Take Your Own Car for a Spin at Nashville Superspeedway

Issue #720

May 04, 2026

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

☁️ Columbia’s Tuesday Weather - Overcast w/ high of 73, low of 61

🚘 Take Your Own Car for a Spin at Nashville Superspeedway

📰 Health Officials Warn of Tick-Borne Illness Risks Across Tennessee

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

Take Your Own Car for a Spin at Nashville Superspeedway

TRACKLAPS UNDER THE LIGHTS presented by Wilson Bank & Trust gives you the unforgettable opportunity to drive your own vehicle around the oval at Nashville Superspeedway, NASCAR’s largest concrete track! Featuring 14-degree banking in the turns, nine degrees on the frontstretch, and six degrees on the backstretch, this iconic track has challenged America’s best drivers since 2001.

For a $75 donation, participants will enjoy three paced laps around the speedway. Want more time on the track? Upgrade to six paced laps for $150, which also includes the opportunity to purchase a discounted pace car ride for $25 - three thrilling laps in the Nashville Superspeedway pace car, riding in either the front or back seat.

If you prefer to experience the thrill from the passenger seat, you can enjoy three unforgettable laps in the pace car for $50.

After your laps, stay for family fun in the infield with games, food, and activities for everyone to enjoy! All participants will also receive a link to download a photo of their vehicle on the track, capturing a one-of-a-kind memory from the evening.

No matter which option you choose, Track Laps Under the Lights promises an experience you won’t forget!

All proceeds directly benefit the Nashville Chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities.

Health Officials Warn of Tick-Borne Illness Risks Across Tennessee

According to the CDC, emergency room visits for tick bites are higher than normal in many parts of the country. In all regions except the South Central U.S., weekly rates of ER visits for tick bites are the highest for this time of year since 2017.

The Tennessee Department of Health is reminding everyone to take precautions to avoid tick bites and tick-borne diseases. Spring is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy the many beautiful state parks and other amazing locations Tennessee has to offer.

“This is a great time of the year for outdoor activities. It’s important to protect yourself from tick bites,” said Tennessee Health Commissioner Dr. John Dunn. “Simple precautions, like use of insect repellant and other steps, can help to reduce the risks of common tick-borne illnesses in Tennessee like Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis, Lyme disease, and alpha-gal syndrome”.

Tips to avoid tick bites:

  • Know where ticks live: Ticks can be found in grassy, bushy or wooded areas. In these areas, staying on trails rather than venturing off trail can reduce tick exposures. 

  • Treat clothing and gear: Treat boots, socks, clothing, and camp gear with 0.5% permethrin and allow to dry for at least two to four hours before you go out (follow label instructions). Permethrin is not a repellant but an acaricide that kills ticks on contact. Alternatively, you can buy permethrin-treated clothing and gear. Self-applied permethrin spray generally lasts for six washings or up to six weeks. Factory-treated clothing can last up to 70 washes.

  • Use insect repellants containing DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE), para-methane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone on your skin, following all label recommendations for use. Do not use products containing OLE or PMD on children under 3 years old. Never apply any of these products around the mouth or eyes. Consult your healthcare provider if you have questions. If using sunscreen, apply sunscreen first and insect repellant second to maintain repellency.

  • Do a tick check after you come indoors. Check clothing and body (including hair and scalp) for attached ticks and shower within two hours to help remove unattached ticks.

Pathogens transmitted by ticks can cause mild, flu-like symptoms which can progress to serious illness with major consequences if left untreated.

“Fortunately antibiotics can treat tick-borne illnesses caused by bacteria including Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiois and Lyme disease, but the best approach is to take precautions to reduce tick bites altogether.’’ said Tennessee State Epidemiologist, Dr. Mary-Margaret Fill.

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Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Tuesday, May 5th

Wednesday, May 6th

Thursday, May 7th

Friday, May 8th

Saturday, May 9th

👇 Click the Links to Learn About our Local Business Sponsors! 👇

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Tuesday, May 5
Absolutely Gospel Awards Show - The Mulehouse, 5:45 PM
Songwriters Round - Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30 PM

Thursday, May 7
Todd Ciprian - Tito’s, 6–9 PM
Music With a Mission - The Mulehouse, 7:30 PM

Friday, May 8
TBA - The Spot Burgers & Beers, 5–8 PM
TBA - River Terrace, 6–8 PM
Bethany Trainor - Buck & Board, 6–8 PM
John Conlee - The Mulehouse, 7:30 PM
Zachariah Smith - Puckett’s, 7:30–9 PM

Saturday, May 9
Nick Bentley - Keg Springs Winery, 2–5 PM
Crossbridges - Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, 3–7 PM
Classic Vinyl - Hampshire Hills Distillery, 5–9 PM
TBA - River Terrace, 6–8 PM
Larkin & Leigh - Twisted Copper, 7–8:30 PM
Curated Writers Round - The Bourbon Gospel, 7:30 PM
Real Deal Band - The Rebel Bar & Grill, 7:30 PM
Will Nance & Friends - Puckett’s, 7:30–9 PM
The Ministry of Fun - Twisted Copper, 8:30–10 PM

Sunday, May 10
The Sins - Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, 1–5 PM

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