NASCAR chief admits sport having problems returning to historic Nashville track

NASCAR president Steve O'Donnell has admitted that the series is coming up against some problems as they push for a return to an iconic track.

Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway hasn't hosted a NASCAR national series race since 2000, but the sport (and specifically Speedway Motorsports) has been angling for a return to the historic short track.

The zMAX Series CARS Tour race at the track last weekend caught some national attention thanks to Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s participation (he finished 12th, with his JR Motorsports driver Caden Kvapil winning).

O'Donnell appeared on the Door Bumper Clear podcast this week to discuss a number of topics around the sport – and confirmed he'd 'love to' bring NASCAR racing back to the Fairgrounds.

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NASCAR chief hoping for Nashville return despite obstacles

O'Donnell said: “Nashville is one of our most historic tracks; we’d love to be there. We’d love to be in both places in Nashville (including Nashville Superspeedway), it’s a great market … obviously, we’ve got a lot of hard-core fans there.

"I was glad to see the CARS Tour go there. It was a great crowd, which was awesome. So hopefully that builds a little more momentum and gets (Nashville stock car racing) back in the limelight, especially from the media.”

However, the struggles continue – with the NASCAR chief explaining: "Listen, it’s been a weekly dialogue, right? I know [Speedway Motorsports president and CEO Marcus Smith] is trying to get there. It’s been an uphill battle, which I don’t understand.

"When you think about the noise and everything, I mean they’ve got concerts (at nearby Geodis Park) and all kinds of stuff, they’ve got soccer. But it’s tough right now.”

Dale Jr.'s response to Nashville CARS Tour race

Posting on social media after the event, Earnhardt wrote: "Headed home from Nashville after a LONG weekend with the CARS Tour. I feel like the race was a good success. We loaded up a lot of clean racecars at the end of the night. I spoke with several competitors that hoped we would return for another race so that's exciting.

"Nashville Fairgrounds is a special place. I know there's a lot of challenges ahead for that facility but there is zero doubt after last night that the racing community there is as strong as ever.

"I'm still very optimistic that the track's future is secure. I've no inside knowledge, but when you are there on the property you realize that anyone who walks that same ground can't help but acknowledge the history and the potential.

"Appreciate anyone who came out to the race or viewed it on Flo Racing. Big thanks to our competitors for making the trip, and the new teams that joined us. On to the next one! Caraway Speedway April 25th."