Gibson Guitars, Nashville Superspeedway Partner For Nascar’s Triple-Header Weekend

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Gibson Guitars is partnering with the Nashville Superspeedway ahead of its Nascar triple header race weekend on June 18-20. The world-renowned guitar manufacturer will be part of a unique Victory Lane as the winner of the Ally 400 Cup Series race will be presented with a special Gibson guitar.

This is not new to the speedway, and was the standing from 2001-11 for the winning driver to receive a Sam Bass-designed Gibson guitar. Bass, who passed away in 2019, was an artist who helped design many Nascar stock cars and trophies throughout the sport for several decades and was very involved in the Nascar community.

“Without question it’s important to maintain the tradition of a Music City-made Gibson guitar for our race winners,” says Erik Moses, Nashville Superspeedway’s president. “While everyone misses Sam and we could never recreate what he offered to our track champions, we are thrilled to rekindle our partnership with Gibson and to award their timeless guitars to our race winners.”

The sold out Ally 400 Nascar Cup Series race on June 20 is the first Cup Series race in Nashville in 37 years, and is set to start at 2:30 p.m. CST on NBCSN. The schedule also includes the Tennessee Lottery 250 Nascar Xfinity Series race on Saturday, June 19 at 2:30 p.m. CST on NBCSN and the Rackley Roofing 200 Nascar Camping World Truck Series race on Friday, June 18 at 7 p.m. CST on FS1.

Kyle Petty To Debut New Show With Dale Earnhardt Jr., Darius Rucker, More

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Former Nascar driver Kyle Petty has a new show airing in July on Circle Network called Dinner Drive with Kyle Petty which features singers and drivers like Dale Earnhardt Jr., Darius Rucker, Pitbull and more.

In the series, each guest will showcase a vehicle that has a special meaning to them. Whether it’s their very first car, an antique car, their dream car, a boat, or motorcycle, Petty finds out the sentimental stories behind them before they take a spin to each guest’s favorite local eatery to enjoy good food and even better conversation.

“Dinner Drive will feature an inside look at the lives and cars of some of the biggest names in sports, music, and entertainment, including sentimental stories of their upbringing, professional careers, and personal lives,” says Petty. “I’m excited for viewers to pull up a chair and join us at the table as we have candid conversations about life with each guest.”

Darius Rucker and Kyle Petty. Photo: Courtesy of Circle Network

The first episode will air on July 8 and will travel to Mooresville, North Carolina to visit with former Nascar Cup Series driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. at the JR Motorsports race shop.

“From Marty Robbins to Blake Shelton, professional racing and country music has had an amazing relationship,” says Evan Haiman, Circle Network’s SVP of Content. “Circle is honored to have famed driver and broadcaster Kyle Petty come on board to create and produce an original series for the network.”

Other guests include Davis Love III, Mario Andretti, Ric Flair, and Herschel Walker. Fans can learn more about the series and Circle Network here.

Big Machine Vodka Spiked Coolers Partners With SRX For 2021 Season

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Big Machine Vodka Spiked Coolers had been named an official series partner for this summer’s inaugural season of the Camping World SRX Series.

The series kicks off on June 12 at Stafford Motor Speedway in Connecticut. The six short-track races will be aired on CBS on Saturday nights and will showcase a star-studded roster of drivers, including four-time Indy 500 winner Helio Castroneves, Tony Stewart, Bill Elliott, Tony Kanaan and more from an array of motorsports backgrounds.

“All of us got into racing because it was fun, and fun is the driving force behind the Camping World SRX Series,” says Ray Evernham, co-founder of the Camping World SRX Series. “We want to make sure our fans have a good time and enjoy the moment, and our friends at Big Machine Vodka Spiked Coolers are helping us do just that. Kick back, sip on your vodka juice cooler and watch some of the best racers in the country battle it out for six straight weeks on the most iconic short tracks in America.”

