The first-ever Karting for a Cause with Josef Newgarden & Friends, sponsored by Shell, is set to launch Thursday at K1 Speed in downtown Nashville. This event will serve as the official kickoff to the Borchetta Bourbon Music City Grand Prix presented by WillScot, part of the NTT INDYCAR championship weekend, aiming to combine competition with charitable giving.
Event Partners and Competitors Rally for a Common Goal
Supporting this inaugural karting competition are numerous partners, including Team Penske, Firestone Racing, Mecum Auctions, Astemo, Borchetta Bourbon, Music City Grand Prix, OMP Racing, Bell Helmets, the Nashville Superspeedway, INDYCAR, The Mojo Dah, Rich Mar Florist, and local supporters Trey and Laura Kiel. Two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Josef Newgarden will compete against fellow INDYCAR driver Conor Daly, reigniting a long-standing karting rivalry. Additional drivers and teams will join in to raise funds, with proceeds going to the Newgarden Family Foundation and the Nashville chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities.
Community Impact and Charitable Focus of the Event
Matt Greci, general manager of Nashville Superspeedway, emphasized the event’s purpose, stating,
“Bringing people together for a fun and competitive night while giving back to the community is what this event is all about.”
He added,
“We’re ecstatic to partner with Josef and so many great sponsors to debut this event and help set the tone for an incredible weekend of racing in Middle Tennessee.”
Josef Newgarden expressed his deep commitment to philanthropy:
“Giving back and creating opportunities has always been very important to me, especially with a platform that allows me to do that,”
he said. He continued,
“Partnering with Speedway Children’s Charities for Karting for a Cause here in Nashville is the perfect opportunity to bring together the INDYCAR community and my hometown to create a positive impact. We are raising funds to support Speedway Children’s Charities’ mission and causes that are important to me, including SeriousFun Children’s Network and Wags & Walks. I’m looking forward to hosting everyone here in Nashville and to kicking off the Borchetta Bourbon Music City Grand Prix weekend with Karting for a Cause.”
Additional Activities and Fan Participation Opportunities
Besides the exciting racing on track, attendees will have the chance to engage in silent and live auctions featuring unique collectibles and exclusive experiences. The silent auction will open online Thursday morning at 7 a.m. CT and close at 7 p.m., with some items showcased at K1 Speed during the event. Country music singer Chase Wright will also perform and compete in the racing activities, adding to the event’s entertainment.
Ticket Availability and Alternative Ways to Support
A limited number of tickets remain available for those wishing to attend this special event. Fans unable to be present can still contribute by making donations directly to the Newgarden Family Foundation or the Speedway Children’s Charities Nashville chapter. This initiative not only promises an enjoyable start to the Borchetta Bourbon Music City Grand Prix weekend but also demonstrates how motorsports and local communities can join forces for a meaningful cause.
