• Team Penske’s Scott McLaughlin earns second NTT P1 Award on the season; Nashville’s Josef Newgarden to start sixth.
• 14-year-old Brent Crews wins Trans Am race, Nashville’s Scott Borchetta grabs first career podium.
• Onofrio Triarsi takes first GT America race, Matt Brabham wins Stadium SUPER Trucks opener

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (August 6, 2022) – Team Penske driver Scott McLaughlin captured the pole position Saturday for the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix with a stellar final lap in qualifying on the temporary street circuit in downtown Nashville.

McLaughlin (No. 3 Chevrolet) recorded a final lap of 1 minute, 14.5555 seconds (101.401 mph) on the 2.1-mile, 11-turn layout in the Firestone Fast Six to secure his second pole of the season. His other pole came at the season-opening race on the streets of St. Petersburg, where he went on to his first career NTT INDYCAR SERIES win.

Romain Grosjean (No. 28 Honda) of Andretti Autosport qualified a season-best second with a lap of 1:14.6975 (101.208 mph). Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing rookie Christian Lundgaard (No. 30 Honda) also established a season-best qualifying performance by taking third with a lap of 1:14.7149 (101.185).

Defending NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion Alex Palou (No. 10 Honda) of Chip Ganassi Racing qualified fourth (1:14.9087 | 100.923 mph) and Arrow McLaren SP’s Pato O’Ward (No. 5 Chevrolet) was fifth (1:14.9261 | 100.899).

Nashville’s Josef Newgarden (No. 3 Chevrolet) of Team Penske rounded out the Firestone Fast Six with a lap of 1:15.1461 (100.604 mph).

The NTT INDYCAR SERIES will return to the track at 9:15 a.m. CT Sunday for a 30-minute warm-up session. The 80-lap Big Machine Music City Grand Prix, Round 14 of the 17-race NTT INDYCAR SERIES, will take the green flag at 2:30 p.m. NBC television coverage begins at 2 p.m.Saturday Notebook: Fourteen-year-old Brent Crews, who became the youngest Trans Am winner in history last race at Road America, made it two in a row with a win in Saturday’s race. Crews, who started second, earned a 1.54-second victory over Connor Mosack in the 70-minute timed race. Nashville’s Scott Borchetta, who finished 3.213 seconds back of Crews, finished third for the first podium of his career. … Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires qualifying was cancelled due to inclement weather. The starting line-up will be based off entry points. Points leader Linus Lundqvist of HMD Motorsports with Dale Coyne Racing will start on the pole while Hunter McElrea of Andretti Autosport will start second. Lundqvist leads McElrea by 76 points coming into Sunday’s race that begins at 12:10 p.m. … Onofrio Triarsi went wire to wire to take the win in the SRO GT America opener of the weekend doubleheader. Justin Wetherill finished runner-up to give Ferrari the top two spots. Jason Daskalos, in an Audi, was third with SRO3 drivers sweeping the podium. Robb Holland was the top GT4 finisher in a Porsche, taking 10^th overall. The weekend finale is a 40-minute, timed race that starts at 10:55 a.m. Sunday. … Matt Brabham won the opening race of the Speed Energy Stadium SUPER Trucks doubleheader weekend, edging Gavin Harlien by 0.7009 of a second in the 10-lap event. Max Gordon finished third. Brabham’s win was his first of the season and 24^th of his career, which ranks third all time.

• BMLG President/CEO/Founder Scott Borchetta named Honorary Starter, Brantley Gilbert tabbed as Grand Marshal and Carly Pearce to perform the National Anthem during the pre-race activities for the marquee NTT INDYCAR SERIES race.
• Nashville’s 17-year-old Jordan Johnson, who continues his amazing recovery from brain surgery, serving as the race’s Junior Ambassador.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (August 4, 2022) – The Big Machine Label Group trio of founder, president and CEO Scott Borchetta and MULTI-PLATINUM superstars Brantley Gilbert and Carly Pearce will be serving in prominent pre-race roles for Sunday’s Big Machine Music City Grand Prix NTT INDYCAR SERIES race around the Nissan Stadium campus in downtown Nashville.

Borchetta was named the Honorary Starter and will wave the green flag from the starter’s stand to initiate the second edition of the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix (TV: NBC, 2 p.m. CT). He is scheduled to wave the green at 2:30 p.m. to open the 14th race of the 17-event NTT INDYCAR SERIES season.

Borchetta is the Founder, President and CEO of Big Machine Label Group, the leading independent record label home to superstars such as Tim McGraw, Sheryl Crow, Lady A, Thomas Rhett, Gilbert, Pearce and many more. He also is HYBE America Chairman of Record Labels. With Borchetta at the helm, Big Machine has celebrated monumental success since the company’s inception over 16 years ago. He has led the charge on more than 65 million albums sold by Big Machine artists in addition to sending over 200 singles to #1 on the Country, Pop and Rock charts. 

Gilbert, serving as the race’s Grand Marshal, will precede Borchetta with the honor of delivering the traditional-rich “Start Your Engines” command to the NTT INDYCAR SERIES drivers. The command is scheduled for 2:23 p.m.

Gilbert, who was previously named ACM New Male Vocalist of the Year (2012) and Top New Male Artist (2013), is a MULTI-PLATINUM-selling Georgia native with a grassroots following millions strong. Seven No. 1 hits punctuate his career: “Country Must be Country Wide,” “You Don’t Know Her Like I Do,” CMA Awards Song of the Year nominee “Dirt Road Anthem,” “My Kinda Party,” RIAA 5X PLATINUM-certified “Bottoms Up,” “One Hell of an Amen” and the collaboration with Lindsay Ell, “What Happens In A Small Town,” plus his landmark record JUST AS I AM clinched the 2014 American Music Award for Favorite Country Album. Following his “Rolex ® On A Redneck” collaboration with Jason Aldean, Gilbert partnered with Jelly Roll for their new song “Son Of The Dirty South.”

Pearce will be performing a stunning rendition of the National Anthem to highlight the pre-race festivities. She will perform the National Anthem live at 2:12 p.m.

