NASCAR Cup - Nashville

The Cracker Barrel 400 brings NASCAR Cup Series racing to Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tennessee. This race covers 399 miles over 300 laps on the distinctive concrete surface of this tri-oval intermediate speedway. Nashville Superspeedway hosts a complete NASCAR weekend, featuring races across the Craftsman Truck Series, O'Reilly Auto Parts Series, and Cup Series. The Cup Series race serves as the main event, attracting top drivers and teams to Middle Tennessee's premier motorsports venue.

Nashville Superspeedway Circuit Details

Nashville Superspeedway measures 1.33 miles in length and features a concrete surface throughout. The track holds the distinction of being the largest concrete-only facility on the NASCAR schedule. The tri-oval configuration includes banking of 14 degrees in the turns, 9 degrees on the front stretch, and 6 degrees on the back stretch. This combination creates unique racing conditions that challenge drivers and teams.

The facility provides permanent seating for 25,000 spectators, with the ability to expand to approximately 40,000 through temporary grandstands. The venue also includes an infield road course that spans 1.800 miles. Dover Motorsports built the track, which opened in 2001 and has evolved into a significant NASCAR destination.

NASCAR Cup Series Competitors

The race features the premier drivers of the NASCAR Cup Series. All competitors must be at least 18 years old to participate in Cup Series events. The 2026 season includes updated rules for drivers with extensive Cup Series experience regarding their participation in lower series, allowing veteran drivers to compete in a limited number of O'Reilly Auto Parts Series and Craftsman Truck Series races while preserving opportunities for developing talent.

Technical Specifications for 2026

NASCAR implements specific technical packages for the 2026 season that directly affect racing at Nashville Superspeedway. The sanctioning body increases horsepower to 750hp for tracks under 1.5 miles, which includes this 1.33-mile venue. Teams will use the short track and road course package featuring a three-inch rear spoiler and fewer diffuser strakes.

Safety improvements include mandatory A-post flaps at every track to prevent vehicle flips. The surface under each flap must be bright orange for visibility. Chevrolet introduces a new ZL1 body style for the 2026 season, replacing the design used since 2022. These technical changes influence how teams prepare their race cars for Nashville Superspeedway.

Track History and Background

Nashville Superspeedway began operations in 2001 and initially hosted NASCAR Xfinity Series, Truck Series, and IndyCar Series events. The facility paused racing operations in 2011 but returned to NASCAR competition in 2021 when the Cup Series added the venue to its schedule. Kyle Larson won the first Cup Series race at the track. The facility continues a tradition of awarding Gibson Les Paul guitars as race trophies, connecting to Nashville's musical heritage.

Location and Access

Nashville Superspeedway sits in Gladeville, near Lebanon, Tennessee, approximately 40 miles east of downtown Nashville. The track provides convenient access via Interstate 840 and Tennessee State Route 452. Matt Greci serves as the facility's general manager, overseeing operations and events throughout the season.

What Makes This Race Special

The concrete surface at Nashville Superspeedway creates distinct racing characteristics compared to traditional asphalt tracks. The material offers different grip levels and wears on tires in unique ways, requiring teams to adjust their setup strategies. Nashville's reputation as "Music City" influences the race weekend atmosphere, with live music performances and fan activities complementing the on-track action.

The tri-oval design and banking angles produce multiple racing grooves, allowing drivers to attempt passes in various locations around the track. The facility's relatively recent addition to the Cup Series schedule means teams continue to learn and adapt their approaches to this venue. The race provides close competition as drivers and crews work to master the concrete surface and optimize their performance across 300 laps.