The Return of NASCAR in Nashville

By Michael Lewis, Nashville Superspeedway

When backhoes and shovels first hit the dirt near Gladeville, Tennessee, to start construction on Nashville Superspeedway in the late 1990s, the ultimate goal was to bring a NASCAR Cup Series race back to Middle Tennessee for the first time since the mid-1980s.

Fast forward more than two decades and that goal is finally being realized.

Track owner Dover Motorsports Inc. announced last June that Nashville Superspeedway would be re-opened for the 2021 NASCAR season, receive $8 million to $10 million in immediate upgrades and bring more than two dozen full-time jobs to Wilson County.

The centerpiece of the announcement was that the track would host its first NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday, June 20 – the “Ally 400” on Father’s Day. Later in the year, the full schedule was revealed, including the “Tennessee Lottery 250” NASCAR Xfinity Series race on Saturday, June 19 and the “Rackley Roofing 200” NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race on Friday, June 18 for a full weekend of events and excitement.

Nashville Superspeedway hosted its first NASCAR races in April 2001. Through 2011, the 1.33-mile D-shaped oval with 14 degrees of banking was home to 21 NASCAR Xfinity Series races, 13 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series events and eight Indy Racing League contests.

“We are excited to bring NASCAR racing back to Nashville, a place where the passion for our sport runs deep,” said NASCAR President Steve Phelps.

“The Nashville market is a vital one for our sport, and bringing NASCAR Cup Series racing to Nashville Superspeedway will be an integral building block in helping us further deliver on our promise in creating a dynamic schedule for 2021.”

In August, Erik Moses, a veteran sports executive and seasoned venue management leader, was announced as the track’s president. Moses was previously president of the XFL’s DC Defenders, and he made clear from the beginning of his tenure that NASCAR is just the beginning of the track’s future offerings.

“As we set the course for Nashville Superspeedway, it is our mission to establish a new standard not only for what a racetrack can be, but especially what it can mean to our community and NASCAR fans across the region,” Moses said.

“With our roots firmly planted in racing, we believe the fun and excitement can go well beyond the track. Our goal is to become a premier sports and entertainment destination.”

Just before the 2020 holiday season, Nashville Superspeedway hosted Jurassic Quest, a drive-thru dinosaur experience that reintroduced the Speedway property to thousands of local families as it once again becomes a staple on the regional sports, entertainment and festival scene.

“Hearing your hopes for what our facility can bring to residents and visitors alike in Nashville and Middle Tennessee adds fuel and enthusiasm to our commitment to make Nashville Superspeedway a great race track and so much more,” Moses said.