Championship Day at NSS
Welcome to Championship Sunday at a sunny Nashville Superspeedway. The weather looks much more promising than yesterday’s looked – and yesterday was much better than most thought it would be. It is sunny and warm with a projected high temperature of 87°. There are a few puffy clouds as I type this at 11:00 am local time, but nothing looks threatening. However, there is a chance of rain for late afternoon. Hopefully it will be long after the race is done.
They did have an abbreviated practice last night after I left. Unfortunately, pole-sitter Kyle Kirkwood hit “the bump” coming out of Turn Four that has caused so many problems this weekend. He lost control and slapped the outside wall, doing mostly rear-end damage. Hopefully, the dreaded bump won’t cause any issues in the race.
This morning we learned that Santino Ferrucci had an unapproved engine change overnight. He will now serve a 9-grid spot penalty and will start fourteenth. Knowing his performance on starts and re-starts, that shouldn’t pose a huge problem for him.
I know most fans don’t give a flip about media centers, but this is a very positive story. I mentioned yesterday how nice the media center is here. That’s true, but some of the nicest facilities can have a bad vibe – almost oppressive. That is not the case here. The feeling in this one is almost like a festival. That’s a reflection of the people putting on this event.
Katie Brannan is in charge of media relations for the Music City Grand Prix. When we learned on Monday that Susan was going to have surgery on Wednesday, I emailed Katie to tell that most likely, Susan would not be attending and they could turn her seat loose for someone else. She thanked me for letting her know, but they would save her seat in hopes she could make it.
When I arrived here yesterday morning, I told her that we had just learned she was totally ruled out for the weekend – so release her seat if she needs to. She was very concerned about Susan, and said ‘Let me give you something to take back to her”. She reached under her desk and pulled out a large Music City Grand Prix flag that had been signed by Santino Ferrucci – her favorite driver (even though we are not supposed to have favorites). I took the flag to her this morning. She asked that the flag be spread out at the foot of her hospital bed, for when she watches the race later today. By the way, she is still doing great, and they will most likely release her on Monday.
The Indy NXT race just ended, and race winner Louis Foster is celebrating in Victory Lane, just on the other side of the wall of the media center. I am going to go roam the paddock and keep an eye on the Titans game that will be starting shortly. I’m a glutton for punishment.
I will be back here for a wrap-up after the race and the new champion has been crowned. Then I will have my usual Random Thoughts post here on Monday. Enjoy the race, everyone!
George Phillips
Oilpressure 
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