The reigning ACM/CMA Female Artist/Vocalist of the Year has enjoyed a recent wave of significant accolades as her “Never Wanted To Be That Girl” duet with Ashley McBryde became her second consecutive ACM Awards Music Event of the Year win and 29: Written in Stone was nominated for Album of the Year. The song also marked Pearce’s third No. 1 hit and they became only the third duet between two solo women to top Country Airplay since the Billboard chart’s 1990 inception. 

Gilbert and Pearce also will headline Sunday’s special Grand Ole Prix show at the Nissan Stadium campus following the NTT INDYCAR SERIES race. Fellow Big Machine Label Group artists Midland and Callista Clark will join them during the special version of the esteemed Grand Ole Opry show beginning at 5:45 p.m. CT on the ZYN Main Stage. Admission to the concert is included as part of a Sunday race ticket.

The Big Machine Label Group trio will be joined by special guest Jordan Johnson, who is serving as the race’s Junior Ambassador. His role will include shaking hands and welcoming each NTT INDYCAR SERIES driver to Nashville during pre-race activities as well as presenting the winner’s trophy following Sunday’s Indy Lights race. He also kicked off Thursday’s Pit Stop Challenge at the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix FanFest by waving the green flag to officially kick off the six-team competition on Broadway.

The 17-year-old Johnson is an incredible success story after being hit by a baseball during a game in the summer of 2020. A visit to Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt for a scan revealed that Jordan had a giant cerebral cavernous malformation, which is an abnormal grouping of small blood vessels inside of his brain stem. The lesion had likely been there since birth, gradually had grown over time and by the time Jordan suffered the hit the lesion had reached a critical size. The options were to continue to let it grow, with the possibility of a life-threatening rupture, or to remove it with a high-risk surgery, which could affect his ability to move and communicate.

Jordan’s condition required an eight-hour brain surgery by the neurosurgery team led by Jay Wellons III, MD, MSPH at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, followed by two weeks of recovery in the hospital. When Jordan departed the hospital, he began the arduous journey through rehabilitation where he had to relearn everything from eating to walking. He continues outpatient rehabilitation today and continues to make great strides in his recovery.

Three-day event packages as well as single-day tickets are still available, including for Sunday’s Big Machine Music City Grand Prix, by visiting www.musiccitygp.com/tickets.About the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix:
The NTT INDYCAR SERIES will visit Nashville Friday through Sunday for the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix, Round 14 of the 17-race season. The three-day festival of racing and music also will include Indy Lights, GT America, Trans Am, Stadium SUPER Trucks and Vintage Indy. The musical entertainment is highlighted by nightly on-site concerts featuring prominent artists led by Tim McGraw on Saturday, and Carly Pearce and Brantley Gilbert for the Grand Ole Prix show on Sunday.  For ticket and event information, please visit www.musiccitygp.com.

Media Contact:
Mike Zizzo | Communications Director | Big Machine Music City Grand Prix | mzizzo@musiccitygp.com| 817.528.4676 (cell)

• Three-day grandstand and general admission ticket holders can enhance their race weekend with this hospitality area that features all-inclusive food and beverage.
• Hospitality space located ideally between the FanZone, ZYN concert stage and grandstands 6 and 7.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (July 27, 2022) – Three-day reserved grandstand and general admission Big Machine Music City Grand Prix ticket holders have a limited opportunity to upgrade their Aug. 5-7 race weekend with the addition of the Tootsie’s Starting Line Club presented by Busch Light all-inclusive premium upgrade.

The Tootsie’s Starting Line Club presented by Busch Light, which debuted at last year’s inaugural Big Machine Music City Grand Prix, returns for the 2022 edition to provide an all-inclusive food and beverage option, including beer and wine, for three-day ticket holders. Live entertainment also will be featured daily.

The unique hospitality area is located beneath the Korean War Veterans Memorial Bridge in Lot T of Nissan Stadium near the start line of the 2.17-mile temporary street circuit in downtown Nashville. 

The hospitality area is ideally located with easy access to roam the key areas of the Nissan Stadium campus, including the FanZone, ZYN main stage for the evening concerts and access to grandstands 6 & 7.

The Tootsie’s Starting Line Club presented by Busch Light will be available from 9:30 a.m.-7:15 p.m. Friday, Aug. 5; 9 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6; and 8 a.m.-5:45 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 7. Overall, ticket holders for the Tootsie’s Starting Line Club will have more than 30 hours of hospitality available to them over the course of the three-day weekend.

The Tootsie’s Starting Line Club presented by Busch Light is available at $400 per person (plus fees) for the three-day race weekend. This premium upgrade is only available to three-day reserved grandstand and general admission ticket holders.

For more information or to purchase a ticket for the Tootsie’s Starting Line Club presented by Busch Light, please click here.

About Tootsie's Orchid Lounge: 
 Tootsie’s remains Nashville's go-to destination for locals and visitors alike. Tootsie's has more music history per square inch than anywhere else in Music City. Famous early customers were Kris Kristofferson, Faron Young, Willie Nelson, Tom T. Hall, Hank Cochran, Mel Tillis, Roger Miller, Webb Pierce, Waylon Jennings, Patsy Cline and many more. Performers at the Opry would sometimes sneak out the side door and grab a drink at Tootsie’s between sets. In 1992, local businessman Steve Smith reinvested in Tootsies and is credited for revitalizing downtown Nashville. Fast forward 30 years, and Tootsie’s is not only providing world-class entertainment for millions of visitors to Music City, but also involved in motorsports as one of the sponsors of the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix.

About the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix:
The NTT INDYCAR SERIES will visit Nashville Aug. 5-7 for the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix, Round 14 of the 17-race season. The three-day festival of racing and music also will include Indy Lights, GT America, Trans Am, Stadium SUPER Trucks and Vintage Indy. The musical entertainment is highlighted by nightly on-site concerts featuring prominent artists led by Tim McGraw on Saturday, Aug. 6, and Carly Pearce and Brantley Gilbert for the Grand Ole Prix show on Sunday, Aug. 7.  For ticket and event information, please visit www.musiccitygp.com.

