NASCAR Xfinity - Nashville

Nashville Superspeedway hosts the Sports Illustrated Resorts 250, a NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series race that brings competitive stock car racing to Tennessee. This nascar-xs event takes place during a full NASCAR race weekend in 2026, featuring three series competing at the 1.33-mile concrete oval located near Lebanon, Tennessee. The NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series race at Nashville presents close competition on one of the most unique racing surfaces in professional motorsports.

The Sports Illustrated Resorts 250

The Sports Illustrated Resorts 250 serves as the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series feature race during the Nashville race weekend. The event runs over 250 miles on the Nashville Superspeedway oval. This nascar-xs race shares the weekend with the NASCAR Cup Series Cracker Barrel 400 and the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Flote 200. Prime Video provides broadcast coverage for select races during the weekend, with radio coverage available through PRN. The NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series race at Nashville offers fans an opportunity to see rising drivers compete before the Cup Series main event.

Nashville Superspeedway Circuit

Nashville Superspeedway measures 1.33 miles in length and features a D-shaped tri-oval configuration. The track sits approximately 30 miles southeast of Nashville, Tennessee. The racing surface consists entirely of concrete, which distinguishes Nashville Superspeedway from most other facilities on the NASCAR schedule.

Track Specifications

The turns at Nashville Superspeedway feature 14 degrees of banking. The frontstretch has 9 degrees of banking, while the backstretch contains 6 degrees. The all-concrete surface provides different grip characteristics compared to asphalt tracks. This concrete composition affects tire wear and handling throughout race distance. Nashville Superspeedway ranks as the largest concrete oval that NASCAR currently uses. The facility can accommodate 25,000 spectators in permanent seating, with capacity expandable to 38,000 through temporary grandstands. The track includes lighting equipment for night racing capability.

NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series Cars

The NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series utilizes purpose-built stock cars that differ from the Cup Series Next Gen vehicles. These nascar-xs machines feature V8 engines that produce competitive horsepower levels suitable for developmental racing. The series serves as a stepping stone for drivers advancing through NASCAR's competitive ranks. Teams in the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series often field entries for both established veterans and young prospects. The cars feature manual transmissions and traditional NASCAR safety equipment. Racing at Nashville Superspeedway demands specific setup adjustments due to the concrete surface composition.

NASCAR History at Nashville Superspeedway

Nashville Superspeedway opened in 2001 after groundbreaking ceremonies in August 1999. The facility initially hosted NASCAR Busch Series races (the predecessor to the current O'Reilly Auto Parts Series) from 2001 through 2011. During this period, the track became known for hosting competitive NASCAR series races on its concrete surface. The track ceased major racing operations in December 2011. NASCAR returned to Nashville Superspeedway in 2021 when the Cup Series added the facility to its schedule. This return brought back NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series racing to the venue. Dover Motorsports originally owned Nashville Superspeedway. Speedway Motorsports, LLC acquired the facility in late 2021 as part of a larger transaction. The year 2026 marks the 25th anniversary of Nashville Superspeedway's opening.

NASCAR in Nashville

NASCAR has deep roots in the Nashville area extending back decades. The Cup Series previously raced at Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway until 1984. Nashville Superspeedway brought major NASCAR racing back to the region in 2001. The return of Cup Series racing in 2021 renewed NASCAR's presence in Tennessee. The nascar-xs series contributes to Nashville's motorsports tradition through competitive racing on the concrete oval.

What Makes Nashville Superspeedway Unique

Nashville Superspeedway stands as one of only three concrete-surface tracks on the NASCAR schedule. Dover Motor Speedway and Bristol Motor Speedway also feature concrete, but Nashville represents the largest concrete oval in current use. The concrete surface creates distinct racing conditions compared to traditional asphalt ovals. Grip levels change throughout races as rubber builds up on the racing line. Drivers must adapt their techniques to manage the concrete characteristics.

The Guitar Trophy

Nashville embraces its "Music City" identity through its victory tradition. Winners at Nashville Superspeedway receive a custom-painted Gibson Les Paul guitar as their trophy. This practice replaces the conventional cup or plaque awards common at other racing venues. The guitar trophy reflects Nashville's cultural heritage and provides winners with a distinctive memento.

The NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series at Nashville

The NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series race at Nashville Superspeedway provides compelling competition on a challenging circuit. The concrete surface tests driver skill and team strategy. The nascar-xs event attracts fans interested in seeing future stars compete. Many drivers who race in the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series advance to the Cup Series. The 250-mile distance requires teams to balance speed with tire management on the abrasive concrete. Nashville Superspeedway has produced close finishes and strategic racing in NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series competition. The 2026 edition continues this tradition on a facility celebrating its 25th anniversary year.