Big Machine Label Group Chairman and Founder Scott Borchetta announced Feb. 14 a new leadership role in the operations of the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix. Borchetta will now oversee operations for Nashville’s annual NTT INDYCAR SERIES race, and Big Machine will continue to be the event’s entitlement sponsor.

“Nashville is a world-class sport and entertainment market that loves its racing,” Borchetta said. “In its first three years, the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix successfully established itself as a major event in Nashville, and it has tremendous potential for growth, so I couldn’t be more excited to make this statement regarding its future.”

After assuming this responsibility for the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix, Borchetta spent the last several weeks reviewing every aspect of the organization and plans for the event. Having completed this review, Borchetta announced that the best path forward for this year’s event is to run at Nashville Superspeedway on the same weekend as previously announced. This remains the INDYCAR SERIES season finale on Sunday, Sept. 15 on NBC.

“With construction set to begin for the new Titans Stadium, the Grand Prix operations team knew they’d be faced with new challenges, knowing that the course used for the first three years would have to change dramatically for 2024’s race,” Borchetta said. “With several key locations around the stadium not available as in years past and with the proposed course change to run through the streets of downtown Nashville, (a big loop that utilizes the Korean War Veterans Memorial Bridge, First Avenue, Broadway, Fourth Avenue and Korean Veterans Boulevard), we simply don’t have the proper space needed by the race teams nor the proper access for downtown businesses and residences to execute the world-class event that is expected by our amazing fans, INDYCAR teams and sponsors. With the significant challenges of the proposed new layout and unknowns with the new stadium construction, which has been the center of operations for the first three years of the Grand Prix, the decision has been made to move the 2024 race to the Nashville Superspeedway.

“This has no bearing on our great relationship with the Tennessee Titans. The team’s management has been nothing but supportive regarding the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix, and we fully intend to continue conversations with them and the City of Nashville as to when the right time will be to return to the streets of Nashville. We also want to underline how supportive Metro and new Mayor Freddie O’Connell and his team have been during this transition. The mayor is a real fan of the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix and has attended the race every year. He and his team have helped us address all angles in how best to proceed, and we feel that we’ve landed on the best option for a great race experience, for both fans and race teams, by moving to Speedway Motorsports’ Nashville Superspeedway.”

Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell said: “The Music City Grand Prix has been more than a race. It’s a festival that celebrates both Nashville and racing. We appreciate Scott Borchetta and Big Machine’s vision and partnership and look forward to the race returning to downtown Nashville in the future. I’ve enjoyed attending all three Music City Grand Prix races and appreciate their continued commitment to Nashville. Racing at the Nashville Superspeedway will add new intrigue to this year’s event.”

The NTT INDYCAR SERIES raced at the iconic, 1.33 mile, D-shaped oval from 2001-08. Six-time INDYCAR SERIES champion Scott Dixon is the last driver to reach victory lane at the venue, with a commanding “three-peat” in 2006, 2007 and 2008.

Nashville Superspeedway is known for its high-intensity, wheel-to-wheel action, and as the season finale it will be the first oval in a decade to decide an NTT INDYCAR SERIES championship (Fontana, 2014).

“Nashville Superspeedway is ideally suited to our highly competitive and extremely intense style of racing, and we look forward to adding a Speedway Motorsports track to our schedule,” Penske Entertainment President & CEO Mark Miles said. “Our fans will eagerly anticipate watching a championship be decided on a high-speed oval, with NBC providing a must-see network telecast to viewers around the country. Scott and his team will do a terrific job organizing our finale weekend, and I’m incredibly appreciative of their efforts to pivot and find a fitting venue for our fans, drivers and teams.”

INDY NXT by Firestone, the developmental series for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, will also shift its 2024 championship finale to Nashville Superspeedway.

More details on weekend festivities, schedule and ticket options will be forthcoming. The event remains committed to a presence downtown leading up to the race, with activations and entertainment celebrating the finale to be unveiled at a later date.

