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The History of Nashville Superspeedway: A Legacy of Racing in Middle Tennessee

Wednesday, February 19, 2025

Since its groundbreaking in August 1999, Nashville Superspeedway has been a cornerstone of motorsports in Middle Tennessee, evolving from an ambitious project into a premier destination for racing fans.


Construction of the 1.33-mile concrete oval began on August 26, 1999, under the leadership of Dover Motorsports. Less than two years later, on April 14, 2001, the track roared to life with its inaugural event—the NASCAR Xfinity Series' Pepsi 300. Greg Biffle took home the first checkered flag, setting the stage for what would become a staple venue in American motorsports.

The same year, the track welcomed the IndyCar Series and the NASCAR Truck Series, marking Nashville’s first-ever open-wheel race and broadening its appeal. ARCA and Indy Lights races soon followed, solidifying the Superspeedway’s status as a hub for diverse motorsport disciplines.


By June 2002, the track’s growing reputation and a $750,000 state investment through Tennessee’s FastTrack program enabled the addition of a second annual Xfinity Series event. This move bolstered the region’s connection to NASCAR and further established the facility as a must-visit racing venue.

One of the most memorable chapters in Nashville Superspeedway’s history came in July 2008, when Chip Ganassi Racing’s Scott Dixon claimed his third consecutive Firestone IndyCar 200 victory, cementing his place in the track’s legacy as its most successful IndyCar driver.

In 2010, following the closure of Memphis Motorsports Park, Nashville became the only track in the United States to host two Truck Series races without a Cup Series event. However, despite these successes, the absence of a top-tier NASCAR race and declining attendance led Dover Motorsports to cease major racing operations at the track in December 2011.


After racing operations were suspended, the track found a new purpose as a testing ground for automotive manufacturers like Nissan. In May 2014, Dover Motorsports announced a sale agreement with NeXtovation Inc., but when the company failed to meet its financial obligations, the property went back on the market.

In August 2016, Dover Motorsports struck a new deal with Panattoni Development Co., which planned to repurpose sections of the property for industrial development. The sale included a 147-acre parcel intended for warehouses and manufacturing facilities, while the track remained in use for occasional testing sessions.


Nashville Superspeedway’s revival began in June 2020, when Dover Motorsports made a groundbreaking announcement: one of its NASCAR Cup Series races would be transferred to Nashville, marking the track’s return to the national stage. After a decade-long hiatus, NASCAR’s premier series returned in June 2021, bringing Cup Series racing to Middle Tennessee for the first time in track history.

This return reinvigorated the Nashville Superspeedway, reaffirming its place in the motorsports landscape and solidifying its future as a key venue for racing fans and competitors alike.


As Nashville Superspeedway continues to evolve, its legacy remains rooted in the passion of the fans and the unforgettable moments that have shaped its history. With a renewed presence in NASCAR’s elite series and a commitment to the future, the track stands ready for its next chapter as a premier racing destination.

-- NashvilleSuperspeedway.com --

2025 Race Schedule and Tickets
Friday, May 30
NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Rackley Roofing 200
(7 p.m. CT, FS1, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio) 

Saturday, May 31
Wilson County Convention and Visitors Bureau Qualifying
(2:10 p.m. Xfinity Series, The CW, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)
(4:40 p.m. Cup Series, Amazon Prime Video, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio) 

NASCAR Xfinity Series Tennessee Lottery 250
(6:30 p.m. CT, The CW, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio) 

Sunday, June 1
NASCAR Cup Series
(6 p.m. CT, Amazon Prime Video, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio) 

Sunday, Aug. 31
NTT INDYCAR SERIES Big Machine Music City Grand Prix
(2:30 p.m. CT, FOX, INDYCAR Live, SiriusXM INDYCAR Nation) 

Call 866.RACE.TIX to discuss your options with an account representative, or visit NashvilleSuperspeedway.com. 

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About Nashville Superspeedway
Nashville Superspeedway stands as Middle Tennessee’s premier racing destination, nestled in one of America’s most dynamic and rapidly expanding regions. Our 1.33-mile D-shaped concrete track, featuring 14 degrees of banking, holds the distinction of being NASCAR’s largest all-concrete venue. Nashville Superspeedway’s rich racing heritage includes four NASCAR Cup Series races, 25 NASCAR Xfinity Series events, 17 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series competitions and nine INDYCAR SERIES battles – including the 2024 INDYCAR SERIES championship finale. As a Speedway Motorsports property, Nashville Superspeedway serves as a year-round entertainment venue welcoming families and race fans from across the nation.