Big Machine’s Scott Borchetta On Bringing Music & Racing Together For The Music City Grand Prix

Sep 12, 2024 at 9:31 PM
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Nashville Gears Up for the Thrilling Finale of the INDYCAR Season

Nashville is poised to host a remarkable event that blends the excitement of motorsports with the vibrant energy of live music. The Big Machine Music City Grand Prix, now in its fourth year, is set to be the grand finale of the 2024 INDYCAR season, with the championship title on the line. This year's race promises to be a true spectacle, showcasing the city's unparalleled ability to deliver an unforgettable experience for fans and motorsports enthusiasts alike.

A Captivating Showdown for the INDYCAR Crown

The Finale with High Stakes

The 2024 Big Machine Music City Grand Prix holds special significance for INDYCAR, as it marks the final race of the season. This year's championship will be decided on the streets of Nashville, with two seasoned drivers, Alex Palou and Will Power, vying for their third INDYCAR title. The anticipation is palpable, as these two champions go head-to-head in a thrilling battle for the coveted crown.

A Historic Clash of Titans

Scott Borchetta, the head of Big Machine Label Group and the event's promoter, emphasizes the significance of this year's finale. "The fact that we're the finale is incredible," he notes. "And we have really big stakes with Alex Palou and Will Power. It's the first time in the history of IndyCar you have two guys who have won two championships and are going head-to-head for their third." This unprecedented showdown between two INDYCAR legends is sure to captivate fans and add an extra layer of excitement to the weekend's festivities.

The Thrill of the Chase

As the 2024 INDYCAR season reaches its climactic conclusion, the stakes have never been higher. Palou and Power, both seasoned champions, will battle it out on the streets of Nashville, each determined to claim their third title and cement their legacies in the sport. The city of Nashville, known for its electric atmosphere and passionate fan base, is the perfect stage for this high-stakes showdown, promising an unforgettable weekend of racing and entertainment.

A Blend of Motorsports and Music

The Big Machine Music City Grand Prix is more than just a race; it's a celebration of the city's rich cultural heritage. Borchetta, a true visionary, has seamlessly integrated the world of motorsports and the vibrant music scene of Nashville, creating a truly unique event that caters to a diverse audience.

Bringing Two Passionate Fanbases Together

"It gives us an opportunity to bring two really robust and excited fan bases together," Borchetta explains. The event will feature a lineup of live performances from Big Machine artists, including Brantley Gilbert, Gary LeVox, Brian Kelley, Daughtry, Riley Green, DJ Blanco, and many others. This fusion of racing and music is a testament to Borchetta's ability to create an experience that resonates with both motorsports enthusiasts and music lovers alike.

Borchetta's Lifelong Passions Converge

Borchetta's love for music and racing has been a driving force throughout his career. As the founder and CEO of the Big Machine Label Group, he has built a powerhouse label that is home to some of the biggest names in country music. But his passion for racing has also been a constant, with his involvement in the sport dating back to his childhood.

Earning Credibility and Respect

When the opportunity to bring the Grand Prix to Nashville arose, Borchetta was an early investor, with Big Machine signing on as a sponsor. However, when the race's future was uncertain, Borchetta decided to take on the responsibility of ensuring its success. "It's a lot of responsibility and we don't take putting this thing on lightly," he says. "The racing fraternities are not something you just walk into. It takes years to earn credibility and respect, and I take that very seriously."

Adapting to Change

The Music City Grand Prix has undergone a significant change this year, with the race moving from the streets of downtown Nashville to the Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tennessee. This decision was necessitated by the construction of the new Titans football stadium, which would have made it impossible to host the race in the city center.

Preserving the Downtown Experience

Despite the relocation, Borchetta was determined to maintain a presence in the heart of Nashville. "I'm really excited because we're shutting down Broadway on Friday and will have the IndyCar Pit Stop Competition right there," he explains. "Then we'll kick off Freedom Friday Military Activations, we'll have some of our artists performance (Brian Kelley and others), and we're releasing Brantley Gilbert's new album that day, so we're holding what we're calling 'the world's largest album release party.'"

A Thrilling Weekend of Racing and Entertainment

The 2024 Big Machine Music City Grand Prix promises to be a weekend filled with non-stop action and excitement. Fans will have the opportunity to witness INDYCAR practice and qualifying on Saturday, as well as a full slate of live musical performances throughout the day. On Sunday, the main event takes center stage, with the NTT INDYCAR Championship Race set to begin at 2:25 pm local time (3:25 pm EST).

Delivering Unforgettable Experiences

Borchetta's commitment to providing an unforgettable experience for fans is at the heart of the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix. Whether it's through the music, the racing, or any of his other business ventures, his focus remains on delivering top-notch entertainment that resonates with his audience. "Everything we touch at the end of the day leads back to some form of entertainment whether it's the record label, racing, our distillery brands, clothing brands, whatever it is, it's all tied back to this culture," he says.