Nascar's Return to Nashville Speedway

StandOnIt

StandOnIt

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The deal is looking good

The deal still must be approved by the Metro Board of Fair Commissioners. But while some details still need to be worked out, the agreement between Speedway Motorsports and Formosa is the clearest sign that NASCAR will be returning to Nashville.

Formosa told the fair board in October that discussions centered around NASCAR Xfinity Series race and a NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at the fairgrounds.

It remains unclear how soon races may start at the site.
https://www.tennessean.com/story/mo...ay-motorsports-coming-fairgrounds/2299232002/
 
StandOnIt said:
The deal is looking good

The deal still must be approved by the Metro Board of Fair Commissioners. But while some details still need to be worked out, the agreement between Speedway Motorsports and Formosa is the clearest sign that NASCAR will be returning to Nashville.

Formosa told the fair board in October that discussions centered around NASCAR Xfinity Series race and a NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at the fairgrounds.

It remains unclear how soon races may start at the site.
https://www.tennessean.com/story/mo...ay-motorsports-coming-fairgrounds/2299232002/
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I'd be there in a heartbeat! I live 90 miles south of the Speedway. If gladly support events there.
 
mack said:
I'd be there in a heartbeat! I live 90 miles south of the Speedway. If gladly support events there.
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I would take a motorcycle ride to a race at the Fairgrounds. Probably with a small pack of friends!
 
Ventisca said:
I would take a motorcycle ride to a race at the Fairgrounds. Probably with a small pack of friends!
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I love that place. The covered grandstands, the echo underneath the cover. About a 20K seating capacity. I saw Rick Mast win a BGN race there in 1988. There's not a bad seat in the house. They run a monthly show there now. Formosa puts on a good show. And there's a great crowd there every month.
 
mack said:
I love that place. The covered grandstands, the echo underneath the cover. About a 20K seating capacity. I saw Rick Mast win a BGN race there in 1988. There's not a bad seat in the house. They run a monthly show there now. Formosa puts on a good show. And there's a great crowd there every month.
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I hope they keep the covered grandstands but it does make it pretty loud under there so that might be addressed when they start rebuilding the track, it also needs a garage area and major upgrades all the way around the track. SMI is gonna spend some serious cash
 
My first track for watching "Live Action" was Pensacola in the late 80s. I like small tracks, easy to slip in and out of, can enjoy the simple life in the stands without too much parking lot drama afterwards. Comfort food, cheap tickets, and friendly atmosphere back then. It also connected me to other motorsports -- YMMV...
 
Ventisca said:
My first track for watching "Live Action" was Pensacola in the late 80s. I like small tracks, easy to slip in and out of, can enjoy the simple life in the stands without too much parking lot drama afterwards. Comfort food, cheap tickets, and friendly atmosphere back then. It also connected me to other motorsports -- YMMV...
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Bingo
 
AdoubleU24 said:
I couldn't care less if the cup guys aren't going to these new/old venues. Isn't that the schedule we care most about?
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If that's true, it doesn't mean it's the ONLY one we care about. Some of enjoy many forms and levels of racing. My first race was a Busch race that ended with 3-wide finish.
AdoubleU24 said:
So you care more about the developmental series?
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We don't necessarily care MORE about them, but we do care about them. I don't get why you seem to think we have to choose. If you don't like the developmental series, fine; don't watch or discuss them.
 
AdoubleU24 said:
So you care more about the developmental series?
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Trucks work on several levels.

Development means I get to watch a progression of driver talent as well as race organizations.

Familiar Tracks and keeping up with track conditions in combined weekend competition; not just a single weekend event.

Beating and banging around on dirt and road courses, as well as the usual NASCAR track shapes and sizes.

Only drawback IMO — is when the Trucks get stuck in the wrecking mode and can’t get in a track rhythm.

Also, I’m not a Mikey Waltrip hater, but some find him intolerable. I mute the NBCSN booth a lot more than the FS1 Truck Booth.
 
I like remembering I was there when some skinny kid won in his first ARCA race for the only time he would ever run at Rockingham. That kid was as skinny as Sliced Bread. ;)
 
Spotter22 said:
I hope they keep the covered grandstands but it does make it pretty loud under there so that might be addressed when they start rebuilding the track, it also needs a garage area and major upgrades all the way around the track. SMI is gonna spend some serious cash
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I'm thinking the city has negotiated (enforced upon) a noise curfew with the track. And I may be completely wrong, but I think the cars have to be muffled to some extent for the monthly show. I'll do some checking.
 
AdoubleU24 said:
So you care more about the developmental series?
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My favorite racing is local short track racing. It fostered an interest in me to follow the (big league) of racing. The local racers were guys you might know, or you had friends or family that knew them. The local level is where I saw the "Alabama Gang" show up when I was a kid. I got all of their autographs, got to set in Bobbys 57 Chevy late model. And that same Bobby Allison had beat Richard Petty at a "big league" race a few weeks earlier. That was a big deal to me as a youngun in the late sixties-early seventies. So, news of a NASCAR sanctioned touring series returning to its roots will always be welcomed news to me. I think it's a major step in the right direction.
 