As part of the partnership, Big Machine Vodka Spiked Coolers is also the primary sponsor on the series Pace Car. Big Machine has dove head first into the racing world as it is the title sponsor for the IndyCar Grand Prix’s in Nashville and Indianapolis.

“I’ve always wanted to bring the Big Machine car to life and Ray was the perfect gear-head to make it happen,” says Big Machine CEO Scott Borchetta. “This series is about big personalities, fast cars and entertainment. I expect the racers to race hard, put on a great show and celebrate every win with a Spiked Cooler!”

To finish the season, the Camping World SRX Series finale will take place in Nashville, right in Big Machine Distillery’s metaphorical backyard. The star-studded event will take place on July 17 at the legendary Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway.

Dixie Vodka Named Official Vodka Of Nashville Superspeedway

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Dixie Vodka has been named the Official Vodka of Nashville Superspeedway, less than two weeks before Nascar returns to the city over Father’s Day Weekend.

“After becoming the first Official Vodka of Nascar last year and the title sponsor of a Cup Series race, we’re excited to further extend our reach into racing by partnering with Nashville Superspeedway as the track’s official vodka and celebrate Nashville’s inaugural Cup Series race,” says Dixie Vodka founder Matti Anttila. “We look forward to connecting with Nascar’s incredible fanbase in the Nashville area to share Dixie Vodka as a go-to, all-American premium vodka that represents the best of Southern flavor, craftsmanship and hospitality – it’s the perfect accompaniment to any race day.”

Guests attending Nashville Superspeedway’s Nascar tripleheader weekend will have the opportunity to taste samples of Dixie Vodka’s products in the FanZone. In addition, Dixie Vodka ambassadors will visit track’s campgrounds throughout the weekend to interact with fans.

The company was founded in 2014 and is based in Charleston, South Carolina. Dixie Vodka was named the Official Vodka of Nascar in 2019 and is the official vodka of Stewart-Hass Racing.

“Dixie Vodka’s prominence in motorsports, and Southern sensibilities, are well known to Nascar fans,” says Erik Moses, Nashville Superspeedway’s President. “Those fans continue to demonstrate their support and enthusiasm for Nascar’s return to Middle Tennessee and I’m sure they will be excited to experience another familiar brand as part of our track partnership family and fun filled weekend.”

Nashville Superspeedway’s June 18-20 weekend includes the inaugural, sold-out “Ally 400” NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday, June 20 at 2:30 p.m. CST airing on NBCSN. This is the first Cup Series race in Middle Tennessee in 37 years.

Will Rodgers To Drive In The Xfinity Series Race In Nashville For Sam Hunt Racing

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Will Rodgers

Driver Will Rodgers will drive for Sam Hunt Racing’s (SHR) No. 26 Toyota Supra in the Nascar Xfinity Series starting in Nashville on Saturday, June 19. The race will also mark the first Xfinity Series race at the 1.33-mile Nashville Superspeedway since 2011. Note: Sam Hunt Racing (SHR) is not related to country artist Sam Hunt.

“I’m thrilled to be aligning with Sam Hunt Racing for our multi-race schedule in the NASCAR Xfinity Series this year,” says Rodgers. “Sam’s program has really exceeded my expectations and, with the support from Toyota, has proven to be a great place for development drivers like myself. The tracks we’ve selected should help with my personal growth and also play to my strong suits–including road course racing. Sam is a self-made, hard-working guy doing all he can to succeed in this industry. We understand each other well, and it serves as motivation to perform at our best on and off the track. I’m looking forward to seeing where this relationship takes us in the future.”

Will Rodger’s No. 26 Good Rx Toyota Supra

Rodgers, a four-time winner in ARCA Menards Series competition, including both the ARCA Menards Series East and West, is also a member of the 2018-2019 NASCAR Next class, and brings GoodRx on-board the No. 26 Supra for his 2021 debut with SHR.

Sam Hunt, the 27-year-old team owner of SHR, is looking forward to adding another young talent and partnership to the team roster this season, alongside John Hunter Nemechek, Santino Ferrucci, Brandon Gdovic, Kris Wright and Colin Garrett. The average age of drivers on the growing team is 24 years old.