Media Contact:
Mike Zizzo | Communications Director | Big Machine Music City Grand Prix | mzizzo@musiccitygp.com | 817.528.4676 (cell)

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (July 26, 2022) – The Big Machine Music City Grand Prix, through its partnership with Vanderbilt University Medical Center, has teamed up to create the inaugural Motorsports Art Auction to benefit the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.  

Beginning today, featured paintings from seven talented and diverse artists focused on the motorsports community can be acquired through this very unique and worthy auction.
 
The digital online art auction will run through Sunday, Aug. 7 – the final day of the three-day Big Machine Music City Grand Prix in downtown Nashville – with all of the proceeds going directly to the Children’s Hospital. The bids will close at 10 p.m. CT that evening.
 
Click here to the view the stunning and varied motorsports art pieces as well as to make a bid.

The seven participating artists are:

• Bill Patterson (@billpattart) is an internationally acclaimed fine artist living in Texas with works owned by multiple celebrities and worldwide corporations such as Microsoft, FedEx, BMW, Porsche and Ferrari to name a handful. Thirty-four years as a full-time artist after leaving the architecture profession behind. Although the focus is on commissioned fine art, over a million dollars has been raised by painting live at many charity galas such as The National Guard Youth Foundation, St Jude's Children's Hospital and United Way. His paintings have sold for as much as $50,000. Patterson created the artwork for last year’s inaugural Big Machine Music City Grand Prix race program, which he will be donating to the auction. 
• Simon Ward (@simonward46) is a renowned motorsports artist who has had a number of his paintings commissioned by numerous motorsports teams, owners and fans across the globe. He has produced an array of Formula 1-focused paintings as well as having his artwork hanging permanently in Sebring Regional Airport, home of the first world championship endurance race and one he has been associated with for several decades. His work has been exhibited in the U.S. and the UK, including an exhibition at the historic F1 British Grand Prix.
• Justin Redmon (@redrevoltdesign) is a resident of Franklin Tenn., and a natural-born illustrator. Starting with pencil and brush works of vintage cars, his passion for design deepened through his experiences traveling across the world while serving in the U.S. Navy. Today, his chosen medium is digital illustration. Its flexibility in color and form challenges the boundaries of design and allows him to channel emotion through art. 
• Thiago Romero (@thiago_romero_fineart) is a Brazilian contemporary artist, writer, journalist and skydiver. He is most recognized for his unique and distinctive technique of "abstract expressionism," often utilizing waves, flags, cars, racing helmets, geometric shapes, letters and numbers in his paintings. His style is characterized by a vibrant, expressive and spontaneous approach, obtained by the rapid application of different shades of acrylic paint, water and other elements. 
• Joseph Love (@joseph.love.31) wanted to be an artist growing up but after serving in the Air Force and raising a family it took him three decades to finally dedicate himself to his passion. In 2011, the dream began and just 16 months back in the art world he had his debut solo art show opening at The University Club of Nashville, located on the Vanderbilt University campus. The show titled “Das Rennen” featured his oil paintings of Formula 1 race cars and drivers from past to present, vintage Mercedes Benz cars and other classic automobiles. Since then, his artwork has been exhibited at numerous prestigious venues and gallery's including Vanderbilt, TSU and Metro Public Schools.
• Jessica Kristianna Haas (@jessicakhaas) is the first female speed painter in America and the fastest speed painter in the entertainment industry. Since her recent win of ABC's Gong Show, Jessica currently holds the following records of performing the fastest painting on national television, the first female performance painter to paint on national television and the first + fastest award-winning female speed painter to win on a national television network.  
• Chuck Braud (@chuckbraud_art_) has been drawing and sketching since he was a youngster, and his love of sports led him to sports artwork. He started with acrylics and now concentrates on oil paintings in his work. He recently left the transportation business after two decades to pursue artwork fulltime.

There will be opportunities for fans and potential bidders to view the artwork in person leading up to the Aug. 5-7 Big Machine Music City Grand Prix around the Nissan Stadium campus as well as during the race week. 

From today through Aug. 3, the various artworks can be viewed in the lobby of Children’s Hospital, the Union Station Hotel , the Grand Hyatt Nashville, Pinnacle Bank – Symphony Place branch and the Margaritaville Hotel downtown. From Aug. 4-7, they will be available at the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix’s Champion’s Party at AJ’s, the East Club in Nissan Stadium, Netjets Club RPM presented by Grand Hyatt Nashville and the “Artist Alley” that will be located in the FanZone on the stadium campus.

For those who are interested in just providing a donation to the Children's Hospital, please click here.

About the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix:
The NTT INDYCAR SERIES will visit Nashville Aug. 5-7 for the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix, Round 14 of the 17-race season. The three-day festival of racing and music also will include Indy Lights, GT America, Trans Am, Stadium SUPER Trucks and Vintage Indy. The musical entertainment is highlighted by nightly on-site concerts featuring prominent artists led by Tim McGraw on Saturday, Aug. 6, and Carly Pearce and Brantley Gilbert for the Grand Ole Prix show on Sunday, Aug. 7.  For ticket and event information, please visit www.musiccitygp.com.

Media Contact:
Mike Zizzo | Communications Director | Big Machine Music City Grand Prix | mzizzo@musiccitygp.com | 817.528.4676 (cell)

• Scott Dixon, Jimmie Johnson, Colton Herta, Pato O’Ward, Scott McLaughlin and Felix Rosenqvist will participate with their pit crews in a $10,000 Pit Stop Challenge.
• FanFest also will feature Stadium SUPER Trucks exhibition, Mini Grand Prix, show cars and sponsor displays between 1^st and 4^th streets.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (July 20, 2022) – The Big Machine Music City Grand Prix festivities will officially kick off Thursday, Aug. 4, with the return of FanFest on Broadway featuring a Pit Stop Challenge with some of the biggest names in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES.

FanFest, which is free and open to the public, will be held on Broadway from 1^st through 4^th streets and include show cars, sponsor displays, mini grand prix and a Stadium SUPER Trucks exhibition along with the heightened pit stop competition.

