NASCAR Could Come To Nashville Fairgrounds By 2022

The Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway could hold a televised NASCAR race as soon as 2022, the Mayor's office announced.

In a news release, Mayor John Cooper said the city is in talks with Bristol Motor Speedway to bring professional racing back to the historic Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway. The move will "modernize" the track and create a unique asset to make Music City even greater.

"The racetrack can stop being a financial drain on taxpayers," said Mayor Cooper. "Instead, it can generate positive cash flow and help fund investments at the racetrack, at the Fairgrounds and at Fair Park."

According to Cooper, the Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway is the second oldest operating motor speedway in the country, dating back to 1904.

"This historic site can be a great long-term asset for the community and the city," said Cooper. "Bristol Motor Speedway, with their experience, is an ideal partner to help achieve those goals."

The mayor's office said discussion between the city and Bristol will include:

• Management of the track potentially being taken over by Bristol Motor Speedway
• Shifting financial responsibility for track renovation and maintenance to Bristol Motor Speedway
• Generation of additional revenue to the city through lease, rent and shared-event-revenue agreements

According to FOX 17, proposed improvements include more seating, safety upgrades, and noise mitigation which would be funded by ticket user fees and increased lease agreements.

"Bristol Motor Speedway and Speedway Motorsports are thrilled to take this step forward with Mayor Cooper, the Fair Board, Metro Council and the neighborhood stakeholders," said Marcus Smith, president and chief executive officer of Speedway Motorsports and Bristol Motor Speedway. "We can work together to transform Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway into an amazing multipurpose entertainment destination. We're ready to roll up our sleeves and go to work to fully restore the speedway, recruit national events and breathe new life into a venue that has a legendary status in auto racing history."

Photo: Getty Images