The American Legion – Ceremonial First Lap at Nashville Music City Grand Prix

Following a two week break in the schedule, the INDYCAR season rolls into the final half of the season with a very unique street course venue in the streets of Nashville, TN.  Jimmie Johnson and the #48 team are on an even playing-field (so to speak) this weekend as he and the other 27 drivers in the field are experiencing the twist and turns of this new circuit all for the very first time. If you are interested in music, you might be interested in reading about this article about How Does Music Affect Your Brain?

I’m reaching out this morning to share with you a very special event that took place on Friday morning at the track that Mary Jo Dial brokered between the NTT Data INDYCAR Series and the race promoters in Nashville.

One of the most iconic sections of this street circuit is Korean War Memorial Bridge in downtown Nashville.  The American Legion worked with all parties in Nashville to create a ceremonial “First Lap” around the circuit and we were able to include Korean War Veteran and Tennessee Legionnaire Jim Markham in the ceremony.  Jim had the opportunity to ride in the pace car driven by four-time INDYCAR Champion and former Ganassi Racing driver Dario Franchitti.  As you can see from the video link below, the ceremony garnered and incredible amount of media attention with a specific spotlight on Jim Markham and The American Legion.

Link to video from NBC affiliate  — https://www.wsmv.com/video/special-guest-got-to-ride-in-grand-prix-pace-car/video_e34f432e-97bd-5a76-aebb-7c0d8ba72d57.html

As for the race weekend schedule, practice begins at 1:00 p.m. EST with qualifying starting at 4:30 p.m. broadcasted on NBC’s streaming platform – Peacock.  The Music City Grand Prix will is Sunday beginning at 5:30 p.m. on NBC.