NASHVILLE, TN – July 25, 2023 – American Honda Motor Co. and Big Machine Music City Grand Prix have signed an agreement to make the popular automaker the Official Vehicle and Pace Car of the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix in Nashville through 2024.  

Honda’s agreement provides them with a highly-visible presence at the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix, promotional rights, trackside signage, hospitality and other assets during race weekend. Honda will provide all on track vehicles for pre-race events, on track safety and the 2023 Honda Civic Type R will serve as the Official Pace Car during race weekend.   

“American Honda is proud to be partnered with the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix to help bring exciting racing action to the streets of Nashville,” said Chuck Schifsky, Motorsports Manager, American Honda Motor Co. “As one of the newest races on the NTT INDYCAR calendar, the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix has quickly become one of the most thrilling events of the year for fans and drivers alike.”

The action-packed marquee three-day festival weekend features the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, along with INDY NXT, GT America, GR Cup, the Big Machine Spiked Cooler Trans Am TA2 Series, and Stadium SUPER Trucks along with some of the biggest names in entertainment. 

“We are excited to have Honda on board as our newest partner for our event,” said Jason Rittenberry, President & COO, Big Machine Music City Grand Prix. “Their long history with INDYCAR and their desire to reach our market made Honda the perfect choice for us. The Middle Tennessee Honda dealers have embraced this partnership as well and have some exciting promotions running to support our event.”

Less than two weeks away from the race, fans are encouraged to plan in advance and get their tickets while they last.  All single day tickets include free admission to the concert on the coinciding day. 

SEE SINGLE DAY TICKETS PRICING

Three-day tickets and premium packages also remain on sale and provide the greatest value and access to all on-track activities featuring the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and concerts each night.

Ticket options are available at www.musiccitygp.com/tickets.  Other premium hospitality options can be purchased by calling (615) 270-8705 or via email at tickets@musiccitygp.com.

Tickets for the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix are digital, and all fans must adhere to the Nissan Stadium rules and regulations, including the clear bag policy.  For a complete list of FAQs on ticketing and race weekend policies, please visit www.musiccitygp.com.

ABOUT THE BIG MACHINE MUSIC CITY GRAND PRIX

The Big Machine Music City Grand Prix is a three-day premier festival of racing and music from Aug. 4-6 featuring the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, INDY NXT by Firestone, GT America, GR Cup, the Big Machine Spiked Cooler Trans Am TA2 Series and Stadium SUPER Trucks.  

Ticket Packages, Clubs and Suites are now available to watch the best INDYCAR drivers race for the Big Machine Music City Cup.  Fans can choose their optimal grandstand seat to watch as the drivers compete in the 80-lap, 2.1-mile, 11-turn course which races around Nissan Stadium, over the Cumberland River, and curves around downtown Nashville.  The adrenaline-fueled event will feature live music each day and culminate with a headline concert on Friday and Saturday nights.  For a complete list of FAQs on ticketing, race weekend policies or for more information, please visit www.musiccitygp.com. 

ABOUT HONDA

Honda offers a full line of clean, safe, fun and connected vehicles sold through more than 1,000 independent U.S. Honda dealers. The award-winning Honda lineup includes the Civic and Accord, along with the HR-V, CR-V, Passport and Pilot sport utility vehicles, the Ridgeline pickup and the Odyssey minivan. Honda’s electrified vehicle lineup includes the Accord hybrid, CR-V hybrid, and, in the future, Civic hybrid. The Honda Prologue SUV, Honda’s first volume battery-electric vehicle, will join the lineup in 2024.  

Honda has been producing automobiles in America for over 40 years and currently operates 18 major manufacturing facilities in North America. In 2022, more than 99% of all Honda vehicles sold in the U.S. were made in North America, with more than two-thirds made in America, using domestic and globally sourced parts.

