Attending an Indycar Series Race in Nashville

If you are any type of motorsports fan, attending an NTT INDYCAR SERIES race is one of the easiest ways to see it up close. Many are run in the streets of a city, so you can find seating – often reserved – or able to stand along the race in assigned areas. My first race was last year in Nashville for the Music City Grand Prix.

Since I am a travel writer, I was granted a media pass which gave me access to almost all areas. You can purchase all levels of tickets for a day, or even the weekend. The weekend was made even better since doing this as a family. My son is a huge racing fan.

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Attending an Indycar Series Race in Nashville

The Victory Circle

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The Victory Circle

I didn’t realize I would get to enter this exciting area. But, standing and waiting for the winner to pull in, was more exciting than I thought. And I had never thought I would have that experience.

Being just 6’ away when the winner made his way out of the car, was such a perfect photo.

Kyle Kirkwood won the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix. He is a member of the Andretti Autosport team, which has long been associated with racing.

The main race on Sunday isn’t all you will see. These can include SRO GT World Challenge America, Toyota Gazoo Racing GR Cup North America, Trans Am TA2 Championship and one of my favorites SPEED Energy Stadium SUPER Trucks

I didn’t know as many names as most do in this sports area, but Helio Castroneves has been a favorite after winning the Indy 500 four times. Many know his name from winning Dancing with the Stars as well.

Josef Newgarden, a local guy from Tennessee was fresh off his Indy 500 win earlier in the year.

More From Victory Circle – Indycar Series Race in Nashville

A little hardware for the winners.

Nashville is a Great Host City

Nashville is a destination city for many travelers, whether it’s for the music, sports, or it’s known as the bachelorette party capital. You see as many pink dresses as cowboy boots on a weekend (many of these are pink too), as you will see country music fans.

With Nashille being so centrally located in the Eastern USA – it’s very drivable and it has a great airport. Make sure you allow a couple extra days to VISIT MUSIC CITY.

You will find free concerts – with your race ticket – around town, some with well known musicians during race weekend.

Exploring the Paddock

In between races, visiting the Paddock area lets you get really up close to the cars, drivers, and teams. I even saw a few pit crews giving aways parts of a car and tires to fans.

The tiny steering wheels remind me of a video game controller.

In the area too, find all kinds of vendors selling race wear, food, drinks, and souvenirs.

There are also scheduled meet & greets to have your photo taken with your favorite driver and get their autograph.

Check out vendors featuring products from bourbon to t-shirts – to souvenirs. There isn’t a shortage of food either.

Things you don’t like to see.

Watch for Drivers of the Race

My son, also being a photographer for me, recognized many of the drivers and caught them up close preparing for the race. I will recognize them the next race I attend.

Watching the Race Up Close

A unique view at the Nashville Race, was getting to see the cars come up over the bridge. Of course, you heard them before you saw them.

The race is changing to the Nashville Superspeedway this year. Being on an oval track will create a different experience, but you can see all the cars at one time. I’m anxious to see how it differs for my viewing. Dates are September 13 – 15.

And – they’re off.

If you have sensitive ears, I recommend noise-cancelling headphones. You are literally feet from these fast cars.

I’m always amazed at cars in any race going over 200 mph and being within inches of the car next to them. I only saw one crash, and at the end of the race. No injuries thankfully, but it did knock a couple of cars out, and a delay. I did witness a few not making a sharp corner but they were right back in the race.