Josef Newgarden says Music City Grand Prix is second only to Indy 500
Two-time Indy 500 champion Josef Newgarden says the Music City Grand Prix is second only to the Indy 500 in terms of racing and excitement.
- Indy 500 champion Josef Newgarden will host the inaugural Karting for a Cause event in Nashville.
- The event will benefit Speedway Children’s Charities and feature go-kart racing, food, drinks, and entertainment.
Josef Newgarden started his racing career as a 13-year-old growing up in Hendersonville.
He quickly became a regular on the Kart Racers of America series and won his first title in 2006. Seventeen years later, Newgarden won the Indianapolis 500. He won the Indy 500 again the next year in 2024.
Newgarden, now a Nashville resident, will return to his roots on Aug. 28 when he serves as host for the inaugural Karting for a Cause with Josef Newgarden and Friends at K1 Speed on Davidson Street.
It’s open to the public and will provide guests the opportunity to compete in go-kart races against Newgarden and other IndyCar drivers, who will be in town for the fifth annual Borchetta Bourbon Music City Grand Prix at Nashville Superspeedway on Aug. 31.
Proceeds benefit Speedway Children Charities.
“Giving back and creating opportunities has always been very important to me, especially with a platform that allows me to do that,” Newgarden said. “Partnering with Speedway Children’s Charities for our Karting for a Cause event here in Nashville is the perfect opportunity to bring together the IndyCar community and my hometown to create a positive impact.”
Music City Grand Prix president Anne Fischgrund added that she hopes the Karting event will take place annually.
The event will be from 3:30-7:30 p.m.
Along with the go-kart racing, food and drinks will be served. There also will be live entertainment along with live and silent auctions.
To register contact Nashville Children’s Charities chapter director Traci Roberts at troberts@nashvillesuperspeedway.com.
Tennessee Tech’s Tim Coutras named FCS preseason All-American
Tennessee Tech defensive back Tim Coutras, a former Nolensville star, made the 2025 Stats Perform FCS Preseason All-America second team.
Coutras, who made the Stats Perform FCS Preseason third team in 2024, is a transfer from Liberty who had 59 tackles, three interceptions, eight pass breakups and forced two fumbles while helping the Golden Eagles earn a share of the Big South-Ohio Valley Conference title.
Coutras made the Big South-OVC first team last season.
Greg Pogue named AF1 executive of the year
Nashville Kats chief operating officer and partner Greg Pogue was named the Arena Football One league executive of the year by a vote of league owners and AF1 team executives.
The Nashville Kats returned in 2025 under new ownership led by former Tennessee Titans coach Jeff Fisher, as president and director of football operations. Fisher also serves as commissioner of AF1.
In 2024, Pogue was a Kats partner and vice president of community relations.
The Kats went 6-5 this past season and advanced to the Arena Crown league championship game, where they lost 60-57 to the Albany Firebirds.
If you have an item for Midstate Chatter contact Mike Organ at 615-259-8021 or on X @MikeOrganWriter.