The Pit Stop Challenge has been expanded from last year’s best-of-three, two-car competition to a single-elimination, six-driver event with:

• Six-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion Scott Dixon of Chip Ganassi Racing
• Former seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson of Chip Ganassi Racing
• Seven-time race winner Colton Herta of Andretti Autosport with Curb-Agajanian
• Three-time race winner Pato O’Ward of Arrow McLaren SP
• 2021 NTT INDYCAR SERIES Rookie of the Year Scott McLaughlin of Team Penske
• 2019 Rookie of the Year Felix Rosenqvist of Arrow McLaren SP

The Pit Stop Challenge will be held on Broadway between 1^st and 2^nd streets and begin at 6 p.m. The opening-draw will be announced just prior to the start of the competition and the teams will vie for $10,000 in prize money.

Following the conclusion of the Pit Stop Challenge, Robby Gordon’s Stadium SUPER Trucks will put on an exhibition as a preview of one of the series competing in the Aug. 5-7 Big Machine Music City Grand Prix around the Nissan Stadium campus. SST stars expected to be on hand are Robby Gordon, Greg Biffle, Gavin Harlien and Robby’s son, Max.

That area also will serve as the layout for Rocketown’s second annual Mini Grand Prix that begins at 5 p.m. Children will compete in mini Indy pedal karts in three age classes (4-5 years old, 6-7 and 8-9). Tony Kanaan, an Indy 500 winner and series champion, will be calling the action.

The show car display will be set up between 2^nd and 3^rd streets and feature vehicles from the various series competing in the race weekend. The display will be open beginning at 5 p.m. with opportunities for fans to take photos near the vehicles. A sponsor display section also will be set up on Broadway between 3^rd and 4^th streets that will include the merchandise trailers for the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix and INDYCAR as well as American Legion, Pennzoil and Firestone displays.

American Legion and Pennzoil also are serving as sponsors of this fan event.

Single-day tickets for the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix weekend are on sale beginning as low as $39 for general admission and $49 for reserved grandstand. Three-day ticket packages also are available and provide the best value for all on-track activities featuring the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and concerts each night. Three-day tickets begin as low as $129 for general admission and $209 and $219 for reserved grandstand. Visit www.musiccitygp.com/tickets for more ticket information or to purchase now.

About the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix: The NTT INDYCAR SERIES will visit Nashville Aug. 5-7 for the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix, Round 14 of the 17-race season. The three-day festival of racing and music also will include Indy Lights, GT America, Trans Am, Stadium SUPER Trucks and Vintage Indy. The musical entertainment is highlighted by nightly on-site concerts featuring prominent artists led by Tim McGraw on Saturday, Aug. 6, and Carly Pearce and Brantley Gilbert for the Grand Ole Prix show on Sunday, Aug. 7.  For ticket and event information, please visit www.musiccitygp.com.

Registrants Receive Full Benefits Including Free Polos, Hat & T-Shirt

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Volunteer registration for next month’s Big Machine Music City Grand Prix featuring the NTT INDYCAR SERIES is now free, the Nashville Sports Council announced Monday.

The volunteer program for the race (which will take place Aug. 4-7) has been generously underwritten, meaning there is now no cost to those who register to volunteer between now and race weekend.

Additionally, those who already paid to volunteer are eligible for a full refund and can contact the volunteer team at MCGPVolunteers@gmail.com for more information.

All volunteers will receive uniforms (two polos, one t-shirt and a hat), parking, transportation and meals during their shifts. Volunteers must be 16 years or older and register for a minimum of two shifts throughout the event week.

Those interested in volunteering can register at: volunteersmusiccitygp.my-trs.com. The race is in need of the following positions, especially during the evening shifts:

• Race Day Ambassadors: Race Day Ambassadors will be responsible for providing directions, information, and other assistance to fans attending the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix.
• Access Control Volunteers: Access Control volunteers are responsible for keeping drivers, fans and all attendees of the event safe. These volunteers will be assisting with access to restricted areas and checking necessary credentials. Access Control positions may require being on your feet for an extended period of time. *Background check required
• Can Do Team: Members of the can-do team are vital to the success of the event. This position is for a person that is up for any task. Can-Do volunteers will be assigned upon check-in based on the biggest area of need. This individual in this position must be flexible and willing to help where help is needed. *Background check required

*All shift times are subject to change.

The Big Machine Music City Grand Prix returns on a temporary grand prix circuit throughout downtown Nashville that will wrap around Nissan Stadium. The 2.17-mile temporary street circuit will race across the Korean Veterans Memorial Bridge into downtown Nashville and back.

If you have any additional questions or concerns regarding volunteering at this year’s race, please reach out to the volunteer team at MCGPVolunteers@gmail.com or visit www.NashvilleSports.com.

# # #

Contact

Aldo Amato, Director of Marketing & Strategic Initiatives, (615) 743-3124 or aamato@nashvillesports.com

About the Nashville Sports Council

The Nashville Sports Council is a private, non-profit, membership-based organization of area corporations and individual sports enthusiasts. Created in 1992, the Nashville Sports Council’s mission is to positively impact the economy and quality of life of the Greater Nashville Area by attracting and promoting professional and amateur sporting events. The Nashville Sports Council has hosted hundreds of major sporting events that have produced more than $930 million in direct economic impact for the region. For more information call 615-743-3120 or visit NashvilleSports.com. Follow the Nashville Sports Council on Facebook and Twitter.

About the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix

The Big Machine Music City Grand Prix is a three-day international festival of speed and sound featuring an NTT INDYCAR® SERIES event. The event aims to create a comprehensive world-class international destination event that highlights Nashville, Tenn., the Music City and the Mid-South region including music, food, culture and entertainment that centers on the speed, technology, skill and excitement of up-close urban INDYCAR racing. As a privately funded event, Music City Grand Prix is owned and operated by 615GP, LLC.

