The second annual Battle of Broadway 150, set for May 29 at Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway, aims to attract more NASCAR Cup drivers this year. Last year's event featured notable participants like Ross Chastain and Josh Berry, who competed in the inaugural race. Race organizers hope to capitalize on the proximity to the NASCAR Cup Series race at Nashville Superspeedway, now scheduled for June 1, by encouraging more top-tier drivers to participate. With Rackley Roofing as the title sponsor this year, there is optimism about increased participation from high-profile drivers.
Last year’s race saw an exciting showdown between two NASCAR Cup drivers, Ross Chastain and Josh Berry. Their intense rivalry added a significant highlight to the event. This year, promoters are eager to see if these stars will return, along with potential newcomers. The involvement of such prominent figures can elevate the profile of the race and draw more attention from fans and media alike.
In 2024, Chastain and Berry provided thrilling moments as they battled it out on the historic track. Chastain, driving for Trackhouse Racing, has strong ties to Nashville, making his participation even more likely. Meanwhile, Berry, now with Wood Brothers Racing, also expressed interest in continuing his participation. Both drivers were in the top eight throughout much of the race, culminating in a heated exchange during the final laps. Although Trey Craig ultimately won the race, the presence of these Cup drivers made it memorable for everyone involved.
This year, race officials are implementing strategic moves to enhance the event’s appeal. Promoters are actively recruiting more NASCAR Cup drivers, starting with efforts at the Daytona 500. Bob Sargent, CEO of Track Enterprise, believes that early outreach will be crucial in securing commitments from top drivers. The addition of Rackley Roofing as a title sponsor adds stability and financial backing to the event, further increasing its attractiveness.
Organizers are particularly interested in attracting other well-known Cup drivers such as Chase Elliott, Daniel Suárez, Kyle Busch, and Kyle Larson. Each of these drivers has connections to Nashville or past experiences at the Fairgrounds Speedway, making them ideal candidates. Elliott, for instance, raced there early in his career and won an SRX Series race in 2022. Suárez, being part of Trackhouse Racing, shares a connection with Chastain. Kyle Busch and Kyle Larson, known for their competitive spirit, could bring additional excitement to the race. With a robust schedule for the rest of the year, including local racing and special events, the Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway is poised to become a hub for motorsports enthusiasts.