IndyCar: Friday Report from Big Machine Music City Grand Prix

Good morning from the  2.1 mile, 11-turn temporary street course surrounding the Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN.   The weather is cloudy this morning with the high predicted in the low 80s for today.  Some rain has fallen here at the track. Thunderstorms are predicted to start around 1 pm.

Besides the NTT INDYCAR Series competing here the next three days, the Indy Lights, GT America, Trans Am and Super Stadium Trucks will also entertain the fans.

Last year’s inaugural race winner, Marcus Ericsson, driver of the number 8 Huski Chocolate Chip Ganassi Racing entry, has quite a win to remember.  With an early incident on Lap 4, Ericsson’s car ended up with the nose of his car in the air before landing hard.  After getting a new front wing and having five pit stops, in a race filled with yellow flags, the Swede crossed the finish line first.

“I am very excited to return to Nashville.”, Ericsson said.   “The atmosphere was amazing last year.  The whole city was busting with people and excitement for the race.”

“I cannot wait to return as the defending winner.  We have a strong street course package.”

The first practice session for INDYCAR is scheduled for 3:15 pm this afternoon.

Stay tuned for more updates.

Lucille Dust reporting live from Nashville