move back to Nashville Superspeedway, where both IndyCar and Indy NXT now compete. The developmental series has produced competitive races at the Superspeedway, with multiple drivers earning victories at the facility.

What Makes This Event Stand Out

The Nashville race weekend offers a unique tradition for open-wheel racing. The winner of the main event receives a hand-made Gibson Les Paul guitar, connecting the race to Nashville's music heritage. The 2026 season marks an expansion for Indy NXT, with the schedule growing to 17 races. The series continues to develop future stars of IndyCar racing, providing young drivers with experience on different track types. Nashville Superspeedway gives these drivers valuable oval racing experience, a critical skill for advancement in open-wheel racing.

The Indy NXT race at Nashville Superspeedway delivers competitive oval racing with a field of talented drivers and professional teams. The event showcases the future generation of open-wheel racers as they compete on one of the fastest tracks on the schedule.