USA Today via Reuters
Jun 26, 2022; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Christopher Bell (20) and driver Chase Elliott (9) drive toward turn one during the Ally 400 at Nashville Superspeedway. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Jun 26, 2022; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Christopher Bell (20) and driver Chase Elliott (9) drive toward turn one during the Ally 400 at Nashville Superspeedway. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
For any NASCAR fan, the return of a classic NASCAR track would be a dream come true. Dale Earnhardt Jr already made several fans’ wildest dreams come true with North Wilkesboro. Now, there are talks of more tracks coming back into the fray, and one of them is the Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway. Recently, there were reports of a public hearing and a vote to let the track ink a lease agreement with Speedway Motorsports.
However, amid all the excitement, there is bad news looming on the horizon. Apparently, some Nashville residents have filed opposition documents protesting against NASCAR’s return. To be honest, they have some legitimate concerns, like the race being expensive for taxpayers. Additionally, they want the city to do more for the local residents, instead of tourists.
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However, there were some strange concerns too. The document mentioned that as the Nashville Superspeedway is not far away, a track within city limits is not needed; and that the noise from NASCAR cars would prove too much for the neighborhood residents.
In advance of public hearing and a possible vote on Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway and Speedway Motorsports entering into a lease agreement with a NASCAR race, opposition documents are being mailed throughout the city pic.twitter.com/86mErBweWu
— Matt Weaver (@MattWeaverRA) March 10, 2023
NASCAR fans have no mercy for the ridiculous complaints
Obviously, NASCAR fans were not going to take this lying down and struck back with a vengeance. Some latched onto the noise complaint and declared that the mufflers were in play. Other arguments declared that Speedway Motorsports Inc. was covering the cost of most of the expansion. Fans also insisted that there was nothing wrong with tourism and that the Nashville Superspeedway is too far from the city.
do we tell them about the mufflers or no
— Joe Sell (@NyanBlaney) March 10, 2023
Few things to note:
Part of the expansion would be covered by SMI.
What the hell is wrong with tourism?
Nashville Superspeedway is too far.
Are they unaware NASCAR is conducting muffler tests?Bonus question:
Where are these complainers during Music City GP that IndyCar does 😂— 🇨🇦🇱🇻 EZ (@ErikZarins) March 10, 2023
I will gladly switch houses with these people if they don't like living next to a racetrack. Cause I sure would. But that doesn't mean ruining it for everyone else! You chose to live there
— Jordan Runge #FearTheDeer #OnWisconsin (@Jordan_Runge14) March 10, 2023
Some even pointed out the annual IndyCar Music City Grand Prix races. They noted that there were few complaints about that, compared to NASCAR. One fan even joked that they wouldn’t be opposed to swapping houses and living close to the race track. Fans also observed that the SRX Series also races at Nashville, and these complaints made no sense. Especially since NASCAR comes for only one race weekend.
"But the SRX and other racing here is fine though"
— Tyler (@t_sholts) March 10, 2023
— Dustin McGrew (@dmcgrew) March 10, 2023
This seems excessive for one race weekend. Do they not realize the track already has several race weekends throughout the calendar already? Did they not get the news of the mufflers utilized at the Clash last month that would reduce noise significantly (I was there) 🙄
— Kyle (@ekylef) March 10, 2023
One thing is for sure, NASCAR is hard at work with new and old tracks. Obviously, resistance will always be there and no one knows how things will pan out until it actually happens. After all, there had been a lot of skepticism over the Chicago Street race. However, the race is still set to get underway later this year.
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