• Freedom Friday Concert presented by Wesley Mortgage on Friday, Aug. 5, will have performances by Aaron Lewis, Deana Carter, Abby Anderson and Jackson Dean.
• Wesley Mortgage Freedom Friday celebrates military and first responders by offering them free admission to the opening-day activities for the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (July 11, 2022) – Wesley Mortgage, LLC, will celebrate its multi-year title sponsorship of Freedom Friday for the Aug. 5-7 Big Machine Music City Grand Prix with MULTI-PLATINUM entertainer Aaron Lewis headlining a stellar multi-performer concert lineup at the Nissan Stadium campus.

The Freedom Friday Tribute Concert presented by Wesley Mortgage on Friday, Aug. 5, will have four musical performers in all with Deana Carter, Abby Anderson and Jackson Dean joining Lewis to provide an outstanding evening of country music entertainment.

The concert is included for Friday individual and three-day ticket holders and begins at 7 p.m. CT at the ZYN Main Stage located in the Fan Zone on the Nissan Stadium campus. In addition to the musical acts, there will be several tributes to military and first responders as part of the concert event.

Wesley Financial sponsored Freedom Friday at last year’s inaugural Big Machine Music City Grand Prix and the title sponsorship will now shift to Wesley Mortgage as part of the multi-year agreement.

Wesley Mortgage, LLC, the exclusive mortgage provider of the Tennessee Titans, offers conventional, non-QM and Jumbo loan products, and is expected to obtain its VA and FHA Title II in the very near future. The company utilizes configurable technologies to capture employment, deposit and other verifications necessary in the mortgage approval process, allowing for faster approval turn times than traditional lenders. In addition to Tennessee, Wesley Mortgage is currently licensed in Kentucky, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia and Texas with plans to expand to all 50 states.

“The Big Machine Music City Grand Prix is quickly becoming an established Nashville tradition,” said Steve Medes, president of Wesley Mortgage. “We appreciate the opportunity to attach our company to such a great event. We look forward to celebrating Freedom Friday and a great weekend of racing.”

Lewis’ latest album FRAYED AT BOTH ENDS (The Valory Music Co.) was the No. 1-selling Country album upon its release earlier this year based on physical sales and digital downloads. The project featured the hit lead single “Am I The Only One,” which debuted atop the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, marking his highest debut as a solo Country artist. It is only the ninth time since 1958 to debut in this position, joining Taylor Swift’s “Love Story (Taylor’s Version)” and Morgan Wallen’s “Wasted on You.”

Carter, singer, songwriter and now CEO of her own record label, has continued to shine since the 1996 release of her multi-platinum international debut, Did I Shave My Legs For This? As a songwriter, she is well known for the 2011 chart topper, “You & Tequila,” that was co-written with Matraca Berg and recorded by Kenny Chesney. It was nominated for CMA and ACM Song of the Year and also earned two Grammy nominations, including Song of the Year.

Anderson, named to several country music artists to watch lists, released her debut EP, I’M GOOD, in 2018 and has accrued 100 million streams since. Her debut album, “Sugar Spice,” will be released July 15 while the single “Bad Posture,” is currently available.

Dean released his debut album, GREENBROKE, in March on Big Machine Records. Having been featured on Netflix’s The Ice Road soundtrackand Paramount Network’s Yellowstone, his swampy “Don’t Come Lookin’” has crested the Top 15 at Country radio after debuting as the highest chart entry for an artist’s first single since 2015. This summer, the Odenton, Maryland-raised singer/songwriter joins Brooks & Dunn and Lee Brice on select dates.

The concert is one of several highlights of Wesley Mortgage Freedom Friday, which will honor members of the military, police, fire, first responders and frontline heroes on the opening day of the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix’s three-day festival of motorsports and music in downtown Nashville.

The day also will include a 160^th Special Ops Aviation Regiment landing and a pre-concert flyover by the 101^st Airborne Division.

Wesley Mortgage also is bringing a great new addition to the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix Fan Zone with a Ferris Wheel serving as a focal point of the area. All rides on the Ferris Wheel will be free, compliments of Wesley Mortgage.

All active and retired military members as well as first responders (law enforcement, fire fighters, EMTs and frontline medical workers) are eligible to receive free admission for up to four (4) general admission tickets for a full day of racing from the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, Indy Lights, GT America, Trans Am Series and Stadium SUPER Trucks along with the tribute concert. Eligible fans can use a Wesley Mortgage Freedom Friday voucher with a QR code or link HERE to fill out their information. Each email address can only be used once.

The Big Machine Music City Grand Prix and Wesley Mortgage are partnering with SuperTalk 99.7 WTN to promote Freedom Friday by honoring our active military and veterans and driving awareness of their needs and accomplishments.

“Cumulus Nashville is thrilled to be part of the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix,” said Allison Warren, Vice President & Market Manager for Cumulus Nashville. “It's a unique, one-of-a-kind experience that is a perfect mix of musical performances, festivities and INDYCAR racing sure to delight music and race fans.”

Friday single-day tickets begin as low as $39 for general admission and $49 for reserved grandstand and both provide admission to the on-track activity as well as the concert.

In addition to the Freedom Friday Tribute Concert presented by Wesley Mortgage, superstar Tim McGraw will perform Saturday, Aug. 6, and a live Grand Ole Prix show will be held Sunday, Aug. 7, with headliners Brantley Gilbert and Carly Pearce alongside Midland and Callista Clark.

Three-day tickets and premium packages are available and provide the best value for all on-track activities featuring the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and concerts each night. Three-day tickets begin as low as $129 for general admission and $209 and $219 for reserved grandstand. Visit www.musiccitygp.com/tickets for more ticket information or to purchase now.

About Wesley Mortgage:

Wesley Mortgage, LLC, the exclusive mortgage provider of the Tennessee Titans, offers conventional VA, FHA, non-QM and Jumbo loan products. The company utilizes configurable technologies to capture employment, deposit and other verifications necessary in the mortgage approval process, allowing for faster approval turn times than traditional lenders. In addition to Tennessee, Wesley Mortgage is currently licensed in Kentucky, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Louisiana, Mississippi, Florida and Texas.

