LEBANON, Tenn. — Nashville Superspeedway announced the return of its annual “Next Rising Star” contest, offering one emerging artist or band the chance to perform on the pre-race concert stage before the Cracker Barrel 400 NASCAR Cup Series race on May 31.
Nashville's Next Rising Star Contest Form
The competition invites musicians to showcase their talent for an opportunity to join the lineup of major country music acts that have performed at the track’s signature "High-Speed Honky Tonk" race weekend events.
“Nashville Superspeedway’s pre-race concert stage has hosted some of the biggest names in country music, and we’re excited to give an up-and-coming artist the opportunity to perform in front of thousands of NASCAR fans,” said Matt Greci, general manager of Nashville Superspeedway. “This contest embodies what ‘High-Speed Honky Tonk’ is all about. We want to bring together the best of racing and music here in Music City.”
Aspiring artists may enter the contest by submitting an application and performance video at NashvilleSuperspeedway.com/nextrisingstar. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and provide required documentation including signed release forms and a video link of an original song performance.
The selection process will narrow the field to 10 semifinalists, who will advance to a social media voting round. Five finalists will be chosen to perform live at an audition event on March 28 at Whiskey Row in downtown Nashville before a panel of judges and audience.
The contest winner will perform as a pre-race concert act on May 31 before the Cracker Barrel 400 NASCAR Cup Series race. First and second runners-up will have opportunities to perform in the Nashville Superspeedway fan zone on May 29 and May 30.
Entries will be accepted until 5 p.m. CT on March 6. Complete contest rules, eligibility requirements and entry information are available at NashvilleSuperspeedway.com/nextrisingstar.
-- NashvilleSuperspeedway.com --
2026 Race Schedule and Tickets
Friday, May 29
NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Flote 200
(7 p.m. CT, FS1, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)
Saturday, May 30
Wilson County Convention and Visitors Bureau Qualifying
NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series
(6:30 p.m. CT, The CW, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)
Sunday, May 31
NASCAR Cup Series Cracker Barrel 400
(6 p.m. CT, Amazon Prime Video, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)
Sunday, July 19
NTT INDYCAR Series Borchetta Bourbon Music City Grand Prix
Call 866.RACE.TIX to discuss your options with an account representative, or visit NashvilleSuperspeedway.com.
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About Nashville Superspeedway
Nashville Superspeedway stands as Middle Tennessee’s premier racing destination, nestled in one of America’s most dynamic and rapidly expanding regions. Our 1.33-mile D-shaped concrete track, featuring 14 degrees of banking, holds the distinction of being NASCAR’s largest all-concrete venue. Nashville Superspeedway’s rich racing heritage includes five NASCAR Cup Series races, 26 NASCAR Xfinity Series events, 18 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series competitions and 10 INDYCAR SERIES battles -- including the 2024 and 2025 INDYCAR SERIES championship finales. As a Speedway Motorsports property, Nashville Superspeedway serves as a year-round entertainment venue welcoming families and race fans from across the nation.
