Nascar return to Nashville still under investigation

A future return of Nascar to Nashville is still under consideration, despite Freddie O'Connell taking over from former mayor John Cooper.

Confirmed:

• The Fairgrounds Speedway renovation project would cost around $100 million
• O'Connell said last year that he was “committed to making sure we have a successful conversation about the speedway.”
• Former Mayor Cooper tried to engineer a Nascar return but failed

Context:

Nascar currently races at Nashville Superspeedway, although that track is actually located in Lebanon, Tennessee, rather than Nashville itself. Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway was the last venue to host a Nascar race in 1984 and is the second oldest continuously operating racetrack in the United States.

Track operator Speedway Motorsports is pushing for a return, but there are local opponents who would rather convert the venue into affordable housing.

Comment:

“The mayor's office continues to discuss with multiple stakeholders how to improve the remaining facilities at the fairgrounds,” O'Connell spokesman Alex Apple told the Nashville Banner. “This contains [District 17 Metro Council member Terry Vo]Neighbors and other interested parties.”

Speedway Motorsports representative Joe Hall added, “We have had several discussions with the O'Connell administration.”

Next comes:

Nascar's ninth race of the season takes place this weekend on April 14th at Texas Motor Speedway.

Go deeper:

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