In a heartening show of camaraderie, support, and passion for the sport, NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Jr took to social media to endorse Kurt Busch for his efforts in championing the renovation of the historic Nashville racetrack, the Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway. The speedway, one of the oldest in America, has been at the center of a passionate debate. A couple of local community organizations are divided over its proposed restoration.
On one side, “Save My Fairground” supports the restoration as a means to preserve history, promote racing, and bolster economic development. But on the flip side, CARE (Citizens Against Racetrack Expansion for Nashville) expresses concerns about potential disruptions and financial burdens on taxpayers. The tension between these groups has been steadily escalating as the fate of the beloved speedway hangs in the balance.
Kurt Busch gets a vote of support from Dale Earnhardt Jr for his efforts in Nashville
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On Tuesday, Kurt Busch showed up at a community meeting at Geodis Park in Nashville to show his support for the restoration project. He believes the track has the potential to revitalize local racing communities. Speaking to Matt Weaver, the elder Busch explained the importance of short tracks such as the Fairgrounds Speedway and the impact it can have on young racers.
“Tracks like this in the local community that are this size and this atmosphere help build up the guys and young girls that wanna be racers,” Kurt said. “This is a perfect showcase for them to show their talent and make it to the big time. So the more that we can help all the communities with their local short tracks, the better it’s going to be for the big time at NASCAR.
“When you have a bottom that’s healthy, then it just rises up to the top,” he continued. “Let’s just say we have a NASCAR race here, and we see the atmosphere as North Wilkesboro had this year. That’s when the young fans will go to the race and go, ‘I wanna get involved.’ Whether it’s being a jackman, whether it’s being a spotter, being in the infrastructure of the team.”
Short track racer at heart Kurt Busch on why he wanted to come to Nashville today and advocate for its continued existence. pic.twitter.com/UALJQs6CrD
— Matt Weaver (@MattWeaverRA) July 25, 2023
Dale Earnhardt Jr extended his support to Kurt Busch by retweeting Matt Weaver’s post and letting his huge audience in on what went down at Geodis Park. He wrote, “Bravo @KurtBusch for making the trip today!”
Bravo @KurtBusch for making the trip today! https://t.co/GWuAnVmP9j
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) July 25, 2023
Kurt Busch also spoke about what the track can accomplish for the local communities and the local talented racers. He explained the potential role NASCAR can play to help the local communities.
Busch explained how NASCAR can play a helping role in the Nashville Fairgrounds Community
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Drawing parallels with renowned tracks like Loudon and North Wilkesboro. Kurt Busch believes the proposed renovation would provide an essential platform for talented local racers. They will get opportunities to showcase their skills and potentially make it to the big leagues.
“And what this reminds me of, not just North Wilkesboro but it’s like Loudon, New Hampshire,” said Kurt. “That racetrack cup at Loudon is New England’s pride and joy and it’s a small enough track where you get some of the late models on there. You get that local group of talented racers, you give them a shot at the big time. That’s what can happen here with this track.”
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When asked about what NASCAR can bring to the table for the communities surrounding the Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway, Busch said, “It’s just everything all added together. It’s the excitement of it, the mathematics of it, the writing, the PR people, lawyers have to be involved. There’s so many elements to our sport. I feel like I wear 10 different hats just being a racer but there’s so many opportunities for crew members and people to get involved and it spiderwebs from there.”
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Which side of the argument are you supporting? Do you think renovating the Fairgrounds Speedway will help the local communities or make their life more difficult? Share your thoughts in the comments.