This summer, the Music City is resembling Motown.

The first NASCAR Cup Series race was held at Nashville Superspeedway, and the season finale of the SRX Racing series was held at the historic Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway, and now Indycar will be held on the streets of downtown.

On August 8, the inaugural Music City Grand Prix will be held on a street circuit that loops from Titans Stadium’s parking lot to downtown, crossing the Cumberland River via the Korean War Veterans Memorial Bridge.

Josef Newgarden, a two-time Indycar season winner, was born and now lives in Nashville. He never saw himself as part of a race like this when he was younger.

“It’s very surreal,” Newgarden said during an exclusive interview on The Fox Garage.

“I can’t wait to showcase the city of Nashville with Indycar on it.”

Newgarden is now fourth in the standings after winning his first race of the season on July 4 at Mid-Ohio. With six races remaining, he’s confident in his chances of winning a third championship.

“I feel pretty confident where we are speed-wise,” he said.

“We need to be in that top three group all the way to the finish, which is something I think we’re capable of.”

As for what out of town fans coming to the race should do while they’re in Nashville, his best advice is to just soak the city in.

“Stay close to downtown, go check out pretty much anything and everything if you’ve never been here,” he said, and not just the honky-tonks.

“I think if you can find yourself south side of town in 12 South, that’s a really fun part of the area, great restaurants. The east side of Nashville is super unique, you’re going to find a lot of cool spots over there, too.”

Assuming you’re looking for a local treat, there’s one you shouldn’t miss… if you’re up for it.

“Maybe fit a trip to Hattie B’s, or something like that, get some hot chicken, then you’re going to be doing Nashville just fine.”

NASCAR racing clothes are now available at the following links: