LEBANON, Tenn. — When a NASCAR driver takes the checkered flag at Nashville Superspeedway, the prize waiting in victory lane isn’t a cup, plate or plaque. It’s a guitar — a custom-made Gibson Les Paul, hand-painted and one-of-a-kind.
The tradition stands as one of the most distinctive in motorsports, rooted in two institutions that define Middle Tennessee’s identity: racing and music.
Gibson was founded in 1902 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, before gradually shifting its footprint south. In the early 1980s, the company moved its corporate headquarters to Nashville, drawn by a business-friendly climate and the opportunity to deepen ties with the music industry. Today, Gibson’s Nashville operations produce its flagship electric guitars, including the Les Paul and SG -- instruments that have shaped genres from jazz and blues to rock and country.
The brand’s presence in Nashville helped cement the city’s reputation as “Music City,” and its partnership with the track reflects that shared cultural influence.
When Nashville Superspeedway opened in 2001, track officials sought a victory lane tradition that would stand apart. The result was a collaboration with Gibson and renowned motorsports artist Sam Bass, who designed custom-painted guitars for race winners. Each piece blended racing imagery with Nashville’s musical heritage, making every trophy both a functional instrument and a collectible work of art.
The guitars quickly became a signature of the track during its first run from 2001 through 2011, hosting NASCAR Xfinity and Truck Series events.
In 2021, NASCAR returned to Nashville Superspeedway and revived the partnership with Gibson. Track leadership emphasized the importance of restoring the guitar trophy as a symbol of the venue’s identity.
Today, the Gibson guitar remains exclusive to Nashville Superspeedway, making it one of the most distinctive prizes in NASCAR. Few trophies in sports carry that kind of resonance. At Nashville Superspeedway, the fastest driver doesn’t just take home hardware -- he takes home a piece of Nashville itself.
-- 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 Sports Illustrated 250
(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 globe.