StandOnIt said:
Trucks on a short track :pbjtime:, I hope they get everything wrapped up so it can happen.
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The one and only race I have been to at this track was a Nascar Truck Race. I was there with my equipment dealer from Miami Fl.,"Sprayer Parts Depot", whom had sponsored the truck for Black Tip Racing out of Naples Florida. Morgan Shepard was the driver, we made 2/3 of the race and a valve spring broke and the owner said to stop as he did not want to ruin the engine.
This picture shows Frank Kimmel driving the truck at a Homestead race. This was when they raced and took a half way brake, pitted etc. then lined up and went again, did not need a pro crew to pit. I glued the lug nuts to the rims, helped Morgan put his seat in the truck and make a screen guard for the radiator to catch tire rubber and such. Oh yeah, and, I had a freaking blast! :D

Frank Kimmel in Skips Truck.jpg
 
Charlie Spencer said:
If that's true, it doesn't mean it's the ONLY one we care about. Some of enjoy many forms and levels of racing. My first race was a Busch race that ended with 3-wide finish.

We don't necessarily care MORE about them, but we do care about them. I don't get why you seem to think we have to choose. If you don't like the developmental series, fine; don't watch or discuss them.
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StandOnIt said:
nothing wrong with watching the 9 go around the track, but to have blinders on to the rest of fandom and what interests them could lead to problems of perception.
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You guys missed my point. I do care about those series, I attend their practices, and races a couple times a year and my posts are all throughout their respective season and race threads each week, pretty sure I've even chopped it up with you two in them lol Geez.

My point is, these 2 series already have a more diverse schedule than cup. They at least get more of a variety of road courses, Eldora, Iowa, Gateway...you get the point. Cup is what needs the makeover, and is the schedule we complain about the most around here.

Therefore, these series getting more of what they already have more of compared to cup doesn't really excite me.

:idunno:
 
AdoubleU24 said:
You guys missed my point. I do care about those series, I attend their practices, and races a couple times a year and my posts are all throughout their respective season and race threads each week, pretty sure I've even chopped it up with you two in them lol Geez.

My point is, these 2 series already have a more diverse schedule than cup. They at least get more of a variety of road courses, Eldora, Iowa, Gateway...you get the point. Cup is what needs the makeover, and is the schedule we complain about the most around here.

Therefore, these series getting more of what they already have more of compared to cup doesn't really excite me.

:idunno:
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speaking again about perception, this is in the future, at least 2020 at the earliest. Who knows what is going to happen in cup. As it is, there was a new track last year at the Roval and there is a new racing package for next year that definitely is going to happen.
 
One of the upsides of NASCAR putting on a show at the Fairgrounds is this. Tony Formosa is packing in some great crowds once a month. Those same fans would gladly buy an all day pass to watch the trucks and Xfinity. And that's great optics for tv coverage. Packed grandstands. Mind you, the Fairgrounds seat around 20K, but still that would be stinking awesome. Same for any other bullring they may add to the schedule. I like the way some of the powers that be are thinking on this stuff. Shake things up! Make changes. The worst that could happen is it wouldnt work. My gut says its a good idea.
 
AdoubleU24 said:
I couldn't care less if the cup guys aren't going to these new/old venues. Isn't that the schedule we care most about?
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Would be nice sure. But to me more stand alone races from the Cup Series is a good thing. Means less likely a Cupper is in it, which means more chances for a good race. Surely in the Trucks which is my favorite races normally.
 
AdoubleU24 said:
You guys missed my point. I do care about those series, I attend their practices, and races a couple times a year and my posts are all throughout their respective season and race threads each week, pretty sure I've even chopped it up with you two in them lol Geez.

My point is, these 2 series already have a more diverse schedule than cup. They at least get more of a variety of road courses, Eldora, Iowa, Gateway...you get the point. Cup is what needs the makeover, and is the schedule we complain about the most around here.

Therefore, these series getting more of what they already have more of compared to cup doesn't really excite me.

:idunno:
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I'd be surprised if there weren't some sort of movement in the Cup schedule in a few years, places like Nashville probably just have to prove they can properly hold and draw for an event of this magnitude again first. Not unlike how Iowa, Road America, and Gateway have been doing, and how Rockingham was going to have to do.
 
What is “The List” of requirements for a track to satisfy NASCAR Trucks/XF/Cup?

I keep hearing about the Fairgrounds rising, and just read the Wilkesboro saga.

Safety, connectivity, social, market, infrastructure...
 
Ventisca said:
What is “The List” of requirements for a track to satisfy NASCAR Trucks/XF/Cup?

I keep hearing about the Fairgrounds rising, and just read the Wilkesboro saga.

