Nashville Superspeedway: Insights Ahead of Race Weekend
Nashville, TN — As the NTT IndyCar Series returns to the 1.33-mile Nashville Superspeedway, teams are preparing for a weekend filled with uncertainty following significant technical changes. After a successful debut last season, where Andretti Global claimed both pole and victory, chief engineer Craig Hampson emphasizes that the evolving aero rules and tire compounds will complicate matters for all teams.
“While we excelled here last year with Kyle Kirkwood taking pole and Colton Herta securing victory, the introduction of new aero and tire regulations means we can’t simply replicate last year’s successes,” Hampson stated. “Our previous setups are merely starting points now.”
Key Changes
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Aero Adjustments: In an effort to unify rules between Nashville and Iowa, IndyCar has removed the convex domed packers from the underwing, reducing downforce. In return, teams can increase rear wing angle, shifting from a maximum of hole 3 last year to hole 5 this year, allowing for adjustable setups that were not permitted previously.
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Setup Challenges: Nashville’s unique concrete surface combined with its bumps imposes extreme demands on the spring and shock absorber configurations. Hampson noted, “With the big bump in Turns 3 and 4, achieving a comfortable ride is essential for speed but presents a dilemma in ride height adjustments.”
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Tire Strategy: Teams will utilize two tire compounds during the race, both of which differ from last year’s offerings. Hampson expressed the importance of understanding tire degradation and performance under the revised conditions, adding, “This adds a layer of complexity that our engineers will have to navigate with limited practice time.”
Race Dynamics
Hampson acknowledged last season’s race strategy, where Herta’s unique pit timing allowed him to overtake a leading Pato O’Ward. “Decisions often hinge on real-time race conditions,” Hampson explained. “With tight competition, one team may follow a different approach to capitalize on race dynamics.”
At a Glance:
- Race Distance: 225 laps / 299.25 miles
- 2024 Pole Time: Kyle Kirkwood (47.5178s; 201.520 mph)
- 2024 Winner: Colton Herta
- Hybrid Energy: Unlimited activation with a maximum deployment of 155 kJ per lap.
- Tire Allotment: Six sets of primary and four sets of alternate.
Weekend Schedule (Central Time)
Saturday, August 30
- 9:20 AM: Installation Laps
- 9:30 – 10:30 AM: Practice
- 1:05 PM: Qualifying
- 3:45 PM: Group Session
- 4:30 – 5:30 PM: Final Practice
Sunday, August 31
- 1:40 PM: “Drivers, start your engines”
- 1:45 PM: Race Start
Hampson concludes, “The collective insight of our drivers and engineers will be pivotal in adapting to these changes. With a congested schedule and limited practice, communication will be key to our success in Nashville.”