About the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix:

The NTT INDYCAR SERIES will visit Nashville Aug. 5-7 for the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix, Round 14 of the 17-race season. The three-day festival of racing and music also will include Indy Lights, GT America, Trans Am, Stadium SUPER Trucks and Vintage Indy. The musical entertainment is highlighted by nightly on-site concerts featuring prominent artists led by Tim McGraw on Saturday, Aug. 6, and Carly Pearce and Brantley Gilbert for the Grand Ole Prix show on Sunday, Aug. 7.  For ticket and event information, please visit www.musiccitygp.com.

Media Contacts:

Wesley Mortgage

Tammy Boclair | Alday Public Relations | tammy@aldaypr.com | 615-500-2930

Big Machine Music City Grand Prix

Mike Zizzo | Communications Director | mzizzo@musiccitygp.com | (817) 528-4676 (m)

• Track build begins Sunday on Korean War Veterans Memorial Bridge, grandstand construction already underway.
• Legendary Dee Jay Silver added to music lineup on Sunday, Aug. 7, prior to Grand Ole Prix.
• FanFest, Pit Stop Challenge return to kick off race week activities on Thursday, Aug. 4.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (July 7, 2022) – The second annual Big Machine Music City Grand Prix, set for Aug. 5-7, will be 30 days out today from the marquee NTT INDYCAR SERIES race day as the race circuit begins taking shape in downtown Nashville.

The build of the 2.17-mile temporary street circuit, which includes the Nissan Stadium campus and Korean War Veterans Memorial Bridge as focal points, will be part of the various activities going on in preparation for the green flag Sunday, Aug. 7, for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES race that begins at 2 p.m. CT (TV: NBC, Radio: SiriusXM Radio, INDYCAR Radio Network, ESPN Radio-Nashville, 102.5 The Game).

Here’s what to keep an eye out for as the three-day festival of racing and music approaches:

BUILDING BLOCKS

The track build for the 11-turn, 2.17-mile layout is a 25-day project that will get underway Sunday at 8 p.m. CT on Korean War Veterans Memorial Blvd. and bridge.

The build will include temporary street closures during that period, beginning with the bridge from S. 2^nd to 1^st Ave. Sunday through Wednesday. The crews will be working from 8 p.m. until 5 a.m. for the majority of the build to help alleviate traffic disruptions.

During the full build, the crews will install more than 2,000 barriers and fence panels in 12-foot sections along the course. Grandstand construction already is underway with grandstand sections No. 4, 5, 11 and 12 located on South 2^nd Street being erected.

The Big Machine Music City Grand Prix is the last of the five temporary street circuits on the 17-race NTT INDYCAR SERIES schedule.

SILVER STAR

Legendary Dee Jay Silver has been added to an already stellar musical lineup for the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix. Silver will be featured Sunday, Aug. 7, beginning at 5 p.m. on the ZYN Main Stage leading into the Grand Ole Prix performance starring Brantley Gilbert, Carly Pearce, Midland and Callista Clark.

As the first DJ ever signed to a major Nashville Record Label, RCA Nashville, Silver has been a top touring DJ/remixer/producer for the past 15 years, having played in premier venues in virtually every major market in the U.S., Mexico and Canada. The ground-breaking, open-format DJ/performer has thrilled millions with his unique ability to blend all types of music from hip hop and rock to house and country for crowds of all sizes as well as on mash-ups and remixes.

Silver has been traveling the world playing every kind of event and venue from the largest nightclubs, high-profile celebrity parties and exclusive private events to massive sporting events, award shows, major music festivals and arena tours and all that’s in between.

He has shared the stage with some of biggest artists in the world, including touring extensively with Jason Aldean for a decade, Chris Young, Kane Brown, Randy Houser, Florida Georgia Line, Jake Owen, Brad Paisley, Luke Bryan, Rascal Flatts, Eric Church, Cole Swindell, Tyler Farr, Thomas Rhett, Luke Combs, and many more.

When not on tour or at one of his many special appearances, the current Nashville resident also is hosting residencies in several major cities, including Zouk inside Resorts World in Las Vegas and Pool After Dark in Atlantic City.

TERRIFIC THURSDAY

The race week activities will once again kick off on Thursday, Aug. 4, with the FanFest and Pit Stop Challenge on Broadway. The free event features a pit stop competition among INDYCAR teams and prominent drivers, car displays from the various series competing in the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix, sponsor displays, and much more between 1^st and 4^th streets. More details will be announced next week.

POINT OF ENTRY

The Big Machine Music City Grand Prix could see a robust entry list of 27 drivers for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES race. An addition to the full-time driver roster for this event will be Simona De Silvestro of Paretta Autosport.

The women-led organization spearheaded by Beth Paretta is running a limited three-race road/street schedule and the team’s final race will be the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix. De Silvestro has competed at Road America (21^st)  and Mid-Ohio (18^th), respectively.

The Big Machine Music City Grand Prix is expected to have two female drivers in the field with the other being rookie Tatiana Calderon of AJ Foyt Racing.

TURNING ON THE LIGHTS

Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires is the new addition to this season’s Big Machine Music City Grand Prix on-track schedule. Indy Lights is the official development series of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and will offer a glimpse into some of INDYCAR’s future stars.

Past champions include INDYCAR SERIES champions Tony Kanaan, Scott Dixon, Josef Newgarden, Paul Tracy and Cristiano da Matta. In 2021, 20 drivers in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES were Indy Lights graduates, including Colton Herta, Pato O’Ward and Rinus VeeKay. 

Linus Lundqvist of HMD Motorsports with Dale Coyne Racing is the current Indy Lights championship standings leader on the strength of a series-high four wins.

Indy Lights joins a line-up that includes the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, SRO GT America powered by AWS, Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli, Robby Gordon’s SPEED Energy Stadium SUPER Trucks and Vintage Indy.

VOICE OF CHOICE

Rick Benjamin, one of America’s most noted and decorated motorsports broadcasters, will be the official voice of the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix as the lead Public Address announcer for the weekend’s activities.

