Former NASCAR Champion Matt Kenseth Joins SRX Series

Concept art of Matt Kenseth’s SRX car for the upcoming season. Courtesy of SRX Series

Former NASCAR champion and two-time Daytona 500 winner Matt Kenseth is the latest racing star to join the upcoming Superstar Racing Experience Series (SRX) season.

Kenseth’s NASCAR career crossed four decades and saw most of his success with the No. 17 Ford mustang for Roush Racing and Roush-Fenway Racing. He began his career in NASCAR in 1998 but didn’t complete his first full rookie season until 2000 where he was named the Cup Series’ Rookie of the Year and went on to win the Winston Cup championship in 2003.

After 22 seasons, Kenseth finished his decorated career, winning 39 races and finishing in the Top 10 331 times. For the SRX Series, he will race at the Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway on July 9, Missouri’s Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 on July 16, and Ohio’s Sharon Speedway on July 23.

Also rejoining this season is SRX co-founder and the series 2021 champion Tony Stewart who will race in all six races. He will be joined with drivers Tony Kanaan, Willy T. Ribbs, Paul Tracy, Helio Castroneves, Bobby Labonte, Bill Elliott, Ernie Francis Jr., Michael Waltrip, Marco Andretti, and Hailee Deegan. Nashville native and two-time IndyCar champ Josef Newgarden will also be joining the lineup this season.

Tickets for the SRX Race at the Fairgrounds Speedway are on sale and can be bought through the SRX website.

Nashville Superspeedway Announces Partnership With Zehnder

Nashville Superspeedway is partnering with Zehnder Communications to serve as agency of record for the 2022 Superspeedway campaign. The partnership will serve to help meet the growing market demand for NASCAR across Middle Tennessee and beyond.

Zehnder will support Nashville Superspeedway with media placement, brand awareness, content creation, and will consult on public relations matters.

“We’re thrilled to partner with the Nashville Superspeedway as they embark upon another exciting year,” says Henry Chassaignac, president of Zehnder Communications. “In Nashville, we’ve proven time and again that we’re a world-class, sports entertainment hub and Zehnder looks forward to supporting the Superspeedway as it makes a big impact on NASCAR, its fans and beyond.”

The Nashville and Louisiana based company has served the southeast region for over 25 years. Zehnder specializes in a variety of services, including strategic marketing, business intelligence, creative services, media placement and more.

“We look forward to hosting NASCAR fans from across the country this summer and working with Zehnder to ensure fans and experience seekers alike understand what to expect when they visit Nashville this June,” adds Erik Moses, Nashville Superspeedway’s president. “Middle Tennessee has embraced NASCAR’s return in a big way and we plan to reward that loyalty with an even greater fan experience this year and to further engage with communities throughout the region so that everyone knows that Nashville Superspeedway is welcoming to all.”

The Nashville Superspeedway looks to build upon its 2021 race weekend success that saw more than 75,000 fans across three days, including the sold-out inaugural Ally 400 NASCAR Cup Series race.

Tickets for the June 24-26 NASCAR weekend are on sale now.

Speedway Motorsports Names Matt Greci VP, Events & Operations At Nashville Superspeedway

Matt Greci. Photo: Courtesy of Speedway Motorsports

Speedway Motorsports has named veteran executive Matt Greci as Vice President of Events and Operations at Nashville Superspeedway.

Greci spent nearly 16 years at Charlotte Motor Speedway (also owned by Speedway Motorsports) where he began his career as a sales department intern. He later joined the speedway full-time as the Track Rental and Suite Coordinator for Corporate Sales. Greci moved to the events department in 2008, steadily working his way from Events Manager to Vice President of Events, a role in which he served since 2020.

A native of Granby, Connecticut, he earned recognition as CMS Employee of the Year (2013) and received the prestigious Speedway Motorsports O. Bruton Smith Award (2018) while managing event production at zMAX Dragway, The Dirt Track and the legendary superspeedway.

“Matt has an extensive history of producing exceptional, fan-focused events and building lasting relationships with industry partners,” says Speedway Motorsports President and CEO Marcus Smith. “As Nashville Superspeedway continues its return to NASCAR racing, Matt will be a tremendous ambassador. He’ll be an asset to Erik [Moses] and the entire Nashville team as we grow the facility as an entertainment destination.”

In his new position, Greci will oversee the day-to-day operational needs of the 1.33-mile facility, manage event logistics for the June 24-26 Ally 400 NASCAR Cup Series weekend and work with NSS President Erik Moses and staff to recruit and produce new events throughout the year.

Speedway Motorsports acquired Nashville Superspeedway when the Charlotte, based company purchased Dover Motorsports in December of 2021.

Preview: Nashville To Represent At The Daytona 500

Pictured: Daniel Suarez’s No. 99, Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, Trackhouse Racing, Chevrolet Camaro. Photo: Courtesy of Trackhouse Racing

This Sunday, Feb. 20, marks the beginning of another NASCAR season with the running of the Daytona 500, the Super Bowl of NASCAR.

