Chase Elliott casts support for Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway to get a Cup Series date

It’s been 40 years since Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway played host to a NASCAR Cup Series race.

The racetrack, which originally opened in 1904 making it the second-oldest operating track in the United States, is now in dire need of renovations if it ever wants to host a NASCAR event again. Should that take place, Chase Elliott would certainly be in favor of returning to Nashville Fairgrounds, he told Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports.

“That would be a really good one,” Elliott said.

Pockrass noted that Speedway Motorsports has been working on building a proposal that will allow it to rebuild the city-owned facility and operate it under a lease agreement. Speedway Motorsports owns and operates 11 Cup Series tracks including Nashville Superspeedway, which will host its fourth straight Cup Series race later this month.

RestoreNashvilleFairgroundsSpeedway.com has information on the long-term vision for renovations in hopes of bringing NASCAR back to downtown Nashville.

“The Speedway needs comprehensive modernization,” the website reads. “Improvements will be made for driver and spectator safety, noise mitigation, plus expansion and updates to spectator seating. New audio/visual systems will enhance the spectator experience. New facilities will be constructed for storage, maintenance, and operations. Improvements to the infield also will allow for the facility to be used more easily by other community events.”

Chase Elliott looking forward to Cup Series debut at Iowa Speedway

The Cup Series will first head to a new spot this Sunday — Iowa Speedway — for the Iowa Corn 350. It’s the first Cup Series to emanate from the racetrack since its opening in 2006. The Xfinity and CRAFTSMAN Truck Series ran there from 2009-2019. Elliott is excited to see NASCAR’s premier series finally get one in at Iowa.

“I remember fans, particularly, always talking about how bad they want a Cup race. So, I’m just excited that they finally got a Cup race,” Elliott said. “I feel like it’s been a worthy facility for a long time. And whatever the reason may be or however long we go, I think it’s good that they have done things right over the years and got one.”

Brad Keselowski echoed Elliott’s sentiments.

“[Iowa] is exposing us to just a different part of the country, different region that’s hungry for our sport and it’s going to embrace us at all levels — whether it be the fans in the stands or the corporate partnerships,” Keselowski said.