“Will coming on board further exemplifies the growth that our team is experiencing,” says Hunt. “Will’s attitude and demeanor is something I’ve always been a fan of. He finds his sponsors himself and understands the grind and financial sacrifice that comes along with this sport, yet always carries a positive attitude. His positive attitude will be a large part of his success.”

Rodgers, who is NASCAR’s only active driver from Hawaii, was diagnosed with a chronic liver disease, Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC), at the age of three. Rodgers has since lived healthy with PSC and is on a lifelong mission to use his platform as a professional athlete to help in the fight to eliminate liver diseases for both himself and others around the world. As part of this effort, he has established the Will Rodgers Liver Health Foundation and a brand new philanthropic campaign to raise awareness for HCV called Race to End Hep C.

“A major element of the Race to End Hep C initiative is the at-track and in-community activation space,” Rodgers says. “It’s important to reach the communities affected by Hep C in-person to communicate the importance of education, testing, and treatment. Together, with our supporting partners, we’ll be providing a step-by-step process for any individuals wanting to learn more about Hep C and how we’re racing to end it.”

Rodgers’ additional races will be announced at a later time.

Uncle Nearest Named Partner Of Nashville Superspeedway NASCAR Weekend

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Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey Distillery in Shelbyville, TN.

Tennessee-based Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey has been named as a promotional partner of Nashville Superspeedway.

Uncle Nearest is one of the fastest-growing American whiskey brands and the most awarded American whiskey or bourbon of the last two years. Fans will be able to sample the award-winning whiskey at the Nashville Superspeedway’s Premium Plus locations during the NASCAR tripleheader over Father’s Day weekend.

“It is an honor to partner with Nashville Superspeedway on this historic weekend. We look forward to sharing the story of Uncle Nearest and raising a glass with NASCAR fans,” says Katharine Jerkens, SVP of global sales and marketing for Uncle Nearest.

Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey is inspired by the first known African American master distiller, Nearest Green. Nearest helped perfect the famed Lincoln County Process that distinguishes Tennessee whiskey from bourbon. Headquartered in Shelbyville, Tennessee, Uncle Nearest’s whiskeys have dominated spirit awards in 2019, 2020 and 2021, including winning Wine Enthusiast’s Spirit Brand of the Year, two World’s Best honors by Whisky Magazine, Double Gold honors two years in a row at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the Bourbon Trophy at the International Wine & Spirits Competition.

“Uncle Nearest’s story and whiskey are a unique link to American history and are part of the cultural fabric of Middle Tennessee,” says Erik Moses, Nashville Superspeedway’s President. “As NASCAR brings America’s best drivers back to Nashville, our fans will no doubt enjoy Uncle Nearest’s premium whiskey as part of an unforgettable Father’s Day Weekend at Nashville Superspeedway.”

On Saturday, June 19, Uncle Nearest will re-open its Shelbyville distillery to guests for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic. The distillery will also be unveiling phase two of its $50 million upgrading project, including the Master Blender House, a 20,000-square-foot Welcome Center, Single Barrel Rickhouse and Philo & Frank, the world’s first non-alcoholic speakeasy.

Big Machine Vodka Spiked Coolers Named Title Sponsor Of IndyCar Race In Indianapolis

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Big Machine Vodka Spiked Coolers has been named the title sponsor of the NTT IndyCar Series Race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) on Aug. 14.

“Big Machine’s enthusiasm for IMS, IndyCar and motorsports is incredible,” says IMS President J. Douglas Boles. “Scott Borchetta and his team have been such engaged, dynamic partners over the last decade, and this title sponsorship of the NTT IndyCar Series road race during Brickyard Weekend takes that to a new level. We’re so grateful for our loyal friends at Big Machine, and their support will help us to elevate this exciting triple-header race weekend even higher.”

