Deal pending for NASCAR s return to historic Nashville venue tennesseedaily.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from tennesseedaily.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) The Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway would be renovated and run by Bristol Motor Speedway in a deal designed to bring NASCAR racing back to the historic short track that first opened in 1904.
Nashville Mayor John Cooper signed a letter of intent Friday along with Marcus Smith, president and CEO of Speedway Motorsports President, which owns Bristol Motor Speedway, for a track that hasn t hosted NASCAR s top level of racing since 1984.
“The goal of the partnership is to bring our historic racetrack back to life as a valuable and exciting part of the Fairgrounds,” said Mayor John Cooper.
Nashville will fund renovations for the track by issuing bonds up to $50 million. Bristol would be responsible for future renovations and upkeep and must sign a long-term contract to lease and manage the track, which must be approved by both the local fair board and Nashville council.
Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County and Bristol Motor Speedway (BMS) have entered into a letter of intent to renovate historic Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway (NFS) for the potential return of NASCAR events at the legendary racetrack.
The Speedway is the second-oldest operating motor speedway in the United States, dating back to 1904. It has a storied connection with racing, including being a showcase for legendary drivers such as Dale Earnhardt, members of the Petty family and our own Darrell Waltrip.
Subject to approval by the Board of Fair Commissioners and Metropolitan Council, Bristol Motor Speedway would have a long-term contract to lease, manage, and operate Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway, as well as assume financial responsibility for track renovations and ongoing maintenance.
Last year, it was announced that NASCAR Cup racing would
And while fans were excited that the sport would be returning, many were disappointed that the race would be held at the longer 1.33 mile Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon and not the shorter half-mile track located at the Nashville Fairgrounds.
Even Dale Earnhardt Jr. said that NASCAR picked the wrong track for their return to Nashville.
Well now it looks like the dream of bringing NASCAR back to the Fairgrounds Speedway is one step closer to reality.
Nashville Mayor John Cooper announced this week that the city has signed a letter of intent with Bristol Motor Speedway to renovate Fairgrounds Speedway, which hasn’t hosted a NASCAR Cup Series race since 1984. And he had a special guest on hand for the announcement: Dale Earnhardt, Jr. himself.