Scott Borchetta, head of the Music City Grand Prix, said switching the Indycar season finale to Nashville Super Speedway was necessary for several reasons. Construction of the new Titans Stadium, scheduled to be completed in 2027, consumed much of the old track layout’s footprint. Race organizers felt there would not be access for the teams or fans with the altered layout.

Borchetta took over as head of the Music City Grand Prix group in December. he quickly realized that there was not enough time to get everything in place. The NFL schedule doesn’t come out until May; the Titans might have a home game that weekend. The new mayor has lengthened the process for city council approval of items.

Race organizers still plan to retain the festival atmosphere of race weekend in Nashville and at the track, which is about 35 miles from downtown. Borchetta said there will be shuttles to the track for people who have booked lodging in Nashville assuming the race would be on the streets.

I’m not sure if Nashville had begun selling tickets yet. Borchetta said nothing about sales already made for 2024.

Some Thoughts

Switching the season finale to an oval may have an effect on the championship. Six of the last eight races are now oval events. Does this give Josef Newgarden an advantage?

I have always maintained that the finale should be an oval race. An oval provides a chance for a fairer fight in a close points battle. I am glad that the switch happened.

The 2024 season now has seven ovals, four street races, and six natural road course races. I think this is a proper mix of events for the series. It would be nice if the oval events were more spread out over the summer than all being bunched up at the end of the year.

To the fans who have clamored for more ovals the past few years.: There are no excuses now. If you want to see this nice increase in ovals continue, get out to the tracks. Nashville especially needs to be well attended.