Though Daytona International Speedway is nearly 10 hours away, there are plenty of Nashville connections to watch for this weekend.

The Nashville-based Trackhouse Racing, founded and co-owned by Justin Marks, will be entering its second full season in the NASCAR Cup Series. Driver and Mexico native Daniel Suarez will be driving in the No. 99 Next Gen Chevrolet Camaro sporting the Tootsie’s World-Famous Orchid Lounge purple and logo.

“We will spend the week at Tootsie’s in Nashville and hope we make it to Fontana for the next race!” Suarez shares.

Trackhouse had a huge year in 2021, launching the team co-owned with Latin American pop star Pit Bull. They also made headlines by purchasing the NASCAR operations of Chip Ganassi Racing and, along with it, two charters for the No. 1 and the No. 42 teams. On Aug. 3, Trackhouse announced that Ross Chastain would drive the team’s new second entry using Ganassi’s No. 1 starting in 2022.

Pictured: Jade Buford’s No. 48 Big Machine Spiked Coolers Chevrolet Camaro. Photo: Courtesy of Big Machine Racing

Along with Trackhouse, the Nashville-based Big Machine Racing (BMR) team will also be back after its inaugural season in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. In 2021, the team, which is owned and founded by Big Machine Label Group Founder and CEO Scott Borchetta debuted with driver and Nashville native Jade Buford.

Buford stepped into a NASCAR Xfinity car for the first time ever last season and competed at a high-level as a first year driver. In their rookie season, Buford and the BMR team finished in the top 20 over a dozen times and picked up a top 10 finish at Michigan International Speedway.

The Xfinfity Series will also see Hendersonville native Josh Berry return to Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s team, JR Motorsports. Last year, Berry had some amazing performances on the track winning two races, including the Cook Out 250 at Martinsville and Alsco Uniforms 250 in Las Vegas. He also picked up two second place finishes and came in fourth at the Tennessee Lottery 250 at the Nashville Superspeedway in June.

Josh Berry. Photo: Courtesy of JR Motorsports

Berry signed a new contract with JR Motorsports to drive the No. 8 Chevrolet Camaro full-time.

Buford and Berry will compete on Satruday (Feb. 19) in the Xfinity Series Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. 300 at Daytona at 4 p.m. and Trackhouse racing drivers Suarez and Chastain will race in the Daytona 500 on Sunday at 1:30 p.m.

Tickets For Nashville Superspeedway’s NASCAR Tripleheader On Sale Feb. 15

Photo: Courtesy of the Nashville Superspeedway

With the start of the 2022 NASCAR season just days away, the Nashville Superspeedway has announced tickets for its June tripleheader will go on sale Tuesday, Feb. 15.

Starting next week, fans can begin purchasing seats for all three races, which includes the Rackley Roofing 200 Camping World Truck Series race Truck Series race (Friday, June 24), Tennessee Lottery 250 Xfinity Series race (Saturday, June 25), and the Ally 400 Cup Series race (Sunday, June 26).

“The 2022 NASCAR season is already shaping up to be very special, and we know racing fans are excited about returning to Music City this summer,” says Erik Moses, Nashville Superspeedway’s president. “Last year our fans made certain that Nashville Superspeedway hosted NASCAR’s first post-pandemic, full capacity sell out on Father’s Day and we can’t wait to build upon that success here in Middle Tennessee this June.”

After an extremely successful, sold out weekend in 2021, fans will once again have the opportunity to enjoy a full list of amenities and experiences, including on-site RV camping, pit road access, an expanded fan zone and live music throughout the weekend. Those attending the Cup race on Sunday will be treated to a pre-race concert, and Friday patrons will enjoy a post-race firework show.

Tickets for the June 24-26 NASCAR weekend start at just $35. Kids 12 and under get in FREE for Friday and Saturday races and for just $10 (all with a paying adult) for the Ally 400 NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday, June 26.

For Nashville Superspeedway ticket information, visit nashvillesuperspeedway.com. More details will be released later this year.

SRX Returning To Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway In July

Photo: Courtesy of the Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway

The Superstar Racing Series (SRX) is returning to the Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway on July 9 after selling out the legendary short-track in 2021.

The series finished its inaugural season in Nashville and saw 2020 NASCAR champion Chase Elliot win, while SRX co-founder and former NASCAR champion Tony Stewart was crowned champion of the entire series.

“Last year was better than we ever could have imagined with a sold-out venue and tremendous energy, so we are extremely pleased to be hosting another year of SRX. Racing is in Nashville’s DNA, so it’s great to have SRX as part of our lineup of major live events this year,” says Butch Spyridon, CEO of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp.

