Parker McCollum to Headline Ally 400 Pre-Race Concert At Nashville Superspeedway

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Parker McCollum. Photo: Courtesy of the Nashville Superspeedway

Award-winning country music artist Parker McCollum will be this years’ official pre-race performer at the Nashville Superspeedway ahead of the Ally 400 on Sunday, June 25.

McCollum will perform at approximately 5 p.m. from the pre-race concert stage located on pit road. Fans attending the race have the opportunity to enhance their experience by purchasing a Pre-Race Track Pass for $75 (plus tax) that provides stage-front access for the concert and driver introductions, views down pit road, and the opportunity to view the race from within the infield. The Pre-Race Track Pass must be accompanied by a race day ticket.

“It’s really an honor to play the Ally 400 at Nashville Superspeedway,” says McCollum. “I’ve always been a big fan of NASCAR and am excited to bring my show to the track in June. See y’all there.”

McCollum is expected to sing many of his popular songs including his No. 1 Platinum-selling hits “Pretty Heart” and “To Be Loved By You” from his critically-acclaimed debut album Gold Chain Cowboy.

“We are thrilled to showcase Parker McCollum, one of country music’s fastest rising superstars, at Nashville Superspeedway prior to the green flag for the Ally 400,” says Matt Greci, Senior Vice President & General Manager of Nashville Superspeedway. “As the home for NASCAR Cup Series racing here in Music City, we always want to make sure we provide an amazing music performance before America’s best drivers hit the track for the Ally 400.”

The Texas native has been recognized as an “Artist to Watch” by Rolling Stone, Billboard, CMT and more. McCollum got his start in Austin, Texas and has been selling out venues across the country since hitting the road in 2013. His music incorporates genres as diverse as blues, roots rock, soul and folk rock to generate his custom sound. MusicRow listed McCollum as its 2021 Breakout Artist of the Year, and in 2022 he was named the ACM New Male Artist of the Year in Las Vegas, Nevada. McCollum’s next album, Never Enough, is set for release on May 12 and features the chart-climbing lead single “Handle on You,” plus recent releases “Stoned,” “I Ain’t Going Nowhere” and “Speed.”

Nashville Superspeedway’s 2023 Race Schedule (all times CT):

  • Sunday, June 25, 6 p.m.: Ally 400 NASCAR Cup Series race (NBC, PRN, Sirius NASCAR Radio)
  • Saturday, June 24, 2:30 p.m.: Tennessee Lottery 250 NASCAR Xfinity Series race (USA, PRN, Sirius NASCAR Radio)
  • Friday, June 23, 7 p.m.: Rackley Roofing 200 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race (FS1, PRN, Sirius NASCAR Radio)

Nashville Fair Board Approves Deal With Bristol Motor Speedway To Renovate Historic Track

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Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway Renderings

The effort to bring NASCAR back to downtown Music City just won a huge victory as the Nashville Fair Board passed the deal letting Bristol Motor Sports renovate the Fairgrounds Speedway.

The Fair Board approved the deal on a 3-2 vote on Tuesday night (March 14), and will now wait for Metro Sports Authority and Metro Council to vote on it.

“We are thankful to the Nashville Fair Board for supporting the vision to restore the historic Fairgrounds Speedway,” says Jerry Caldwell, President & General Manager of Bristol Motor Speedway. “They invested a lot of time vetting this opportunity, and we agree it provides a financially responsible future for the speedway while shifting the risk off taxpayers to a private operator, and completes the restoration of the Fairgrounds with improvements like a state-of-the-art sound-reduction wall that benefits the surrounding neighborhoods.

“We look forward to working with the Metro Council in the weeks ahead and believe that they also will agree that this is a smart plan for the future of the Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway.”

In November of 2022, Mayor John Cooper and Bristol Motor Speedway reached an agreement which would hand over the track to Bristol who would renovate and run it. The goal was, and still is, to bring NASCAR Cup Series back to the heart of Nashville.

Carl R. Moore & Mike Fisher Named 2023 Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Inductees

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Top: Mike Fisher. Photo: Courtesy of the Nashville Predators. Bottom: Carl R. Moore. Photo: Courtesy of Bristol Motorspeedway

The Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame have announced that former Nashville Predators Captain, Mike Fisher, and the late Bristol Motor Speedway co-founder, Carl R. Moore, will be inducted into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2023.

