Music City Grand Prix To Make Track Adjustments, Fan Enhancements Ahead Of August Race

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Photo: Courtesy of Music City Grand Prix

After an extremely successful inaugural race in 2021, the Music City Grand Prix has announced some adjustments to the track for August’s Big Machine Music City Grand Prix.

There will be a new restart zone along with several other track modifications.

During last year’s inaugural Grand Prix, the restarts occurred at the finish line in front of Nissan Stadium but now will move to the long straightaway as the field exits the Korean Veterans Bridge and toward Turn 9. It will be the same zone that was used for the start of each race last season and should provide cleaner restarts and more immediate passing opportunities.

This restart change will affect the IndyCar Series race, Indy Lights race, GT America race, Trans Am race and Stadium SUPER Trucks race.

Other modifications or changes to the 2.17-mile, 11-turn temporary street circuit include:
  • Turn 11 apex being opened approximately six feet to not only increase the track width but provide better vision for drivers
  • Transition areas at both ends of the KVB Bridge being smoothed as much as possible to reduce the potential of the cars bottoming coming on and off the bridge
  • Resurfacing at the Turn 5 apex to minimize the bump
  • Track width into Turn 9 being reduced to 50 feet to accommodate additional suites in a primary viewing area
  • Additional gates being added to maximize track crossings at several locations

Fans will be getting some adjustments this year, too. The Fan Zone will see the relocation of the secondary music stage moving to the footprint closer to the river, heightened bar/gathering experiences, more food trucks, and more sponsor activation areas.

There will be a new option for fans to enjoy the race right on the Cumberland River with the General Jackson Riverboat Experience. It will be the featured water entertainment on Sunday, Aug. 7, in anticipation of the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix at 2 p.m. CT.

There will also be a showcase by the Pro Watercross series on Friday, Aug. 5, and Saturday, Aug. 6 of race weekend. The jet ski riders will reach speeds of more than 85 miles per hour competing against each other on a three-quarter mile, closed-course layout on the Cumberland River. Friday’s action will feature slalom competition with the riders racing on adjacent courses.

Fan Zone viewing is free with event admission and the downtown location will be free admission.

Steven Boero
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