After taking a month off after the the July 4th shootout that saw Josef Newgarden take Penske's first win of 2021. The stars of the series heads to the home of country music as the first ever Music City Grand Prix takes place through the streets of downtown Nashville, Tennessee. This race marks the beginning of separating the contenders from the pretenders in this years quest for the Astor Cup as the season winds down with only six races left to go.
Track Facts: The Downtown Nashville Street Circuit is an 11 turn, 2.17 mile temporary street circuit that incorporates the area surrounding the home of the Tennessee Titans. With the primary piece that the circuit will show off is the crossing of the Cumberland River via Korea Veterans Memorial Bridge. Which that section will be the widest and fastest part as speeds will approach 180 miles per hour. It is also one of three tracks on this year's calander do be ran anti-clockwise. Drivers have compared the elevation changes to Laguna Seca with the bumpiness of Belle Isle.
Championship Standings: Top 3
Alex Palou holds a 24 point advantage over Pato O'Ward with six races left to go. Scott Dixon holds firm in third as he is still in championship contention. Assuming he makes it through this weekend.
Race Preview:
Not much is known about this upcoming Music City Grand Prix. It has been the most anticipated race outside of the Indy 500 this year and for good reason. Stars like Dale Earnhardt Jr and Dario Franchitti have been used to elevate this race in and around Nashville to superstar status on the IndyCar calander. Through Practice One, Colton Herta has been on point by taking to the track so quickly. Look for single file racing for most of the day as drivers position themselves to make passes after and before the bridge section. Track position will be key so qualifying will be super important. But, a new race with no real expectations could surprise us. That's why I am taking Roman Grosjean to take the checkered flag this weekend in Nashville.
You can watch the Music City Grand Prix from Nashville at 5:30 P.M. Est on NBC on Sunday.