Fisher was told of the honor Tuesday night as he appeared as a guest on the Predators Intermission Report during the team’s matchup with Vancouver.

“Since Mike’s arrival in the Volunteer State, he was worked to make the state better in every way. From his on-ice contributions to his philanthropic work across the region, Mike Fisher has made an indelible mark on the state of Tennessee,” says Brad Willis, Executive Director of the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame. “Mike was part of a Predators team that captivated the state, and we are excited to honor his career with induction into the Class of 2023.”

A veteran of 17 NHL seasons and more than 1,000 games, Fisher was drafted by Ottawa in the 1998 NHL Draft, debuting for the Senators during the 1999-2000 season. Fisher helped lead the Senators to the Stanley Cup Final in 2007. In 2011, Fisher was traded to Nashville, where he would finish his career with the Predators. In 2016, Fisher became the 300th NHL player in history to play in 1,000 career games, and in September of 2016 he was named the sixth team Captain in Predators history. He went on to lead that Predators team to the Stanley Cup Final. Fisher retired following the season, but returned to the club in January 2018 as part of a team that captured the Predators’ first President’s Trophy. Fisher made his retirement final in May 2018.

Fisher, along with his wife Carrie Underwood, work with several charitable organizations and uses his platform to help spread the word on initiatives like Roger’s House in Ontario, Room In The Inn, Rocketown, I Am Second, and Danita’s Children. Fisher is an avid outdoorsman and hosts an annual Celebrity Clay Shoot to benefit Middle Tennessee nonprofit organizations.

The late Carl R. Moore was one of Bristol Motor Speedway’s founding fathers and a prominent Tennessee state legislator. Moore, along with co-founders Larry Carrier and R. G. Pope, worked tirelessly to establish Bristol Motor Speedway and Bristol Dragway as they opened in 1961 and 1965, respectively

“Auto racing has such a great history in the state of Tennessee, and when you think of some of the founding fathers of auto racing in the state, you have to include Carl R. Moore,” says Willis. “His vision helped create Bristol Motor Speedway and Bristol Dragway, venues synonymous with their sport. We’re thrilled to honor his career and his life as part of our 2023 celebration.”

Moore also founded the International Hot Rod Association in 1970. Moore served in the Tennessee House of Representatives and later as the majority leader of the state Senate. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and served on the East Tennessee State University Board of Advisors. Moore passed away on September 30, 2021, at the age of 91.

Moore and Fisher join MTSU baseball legend Stephen Smith and Lady Vol Track Star and Olympic Gold Medalist Tianna Madison as inductees in the 2023 Class. The full 2023 Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Induction Class will be released over the coming weeks.

The 2023 Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony, presented by the Tennessee Titans, will be held Saturday, July 22 at the Omni Nashville Downtown. Ticket information will be announced at a later date.

Big Machine Music City Grand Prix 2023 To Include Saturday Night Race & Early Sunday Start

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Photo: Courtesy of the Music City Grand Prix

The Big Machine Music City Grand Prix is adding a few elements to its third annual race, including a Saturday night race under the lights of downtown Nashville and an earlier start time on Sunday for the NTT IndyCar Series weekend Aug. 4-6, 2023.

The Saturday night race will showcase the new SRO GR Cup and the returning SRO GT America Series, featuring super car manufacturers Lamborghini, Ferrari, Aston Martin, Porsche and more.

After a late afternoon start time the first two years, race executives and IndyCar worked together with NBC to move the green flag for the NTT IndyCar Series Sunday race start time to 11:30 a.m. CT so fans will enjoy cooler temperatures and a full day of thrilling race action.

“We are thrilled to bring back one of Nashville’s premier sporting events this summer,” says Jason Rittenberry,  President & COO, Big Machine Music City Grand Prix. “We listened to our fans and have made some exciting changes that will enhance the overall festival experience. This will be our best race yet.”

Three-Day Ticket Packages, Clubs and Suites are now available for the third annual Big Machine Music City Grand Prix.  Fans can choose their optimal grandstand seat to watch as the drivers compete in the 80-lap, 2.1-mile, 11-turn course which goes around Nissan Stadium, over the Cumberland River and curves around downtown Nashville.  The event will feature live music each day and culminate with a headline concert Friday and Saturday night.