Safety, connectivity, social, market, infrastructure...
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I have a feeling those aren't written in stone anymore. Short track exclusion clause :D:p
 
Ventisca said:
What is “The List” of requirements for a track to satisfy NASCAR Trucks/XF/Cup?

I keep hearing about the Fairgrounds rising, and just read the Wilkesboro saga.

Safety, connectivity, social, market, infrastructure...
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SAFER barriers (Eldora is waived because the speeds are so slow, Fairgrounds will almost assuredly not get this requirement waived as its is a fast little track). Media center, garage stalls, press box.

If the track can get a date it would be a huge event for the track. I'd imagine they'd sell out within the week tickets go on sale.
 
Update

SMI executive discusses 2020 schedule, racing at Nashville
“We’re continuing to speak to leaders in the city, to work towards the goal of being able to bring racing, NASCAR back to Nashville,” Smith said. “It’s fairly complicated, lots of people involved, lots of different parties involved. It’s a goal of ours, and I think it would be fantastic for the sport.”

Smith said that based on “construction and everything” 2021 “would probably be the soonest” the track could host a NASCAR national series event if deals can be made.

The key would be upgrading the track to NASCAR standards.

“We have a really good idea of what it would take to get it NASCAR ready,” Smith said. “There’s a wide range of what you could do. There’s a minimal level and there’s our level, so I think there’s tremendous potential for that facility. It’s a legendary facility in the world of racing, Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway, and it also serves as the location for the state fair, for regular community activities. My vision would be something that would serve all those purposes for the next 50 years.”

During the Nashville Board of Fair Commissioners meeting earlier this month, Councilman Robert Swope told the Board: “Since Nashville lost its Cup races in 1984, this is the first opportunity for a major vision for the future of our track. I encourage the Fair Board, Mayor (David) Briley and all stakeholders to seize this opportunity.”

https://nascar.nbcsports.com/2019/01/29/smi-executive-discusses-2020-schedule-racing-at-nashville/
 
I'm in 100%. This area would support a NASCAR event their like they used to. You want to talk about great "optics", run a truck race there on a Saturday night, with about 20,000 fans in the stands. I'd love to be a part of that.
 
mack said:
I'm in 100%. This area would support a NASCAR event their like they used to. You want to talk about great "optics", run a truck race there on a Saturday night, with about 20,000 fans in the stands. I'd love to be a part of that.
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In this climate it is hard to forecast accurately. I would have never guessed that tracks like Charlotte, Richmond and especially Martinsville would not be supported.
 
StandOnIt said:
Update

SMI executive discusses 2020 schedule, racing at Nashville
“We’re continuing to speak to leaders in the city, to work towards the goal of being able to bring racing, NASCAR back to Nashville,” Smith said. “It’s fairly complicated, lots of people involved, lots of different parties involved. It’s a goal of ours, and I think it would be fantastic for the sport.”

Smith said that based on “construction and everything” 2021 “would probably be the soonest” the track could host a NASCAR national series event if deals can be made.

The key would be upgrading the track to NASCAR standards.

“We have a really good idea of what it would take to get it NASCAR ready,” Smith said. “There’s a wide range of what you could do. There’s a minimal level and there’s our level, so I think there’s tremendous potential for that facility. It’s a legendary facility in the world of racing, Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway, and it also serves as the location for the state fair, for regular community activities. My vision would be something that would serve all those purposes for the next 50 years.”

During the Nashville Board of Fair Commissioners meeting earlier this month, Councilman Robert Swope told the Board: “Since Nashville lost its Cup races in 1984, this is the first opportunity for a major vision for the future of our track. I encourage the Fair Board, Mayor (David) Briley and all stakeholders to seize this opportunity.”

https://nascar.nbcsports.com/2019/01/29/smi-executive-discusses-2020-schedule-racing-at-nashville/
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If you're ever in the neighborhood during race season, check out the once a month show that Tony Formosa is promoting. Packed house, great racing, and the support is off the charts, and that's just for the local racers. I can only imagine the crowds for an Xfinity or truck race would be even better. Racing is alive and well at the Fairgrounds Speedway. There is a ton of history at that place. In my opinion, it would be great to see NASCAR return to its roots.
 
mack said:
If you're ever in the neighborhood during race season, check out the once a month show that Tony Formosa is promoting. Packed house, great racing, and the support is off the charts, and that's just for the local racers. I can only imagine the crowds for an Xfinity or truck race would be even better. Racing is alive and well at the Fairgrounds Speedway. There is a ton of history at that place. In my opinion, it would be great to see NASCAR return to its roots.
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Nashville has changed a ton on the last 10 years so I don’t think it is automatic that 10-15k are going to show up for a minor league race.
 
My oldest son and I have went to several of the monthly shows. Formosa has done a great job promoting the track. I would encourage any of you to attend any race at Nashville Fairgrounds. Formosa has a fantastic crowd every month. Fair admission price, cheap hot dogs. Its all good.
 
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