The NTT IndyCar Series has announced it will head to a new venue in 2021, with the introduction of a 2.17-mile street course in the city of Nashville, Tennessee.
The inaugural race will take place August 6-8, and is part of a three-year agreement with the series.
The rest of the 2021 IndyCar schedule has yet to be finalised, but the addition of Nashville could up the number of street races to five per year if other cities’ circuits remain on the calendar.
President and CEO of Penske Entertainment said, “The Music City Grand Prix will be a one-of-a-kind NTT IndyCar series experience anchored in the heart of Nashville’s action-packed, exhilarating downtown corridor.
“Nashville is a world-class city and global entertainment capital that provides an exceptional platform for our series.
“Urban street festivals have become a huge part of our DNA at IndyCar and this three-day festival—complete with a course that pushes the limits—will highlight everything Nashville and the sport have to offer, providing international travelers, racing enthusiasts and local thrill seekers alike with an experience of a lifetime.”
The layout of the new street course will take the field just outside Nissan Stadium, which is home to NFL’s Tennessee Titans. Over 1,650 feet of the course will be on bridges as the track crosses over Cumberland River.
Once current COVID-19 restrictions are eased, the promoters are expecting over 100,000 fans to be able to attend by way of temporary grandstands and on-track suites.
The event will bring together the well-known features of the Nashville, combining live music, good food, and racing in one event.
IndyCar is no stranger to the Music City having raced at Nashville SuperSpeedway located by the nearby town of Gladeville from 2001-2008.
Current championship leader Scott Dixon claimed victory on the 1.33-mile oval on the series’ final three visits, the last of which was on the way to securing his second title.
The introduction of a new circuit marks the first new venue under Roger Penske’s tenure as the owner of IndyCar, having purchased the series back in January.
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