Due to popular demand, the NetJets Club RPM presented by Flatrock Motorclub tickets, will accommodate more guests in 2023.  Located on Turn three, it has dynamic views, air conditioning and all-day premium food and beverages. Club RPM has sold out quickly in the past.  A limited number of tickets are available now during the initial ticket on-sale.  In addition, the event has added Turn Nine Club, a new experience with views of the most action-packed corner and its own private grandstand, an air-conditioned tent area with all-inclusive food and beverages featuring Edley’s Bar-B-Que and Pancho and Lefty’s Cantina.

Big Machine Music City Grand Prix 2023 Tickets Options:

Club Packages:

  • Three-day Club RPM – $2,850 all-inclusive (includes paddock pass, concert access, food and premium open bar)
  • Three-day East Club – $1,449 all-inclusive (includes paddock pass, concert access, food, beer and wine)
  • Three-day Turn Nine Club – $849 all-inclusive (includes paddock pass, concert access, food, beer and wine)

Grandstand and General Admission:

  • Three-day Grandstand – $219
  • Three-day Premium Grandstand – $229 (with chairbacks)
  • Three-day General Admission – $139

Speedway Children’s Charities, Nashville Superspeedway Chapter, Makes First Donation To Tennessee Charity Group

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Pictured (L-R): Nashville SC Senior Vice President & General Manager Matt Greci, Daniel and Lacy Tolar. Photo: Courtesy of Nashville Superspeedway

The Speedway Children’s Charities, Nashville Superspeedway chapter has donated $12,000 to a Tennessee group focused on combating human trafficking.

The focus of the Speedway Children’s Charities, Nashville Superspeedway is raising funds for Middle Tennessee and regional nonprofit organizations with a concentration on assisting Volunteer State children.

“We are pleased to support Daniel and Lacy Tolar from Rescue 1 Global with our first of many grant distributions from Speedway Children’s Charities in the Nashville market,” says Matt Greci, Nashville Superspeedway’s Senior Vice President & General Manager. “It’s exciting for us to launch our Nashville Superspeedway chapter and we look forward to positively impacting the community for many years to come.”

Rescue 1 Global, a Brentwood-based group founded by Daniel and Lacy Tolar that combats human trafficking and links children and other trafficking victims with healing strategies and safe homes, received a $12,000 donation on behalf of Speedway Children’s Charities, Nashville Superspeedway chapter.

“Rescue 1 loves Nashville Superspeedway,” shares Daniel and Lacy Tolar. “We are grateful and excited about our partnership and relationship with NSS and Speedway Children’s Charities. Together, we serve the most vulnerable in our communities to strengthen their resolve to pursue their future goals – their checkered flag – regardless of hardships and hazards in the way.”

Nashville Superspeedway’s ownership group, Speedway Motorsports, established the first Speedway Children’s Charities (SCC) chapter in 1982. Since then, SCC chapters across the United States have raised more than $65 million in grants for organizations that assist children.

For more information on the Speedway Children’s Charities, Nashville Superspeedway chapter, or to donate, contact kmyers@nashvillesuperspeedway.com.

Daniel Suárez Signs Contract Extension With Nashville-Based Trackhouse Racing

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Daniel Suárez. Photo: Courtesy of Trackhouse Racing

Trackhouse Racing driver Daniel Suárez has signed a multi-year extension that will keep the 31-year-old Monterrey, Mexico native behind the wheel at the Justin Marks-owned team.

“Obviously, everyone at Trackhouse Racing is pleased with the performance and professionalism of Daniel both on and off the track,” says Marks. “Culture has been of prime importance since the idea of Trackhouse existed only on a whiteboard in an office. Daniel has fulfilled every expectation and we look forward to the future. The best is yet to come.”

Terms of the agreement will remain private.

Suarez, along with teammate Ross Chastain will begin their third year with Trackhouse at the NASCAR season kick-off on Sunday in the 65th running of the Daytona 500.

“Trackhouse is my home and I am very happy with this announcement,” says Suárez. “We are building something special on the No. 99 team and at Trackhouse Racing. We can’t wait to get the season started Sunday.”

Trackhouse Racing competed as a single car team with Suárez in 2021 with its cars housed at Richard Childress Racing in Welcome, North Carolina. In June of 2021, Trackhouse announced the acquisition of Chip Ganassi Racing’s NASCAR assets, a move that secured two full-time NASCAR Cup Series entries and cleared the path for expansion.

Trackhouse moved into its race shop in Concord, North Carolina and fielded the No. 99 for Suárez and the No. 1 Chevrolet with Chastain in 2022.

