Welcome to Nashville Superspeedway, a 1.33 mileoval with has so much character due to being made of concrete and that usually produces great racing, anyone remember Pato and Palou going at it a few years ago? Nashville is banked at 14° which surprisingly is the highest on the IndyCar circuit. I for one am happy IndyCar is on the oval, really fun racing to fit music city! We have only been racing here for 2 years though, Power, Dixon, and Rahal are the only active drivers to race here pre 2009, but of course a lot has changed since then.
The Championship Picture
Alex Palou is leading the championship by 56 points, comfortable but all it takes is one bad race, and the chasing pack will be there to pounce! Kyle Kirkwood is the man 2nd in the standings, with Lundgaard skyrocketing after back to back podiums to just 65 points off. The dane is now in search of a new drive for 2026, will that translate to a stronger performance? We can hope, ovals are not traditionally his specialty. That can’t be said for Malukas, P4 in the standings at -66 but you have to believe this is another race we look for Malukas to be in contention, given Penske’s track record on ovals.
The Hometown advantage
Josef Newgarden is from the Nashville area, he won last year in front of his adoring home crowd, I wouldn’t be surprised if this is a happy homecoming for the 2x series champion!
My Pick to Win: Josef Newgarden
Hometown kid, won this race last year, has won twice on ovals this year, average finish or 2.0 on this configuration, and driving for the captain? There is not a doubt in my mind Newgarden will be on the podium if not victory
Dark Horse: Santino Ferrucci
Ferrucci is one of just 4 drivers to finish top 10 in both Nashville races (Newgarden, McLaughlin, Kirkwood)
Pressure is on: Christian Lundgaard
I could say Scott McLaughlin, been an odd year for him but there is so much more riding on Lundgaard, now out of a drive for 27, driving for a future, having just gotten back into the championship conversation, it’s a very strange dynamic. He needs to prove everyone wrong and that he can turn things around, a best oval finish of 6th, and average of 14.22 is just not good enough for McLaren racing.
Steer clear: Christian Rasmussen
Oval racing, Rasmussen will be mentioned, his short oval pedigree is fantastic, 3 podiums and a victory is amazing, his results at Nashville? Less than desirable. 14th in 2024 and 27th last year, would be happy to be proven wrong. (Dis)Honourable mention to Will Power, 3 races here, no top 10s, finishes of p11, p24 and p21.
written by Carlos Faria // Media Credit: Penske Entertainment