With an esteemed career that has spanned three decades, Benjamin has covered nearly every discipline of motorsports, including being the lead broadcaster for television coverage of INDYCAR on ESPN, ABC, CBS and NBC; NASCAR Cup Series races on TBS, Speedvision and TNN; and the lead broadcaster for IMSA/American Le Mans Series racing on SPEED and NBC. He also served as the host of the ever-popular motorsports news shows, “Raceday” on TNN and “SPEED News” on the SPEED Channel.

In addition to his extensive television career, Benjamin spent more than 15 seasons as the lead announcer for network radio broadcasts of NASCAR events (MRN Radio) and NFL coverage (Carolina Panthers Radio Network), and seven seasons as the host of top-rated programming on SiriusXM Radio’s NASCAR Channel.

GREEN, GREEN, GREEN

Knauf Insulation, Inc., the Official Glass Recycling Partner of the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix, officially kicked off its sustainability initiative July 1 in Nashville’s entertainment districts.

Through Aug. 8, Knauf Insulation, a leading manufacturer of thermal and acoustical fiberglass insulation for residential, commercial, industrial, OEM and metal building applications, will collect glass from Big Machine Brewery & Distillery, Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, Kid Rock’s Big Ass Honky Tonk and Steakhouse, Luke’s 32 Bridge, Jason Aldean’s Kitchen + Rooftop Bar, and Losers Bar & Grill on Broadway as well as Winners Bar & Grill and Losers in Midtown.

The initiative also will extend on site for the three-day Big Machine Music City Grand Prix race weekend, which attracted more than 110,000 fans last year.

Recycled glass will be picked up from each location and delivered to Knauf’s local recycling partner, Strategic Materials, Inc., daily with the goal of collecting 150,000 glass bottles throughout the month.

COLLEGE OFFERS

The Big Machine Music City Grand Prix is offering a budget friendly ticket offer to all college students for any of the three days of the event. College students can purchase a single-day, general admission ticket for $30 with a maximum of two per event day per email address.

To be eligible, purchasers are required to have and use a college-issued email (.edu) for these ticket orders. The GA tickets provide admission to all daily on-track activities as well as that evening’s concert. College students can purchase today by clicking here.  

DAILY DOUBLE

Single-day tickets for all three days recently went on sale and begin as low as $39 for general admission and $49 for reserved grandstand for Wesley Mortgage Freedom Friday on Aug. 5.

Single-day tickets include admission to all on-track activities as well as that evening’s featured concert. The three-day ticket remains the best value with general admission starting at $129 and reserved grandstand at $209 and $219.

For those looking for more exclusive VIP options, there are several to choose from including the East Club. All tickets will be digital with scan in-and-out privileges to visit all Nashville has to offer. The venue grounds will be a cashless environment with the NFL clear bag policy in effect at entry. For ticket information, please visit https://musiccitygp.com/tickets.

About the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix:

The NTT INDYCAR SERIES will visit Nashville Aug. 5-7 for the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix, Round 14 of the 17-race season. The three-day festival of racing and music also will include Indy Lights, GT America, Trans Am, Stadium SUPER Trucks and Vintage Indy. The musical entertainment is highlighted by nightly on-site concerts featuring prominent artists led by Tim McGraw on Saturday, Aug. 6, and Carly Pearce and Brantley Gilbert for the Grand Ole Prix show on Sunday, Aug. 7.  For ticket and event information, please visit www.musiccitygp.com.

• The MULTI-PLATINUM superstars will be joined by Midland and Callista Clark for the Grand Ole Prix, a special outdoor downtown version of the Grand Ole Opry, following the NTT INDYCAR SERIES race on the Nissan Stadium campus.
• Sunday’s Big Machine Music City Grand Prix ticket includes free admission to the Grand Ole Prix show.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (June 28, 2022) – MULTI-PLATINUM superstar Brantley Gilbert and Opry member Carly Pearce will headline the special Grand Ole Prix show set for Sunday, Aug. 7, at the Nissan Stadium campus as part of the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix.

Fellow Big Machine Label Group artists Midland and Callista Clark will join Gilbert and Pearce during the special version of the esteemed show. Held outdoors in downtown Nashville as part of a second consecutive year merging racing and music, the live 90-minute show will begin at 5:45 p.m. CT on the ZYN Main Stage. The Grand Ole Prix follows the conclusion of the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix NTT INDYCAR SERIES race and culminates the Aug. 5-7 festivities in the heart of Music City.

Gilbert, who was previously named ACM New Male Vocalist of the Year (2012) and Top New Male Artist (2013), is a MULTI-PLATINUM-selling Georgia native with a grassroots following millions strong. Seven No. 1 hits punctuate his career: “Country Must be Country Wide,” “You Don’t Know Her Like I Do,” CMA Awards Song of the Year nominee “Dirt Road Anthem,” “My Kinda Party,” RIAA 5X PLATINUM-certified “Bottoms Up,” “One Hell of an Amen” and the collaboration with Lindsay Ell, “What Happens In A Small Town,” plus his landmark record JUST AS I AM clinched the 2014 American Music Award for Favorite Country Album. Following his “Rolex ® On A Redneck” collaboration with Jason Aldean, Gilbert partnered with Jelly Roll for their new song “Son Of The Dirty South.”

Reigning ACM/CMA Female Artist/Vocalist of the Year Pearce has enjoyed a recent wave of significant accolades as her “Never Wanted To Be That Girl” duet with Ashley McBryde became her second consecutive ACM Awards Music Event of the Year win and 29: Written in Stone was nominated for Album of the Year. The song also marked Pearce’s third No. 1 hit and they became only the third duet between two solo women to top Country Airplay since the Billboard chart’s 1990 inception. The Grand Ole Opry member will headline her first shows at the Ryman Auditorium on Oct. 26-27 after a summer touring with Kenny Chesney.

Rooted in tradition in both sound and style, Midland has grown from a bar band to an in-demand headliner selling out headline tours from coast to coast as well as supporting some of Country music’s biggest stars like George Strait, Garth Brooks, Tim McGraw and Little Big Town.