SRX was founded in 2021 by Stewart and former NASCAR pit crew chief Ray Evernham. Its goal was to race at some of the country’s most legendary short tracks while getting some of the greatest drivers ever to participate. including Bobby Labonte, Bill Elliott, Helio Castroneves, Marco Andretti, Paul Tracy, Hailie Deegan, Ernie Francis, Jr., Willie T Ribbs, Tony Kanaan, and Michael Waltrip.

“The city brought a fantastic energy to the racetrack last year, and we couldn’t be more excited to return this coming July,” adds Reid Mobley, Chief Revenue Officer, SRX Superstar Racing Experience. “Their support and partnership are unmatched. and we are look forward to having them on board for another successful season of SRX Racing.”

SRX and CBS Sports have announced the 2022 schedule returning to primetime Saturdays this summer starting June 18 at Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, Florida. Races will air on six consecutive Saturday nights at 7 p.m. CT on CBS and Paramount+ throughout the summer of 2022. Other races include South Boston Speedway on June 25; Stafford Motor Speedway on July 2; I-55 Speedway on July 16; and Sharon Speedway on July 23.

The racing lineup will be announced later this year. Tickets for the SRX event in Nashville will be available on Tuesday, March 1.

Nashville’s 102.5 The Game To Air 25 NASCAR Races During The 2022 Season

Cromwell Media’s 102.5 The Game has partnered with the Motor Racing Network (MRN) and the Performance Racing Network (PRN) to air at least 25 NASCAR Cup Series Races on ESPN 102.5 the Game and ESPN 94.9 in the 2022 season.

“NASCAR’s history in Nashville runs deep as evidenced by the terrific response to the sport’s return last June,” says Chris Schwartz, president of MRN. “All of us with the Motor Racing Network are thrilled to partner with Nashville’s Best Sports Talk–102.5 The Game to deliver the excitement of NASCAR Racing to Middle Tennessee!”

The season will kick off at the inaugural Busch Clash at the LA Coliseum on Feb. 6. Season highlights include the Daytona 500 on Feb. 20 and the 2nd Annual Ally 400 at the Nashville Super Speedway on June 26.

“NASCAR has a long history in Nashville, and with a resurgence of live racing events in the community, PRN is thrilled to have a home on 102.5 The Game,” says Doug Rice, PRN president. “We look forward to bringing our live race broadcasts from tracks around the country directly to the greater Nashville area.”

ESPN 102.5 the Game’s Program Director, Chase McCabe, has already set the foundation for the stations NASACR coverage with his weekly show Chasing Checkers which features drivers and other voices of NASCAR. McCabe’s show was at the forefront of the city’s NASCAR content during the lead up to the Ally 400 at the Nashville Superspeedway.

“I am excited to have NASCAR racing on our radio stations!” says McCabe. “As someone who has covered the sport for several years, it’s a thrill to enhance our coverage even more by airing the races.”

Matt DiBenedetto Signs With Nashville-Based Truck Series Team Rackley W.A.R.

Matt DiBenedetto. Photo: Courtesy of Rackley W.A.R

Stock car driver Matt DiBenedetto will be driving full time for the Nashville-based NASCAR Truck Series team Rackley W.A.R. in the upcoming 2022 season.

DiBenedetto spent the last seven seasons racing in the NASCAR Cup Series, driving in Wood Brothers Racing in the 2020 and 2021 seasons.

“We are honored to have Matt DiBenedetto join Rackley W.A.R. full-time for the 2022 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season driving the number 25 Chevrolet,” shares Rackley W.A.R. team co-owner Curtis Sutton. “We feel that by teaming Matt up with experienced  crew chief Chad Kendrick, we will be competing for multiple wins and be competitive at all race tracks. I truly believe that the NASCAR Truck Series is the most exciting, and I am looking forward to getting the season started.”

DiBenedetto has been racing in NASCAR for over 15 years and has proved his versatility driving in both the cup and Xfinifty Series. He raced 248 races in the cup series and 69 in the Xfinity series.

“I can honestly say that, at this time in my career, I am truly excited,” adds DiBenedetto. “I feel like I’m going back to my roots in a lot of ways. I love the feeling you immediately get when you talk to Curtis, Willie [Allen], Chad; all the guys around this organization. They are all hard-core racers and everyone is extremely dedicated.  This opportunity is a blessing to me and I’m really excited to do my part in taking this team to the next level.”

Rackley W.A.R. was founded in 2020 by Sutton and Allen, who drove for the team in the 2021 season. Allen, a Tennessee native, spent five years in the Xfinity series and seven in the truck series.

“We have a lot of great folks around this race shop and in a lot of other places,” says Allen. “This will be our second year having an alliance with GMS Racing and we’re really appreciative of all they do for us. We will continue our manufacturer alliance with GM and Chevrolet, and we’re super-thankful for the resources they make available to us. This series is for sure the most competitive out there right now, and we are really fortunate to have excellent partners. We anticipate a big year as we look forward to our first win.”

Rackley W.A.R. was the title sponsor for the 2020 NASCAR Rackley Roofing 200 Truck Series Race at the Nashville Superspeedway.