Suárez and Chastain combined for three wins, 21-top five and 34 top-10 finishes last year in Trackhouse’s first season as a multi-car team. Chastain’s second and Suárez’s 10th-place finish in the season standings were each career bests.

Suárez became the first Mexican driver to win a Cup race when he dominated the track at Sonoma (Calif.) Raceway in June. He is the only Spanish-speaking driver in the NASCAR Cup Series.

Big Machine Vodka Spiked Coolers Named Title Sponsor For Trans Am Series In 2023

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TA2 Big Machine Spiked Coolers Car. Photo: Courtesy of Big Machine Racing

Big Machine Vodka Spiked Coolers will be the sponsor for the Trans Am 2 Class Series in 2023. The growing class, which saw record fields of more than 50 cars in 2022, will be known as the Big Machine Vodka Spiked Coolers TA2 Series for this season’s 12 events. Big Machine Vodka Spiked Coolers, “The Official Ready-to-Drink Cocktail of Trans Am and SVRA,” joins Big Machine Vodka’s continued brand partnership as “The Official Vodka of Trans Am and SVRA.”

“The Big Machine Vodka Spiked Coolers brand and products are growing at an accelerated rate, much like the Trans Am Series and TA2,” says TA2 Owner & Driver Scott Borchetta. “It’s the perfect match for our continued growth in the ready-to-drink category, and we’re equally excited (and bullish) about the future of both Big Machine Vodka Spiked Coolers and the TA2 Series.”

Borchetta, the reigning TA2 Masters Champion and owner of Scott Borchetta Racing, drives the No. 48 Big Machine Vodka Spiked Coolers Ford Mustang and finished seventh in the overall TA2 standings last year.

“We are so happy to welcome Big Machine Vodka Spiked Coolers as the entitlement sponsor of TA2,” says Trans Am President John Clagett. “We’ve had a long relationship with Scott Borchetta and the distillery, which sponsored our TA2 CBS broadcasts in 2022, in addition to Scott’s No. 48 Ford Mustang. Scott is dedicated to our series as an owner, driver and a partner, which is evidenced by his passion and performance behind the wheel and his investment in Trans Am and the Big Machine Vodka Spiked Coolers TA2 Series.”

The Big Machine Vodka Spiked Coolers TA2 Series takes the green flag for the first time in 2023 on Saturday, Feb. 25 at Sebring International Raceway, where NASCAR legend Richard Petty will serve as Grand Marshal.

Big Machine Vodka also sponsors Trans Am’s Big Machine Vodka Spiked Coolers Challenge, which will run on Aug. 5 this year on the Nashville street course as part of the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix.

Jade Buford To Drive Second Car For Big Machine Racing At Daytona Season Opener

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Jade Buford will drive a second car for Big Machine Racing (BMR) in Daytona for the Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. 300 on Saturday, Feb. 18 at 4 p.m. CT.

Buford, who started his NASCAR career with Big Machine Racing in 2021 and ran select races in 2022, will drive the No. 5 Big Machine Vodka Double Spiked Coolers Chevrolet. This will mark the first time Big Machine Racing has fielded two cars as the team continues to grow and push the competitive bounds within the sport.

“Big Machine Racing is so proud to announce a second entry for Jade Buford at Daytona.  He had an incredible Top 5 run going last year before being caught up in a wild last lap incident,” says Big Machine Racing Owner Scott Borchetta. “This year, to double the excitement and our winning opportunity, we’re doubling up with our Big Machine Double Spiked Coolers No. 5 Chevrolet Camaro… and I’m visualizing a Big Machine Racing 1-2 finish.”

In October of 2022, BMR announced that Parker Kligerman will be the team’s full-time driver in 2023, driving the No. 48 Big Machine Spiked Coolers car. Kligerman made one start for the team in 2022, competing in the Sparks 300 at Talladega Superspeedway. He started 9th and ended the day with a 6th place finish.

“I’m thrilled to be returning to the Xfinity series at Daytona with Big Machine Racing driving the No. 5 Big Machine Vodka Double Spiked Coolers Chevrolet. I’m honored to be debuting the second car for the team and looking forward to working with Parker as a teammate. This will be my first time having a teammate to work with so I’m very excited to see what we can do to make sure one of our BMR Chevrolets crosses the finish line first at the end of 300 miles on the high banks of Daytona,” says Buford.