Lead vocalist Mark Wystrach fronts their rich sound rounded out with lead guitarist/vocalist Jess Carson and bass player/vocalist Cameron Duddy. Following their critically-acclaimed GOLD-certified debut album ON THE ROCKS, The Washington Post declared “the year’s best Country album” and earning the pinnacle spot on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart with LET IT ROLL, Midland brings listeners a resurgence of their thick harmonies, sad melodies, tart lyrics and steel guitar on THE LAST RESORT: GREETINGS FROM.

The 2018 ACM AwardsNew Vocal Group of the Year and GRAMMY®-nominated act offers an intentional nod to Country music reminiscent of the 1970s and ‘80s that has been evident since their 2X PLATINUM-certified No. 1 “Drinkin’ Problem” and is reflected on their latest single, “Longneck Way To Go" featuring Jon Pardi.

Named to Billboard’s annual “21 Under 21” list for two consecutive years and CMT’s 2022 class of Next Women of Country, 18-year-old Clark has a lot to say, wielding her creative gifts as both a defense and an instrument of peace as she puts her heart on display. With Real To Me producing the Top 20 “It’s ‘Cause I Am,” she became Country radio’s most successful new artist debut of 2021. Her latest single, “Gave It Back Broken,” is featured on her forthcoming debut album REAL TO ME: THE WAY I FEEL, arriving Oct. 14.

For high-resolution images, click the following name of the artist: Brantley Gilbert (Credit: Spidey Smith), Carly Pearce (Credit: Allister Ann), Midland (Credit: Harper Smith) and Callista Clark (Credit: Chelsea Thompson).

Three-day tickets and premium packages currently on sale provide admission to all on-track activities featuring the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and each of the concerts. Three-day tickets begin as low as $129 for general admission and $209 and $219 for reserved grandstand. Visit www.musiccitygp.com/tickets for more information or to purchase now.

About the Grand Ole Opry: Opry presents the best in country music live every week from Nashville, Tenn.  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. The Grand Ole Opry is owned by Ryman Hospitality Properties (NYSE: RHP).  For more information, visit opry.com.

About the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix: The NTT INDYCAR SERIES will visit Nashville Aug. 5-7 for the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix, Round 14 of the 17-race season. The three-day festival of racing and music also will include Indy Lights, GT America, Trans Am, Stadium SUPER Trucks and Vintage Indy. The musical entertainment is highlighted by nightly on-site concerts featuring prominent artists led by Tim McGraw on Saturday, Aug. 6, and Gilbert Brantley and Carly Pearce on Sunday, Aug. 7. For ticket and event information, please visit www.musiccitygp.com.

Media Contacts

For Big Machine Music City Grand Prix:

Mike Zizzo | Communications Director | mzizzo@musiccitygp.com | 817.528.4676 (m)

For Grand Ole Opry:

Dixie Owen | Schmidt Relations | dixie@schmidtpr.com | 615.440.6171 (m)

For Big Machine Label Group: Shelby Paul | Big Machine Label Group | publicity@bmlg.net

• Single-day tickets begin as low as $39 for general admission and $49 for reserved grandstand for the Aug. 5-7 motorsports weekend featuring the NTT INDYCAR SERIES.
• Any Grand Prix ticket includes free admission to that coinciding day’s on-site concert at the Nissan Stadium campus.
• Limited Gold Circle VIP add-on option for ticketholders now available for the Tim McGraw concert on Saturday, Aug. 6.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (June 27, 2022) – Single-day tickets for all three days of the Aug. 5-7 Big Machine Music City Grand Prix will go on sale to the general public Wednesday, June 29, beginning at 10 a.m. CT.

The individual-day tickets start as low as $39 for general admission and $49 for reserved grandstand for the second annual Big Machine Music City Grand Prix street circuit race around the Nissan Stadium campus in downtown Nashville. The three-day festival of racing and music will feature the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, Indy Lights, GT America, Trans Am, Stadium SUPER Trucks and Vintage Indy along with some of the biggest names in musical entertainment. All single-day tickets include free admission to the concert on that coinciding day.

Single-day ticket purchases, along with a variety of other options, are available through www.musiccitygp.com or Ticketmaster.com.

The Big Machine Music City Grand Prix NTT INDYCAR SERIES race, the centerpiece event of the weekend on Sunday, Aug. 7, will have general admission tickets available at $89 and reserved grandstand at $119. The day’s activities also will include races in Indy Lights, GT America and Stadium SUPER Trucks, lapping session by the Vintage Indy cars and the Grand Ole Prix concert featuring prominent names in country music following the INDYCAR race.

NTT INDYCAR SERIES qualifying and a concert by music superstar Tim McGraw will highlight the schedule for Saturday, Aug. 6. The day also will include INDYCAR practice, Indy Lights qualifying, qualifying and races in GT America and Trans Am, a Stadium SUPER Trucks race and Vintage Indy lapping session. Single-day general admission are $69 and reserved grandstand are $89.

Wesley Mortgage Freedom Friday on Aug. 5 offers the least expensive weekend option at $39 for general admission and $49 for reserved grandstand. Friday’s schedule includes practice sessions for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, Indy Lights, GT America, Trans Am along with Stadium SUPER Trucks practice and qualifying. The day also will feature the Freedom Friday Tribute Concert presented by Wesley Mortgage with a notable, soon-to-be-announced line-up of musical performers.

Also available beginning Wednesday will be a limited Gold Circle add-on option for ticketholders interested in an upgrade for the Tim McGraw concert. For $215, Gold Circle purchasers will have a designated VIP area adjacent to the ZYN Main Stage that will include private restrooms and a cash bar. A Gold Circle upgrade must be accompanied by a Saturday Grand Prix ticket.

Three-day tickets and premium packages remain on sale and provide the greatest value and access to all on-track activities featuring the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and concerts each night. Three-day tickets begin as low as $129 for general admission and $209 and $219 for reserved grandstand. Visit www.musiccitygp.com/tickets for more information or to purchase now.

Media Contact: Mike Zizzo | Communications Director | Big Machine Music City Grand Prix | mzizzo@musiccitygp.com | (817) 528-4676 (m)