The Event Marked the 100 Day Countdown Until INDYCAR Ignites the Streets of Downtown Nashville on August 4-6, 2023

Nashville, TN – April 26, 2023 – Big Machine Music City Grand Prix and the Grand Ole Opry partnered for a revved-up night of entertainment by hosting the “Grand Ole Prix” Night at the Opry on Tuesday (4/25).  The 3rd Annual Big Machine Music City Grand Prix will take Nashville’s centerstage August 4-6 as the countdown begins now at 100 days out from the iconic race. 

The ‘Grand Ole Prix’ Night at the Opry kicked off with appearances by INDYCAR Drivers Scott Dixon and Graham Rahal along with INDYCAR show cars on the Opry Plaza, the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix trophy on display for a photo opportunity and exciting giveaways. 

The action continued as country artists Chris Janson, Conner Smith, Bill Anderson, Ingrid Andress, Bella White, and Daily & Vincent took the Opry stage along with a surprise musical guest - Rock Legend Vince Neil.   Neil, Janson, and Smith are slated to perform during the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix Freedom Friday concert on Friday, August 4th.   See the schedule HERE.

“We appreciate the rich history of the Grand Ole Opry and we’ve enjoyed a long-standing relationship now in its third year,” said Jason Rittenberry, President & COO, Big Machine Music City Grand Prix.  “It was a great night of entertainment for our fans, and we’re excited to be counting down the days until INDYCAR hits Nashville this August.  We’ve got 100 days of unique promotions, community events and so much more.  It’s going to be our best race yet.”

Race organizers encourage fans to follow them on their social media platforms at @musiccitygp to catch all the exciting updates, news and action happening over the next 100 days until the 3rd Annual Big Machine Music City Grand Prix takes to the streets of Nashville this August.

There’s still time to grab your favorite spot along the course as race tickets are on sale now.   Don’t miss the hottest ticket in Nashville sports starting as little as $139.00 per person, fans can choose a 3-day package to immerse themselves into Music City’s premier festival of racing and music. 

Want the best seats in the house?  The NetJets Club RPM presented by Flatrock Motorclub tickets are the most premium experience and will accommodate more guests in 2023.  Located in Turn 3, Club RPM has dynamic views, air conditioning, and all-day premium food and beverages, and each ticket includes a paddock pass. 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 added Turn 9 Club, a new all-inclusive experience with incredible views of the most action-packed corner and its own private grandstand, air-conditioned tented area, with food and beverage included all day.

Big Machine Music City Grand Prix 2023 Tickets
Club Packages:
3-day Club RPM – $2,850 all-inclusive (includes paddock pass, concert access, food, premium open bar)  
3-day East Club – $1,449 all-inclusive (includes paddock pass, concert access, food, beer & wine)  
3-day Turn 9 Club – $849 all-inclusive (includes paddock pass, concert access, food, beer & wine)   

Grandstand and General Admission:
3-day Grandstand – $219
3-day Premium Grandstand – $229 (with chairbacks)
3-day General Admission – $139

*Please note all above ticket pricing is per person and does not include ticket fees.

Ticket options are available at www.musiccitygp.com/tickets. Other premium hospitality options can be purchased by calling (615) 270-8705 or via email at tickets@musiccitygp.com.

Tickets for the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix are digital, and all fans must adhere to the Nissan Stadium rules and regulations, including the clear bag policy.  For a complete list of FAQs on ticketing and race weekend policies, please visit www.musiccitygp.com.

ABOUT THE BIG MACHINE MUSIC CITY GRAND PRIX: 
The Big Machine Music City Grand Prix is a three-day premier festival of racing and music from Aug. 4-6 featuring the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, Indy NXT, GT America, GR Cup, the Big Machine Spiked CoolersTrans Am TA2 Series, and Stadium SUPER Trucks. 

ABOUT THE GRAND OLE OPRY: 
Opry presents the best in country music live every week from Nashville, TN.  The Opry can be heard at opry.com and wsmonline.com, Opry and WSM mobile apps, SiriusXM, and its flagship home, 650 AM-WSM, with Saturday night shows seen on the Circle Network. For more information, visit www.opry.com.

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