The Big Machine Spiked Coolers Grand Prix will take center stage on the 14-turn, 2.439-mile circuit at IMS, featuring the talented driver lineup and ultra-competitive, wheel-to-wheel action of the NTT IndyCar Series. It’s one of three major events that weekend on the road course, as the Nascar Xfinity Series will also compete Saturday and the Nascar Cup Series will race on the IMS road course for the first time Sunday, Aug. 15.

“Big Machine is celebrating 10 years as an IMS sponsor, and we’re so proud to announce this new, multi-year agreement highlighting our incredible new Spiked Coolers,” says Big Machine CEO Borchetta. “There is no other track in the world like IMS and, as the recent Indy 500 highlighted, it never disappoints. This is going to be a fantastic weekend of racing that fans will not want to miss.”

This multiyear partnership also includes designation of Big Machine Vodka as the Official Vodka and Big Machine Hand Sanitizer as the Official Hand Sanitizer of the Brickyard Weekend, Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Indianapolis 500.

This is the second IndyCar Grand Prix Big Machine is sponsoring as they are also the title sponsor of the inaugural Big Machine Music City Grand Prix in Nashville which will take place Aug. 8.

Big Machine Music City Grand Prix Adds Partnership & Sponsor

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Pictured L-R Top: Brooks & Dunn and Jamey Johnson. Bottom: Tyler Farr and Vince Neil.

The Big Machine Music City Grand Prix adds Wesley Financial Group as presenting sponsor for the Grand Prix’ opening day Friday, August 6. The announcement comes days after the Grand Prix joined three other Nashville institutions in support of the Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center at Middle Tennessee State University.

The Wesley Financial Group Freedom Friday concert will honor members of the military, police, fire, first responders, and frontline heroes. That night’s Freedom Friday Tribute Concert: Music City’s Best Honor All Those Who Serve and Protect will feature special guest appearances by several of Nashville’s top artists, including Brooks & Dunn, Jamey Johnson, Tyler Farr and Vince Neil. Aside from providing thousands of tickets to members of those groups, that night’s concert will bring awareness to military charities, including the Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center at MTSU.

“Wesley Financial Group is proud to be a part of one of Nashville’s first big events since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic,” says Chuck McDowell, founder and CEO. “We are especially excited to be able to honor our military and first responders and provide tickets to those who protect us every day. The Big Machine Music City Grand Prix is a landmark event for our city and we look forward to being a part of it.”

On Saturday, Grand Prix CEO Matt Crews, a MTSU alumnus, joined retired Army Lt. Gen. Keith Huber, MTSU’s senior advisor for veterans and leadership initiatives, for the announcement from the stage of the Grand Ole Opry during the sold-out Opry Salute the Troops show.

Pictured L-R: Big Machine Music City Grand Prix CEO Matt Crews, a MTSU alumnus, retired Army Lt. Gen. Keith Huber, MTSU’s senior advisor for veterans and leadership initiatives, and MTSU Provost Mark Byrnes pose for a photo outside the Grand Ole Opry before Saturday’s sold-out Opry Salute the Troops show in Nashville, Tenn. Photo: by James Cessna/MTSU

The Grand Prix joins the Opry, the Nashville Predators and the Nashville Sounds to help the approximately 1,100 military connected students at MTSU who are “seeking academic success and quality employment.”

“We are incredibly proud to partner with Wesley Financial Group to honor the frontline heroes who serve and protect us on a daily basis – and excited to announce our Freedom Friday line-up,” says Crews. “Our hope is this performance shows a small token of appreciation to those in the service that work so hard to allow us to live lives of freedom– and enjoy events like this year’s Big Machine Music City Grand Prix.”

Big Machine Music City Grand Prix, a three-day international festival of speed and sound, will be staged on a temporary 2.17-mile grand prix circuit in Nashville and around the Nissan Stadium campus. The course will cross the Cumberland River via the Korean Veterans Memorial Bridge, making it the only current event in motorsports to cross over a major body of water.