Nascar’s Nashville Fairgrounds Return Thwarted by a Worrisome Roadblock

NASCAR fans were treated to the glorifying comeback of an iconic race track at North Wilkesboro Speedway in May last year. For the first time in 27 years, NASCAR was back at the venue with its All-Star race. This event did spark the movement to bring the historic racetracks back to life, and fans were hoping the same for the Nashville Fairgrounds.

The Fairgrounds Raceway has seen the likes of Geoff Bodine, Richard Petty, and Darrell Waltrip register some of their memorable wins. However, a dispute over the management of the racetrack saw NASCAR pull its plug on racing at the venue ahead of the 1985 season. Since then, there have been attempts to bring back the golden era of racing to the venue. However, the plans to convert the racetrack into affordable housing have now put the hopes of Fairgrounds’ return to NASCAR under serious doubt.

A charter amendment approval will cease any plans of NASCAR returning to Fairgrounds

Locals have been opposing the idea of building a new facility or allowing NASCAR racing back at the venue for some time now. Back in 2023, when Mayor John Cooper was keen to bring NASCAR back to the venue, he was met with public outrage. Also, after his departure from office, the current mayor, Freddie O’Connell, has decided to stray away from the ambitious project.

According to a report by the Nashville Scene, a charter amendment was proposed to remove the auto racing track and establish affordable housing for the local community. The amendment tabled by Kenny Byrd and Hedi Basgall was presented to the Metro Charter Revision Commission. The commission did find some irregularities, as the amendment was incorrectly formatted, and therefore voted not to certify it.

It has to be noted that there were no issues with the substance of the amendment, and it could be certified once properly formatted. In the event, that the commission does certify the petition, Byrd and Basgall would need signatures from 10 percent of registered voters to get the amendment on the ballot. With voters then deciding the fate of the racetrack in November.

Kenny Byrd is the former commissioner on the fair board, and partnering alongside Basgall, the duo is looking to push the narrative of affordable housing over auto racing at the Fairgrounds.

“Voters in Nashville support affordable housing”: Kenny Byrd

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A report by the Nashville Banner suggests that Byrd clarified that his charter revision is not affiliated with Fairgrounds Preservation Partners. In fact, he himself is involved in a plan to replace the racetrack with a park, a live studio place for artists and musicians, and an electric vehicle racing facility. Byrd also highlighted a key program that will unlock if the amendment is certified and put into work.

“Putting this on the ballot increases the odds of transit initiative passing. Voters in Nashville overwhelmingly support more affordable housing. The evidence is clear that those same voters support transit initiatives. In fact, experts agree. You have to have affordable housing to make new transit work more effectively. Affordable housing fans will be eager to support transit issues.” Byrd said.

Even if the proposal is rejected and plans for revamping are put on hold, the venue would still need a major overhaul to organize a NASCAR event.

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