Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway History Photo Gallery by Steve Cavanah at pbase.com

Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway History



































































		Malcomb Brady and Eddie Mitchell Crash July 21,1963	Aerial	Racing
Nashville Racing History	Fairgrounds 1/4 Mile Racing

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Tim Russell		25-Jan-2016 00:42
I am looking for some pure stock pics from 82/83/84 I lost most of mine in a house fire. Please email if you have any.Thanks Tim Russell #76

joe johnson		23-Aug-2015 19:55
I am looking for pictures of Charlie Binkley, Bobby Walker, And David Sisco. (circa 1965-1970) Joe Johnson, coachjoejohnson@comcast.net

Jay Whitley		04-Mar-2015 20:52
My name is Jay Whitley;I lived in Berry Hill. Walking distance from the track and I had an unknown way to sneak in every sat night. My favorite drivers were Bob Reuther, PB Crowell, and of coarse Coo Coo Marlin. All these guys, back then, were my heros' even Crash Bond. I wonder if anybody has a pic of him crashing under the Clown?

Andrew Gilbert		27-Jan-2015 04:11
My name's Andrew Gilbert and I was wondering if I could get copies of the Earnhardt pictures. I flipped a Honda accord in 1998 and can never race or feel the thrill I can reached at 507 hunting hills Dr. Mt.Juliet Tenn. 37122.

tamara sircy		29-Oct-2014 02:43
My husbands name is Bobby Sircy, He is in search of pictures of the Charlie Binkley race team when his dad Ray (biggan) sircy worked for him.He lost all pictures in a fire. Thanks for all your help.Tamara sircy

Ray		30-Aug-2014 19:29
I need info on a 1957 Corvette raced by John Norton or pictures of any 1957s raced nearby. Thanks Ray. 570-656-3420 or airbox57@yahoo.com

sharon darks		08-Dec-2013 01:45
Do you have any pictures of Omar Jackson? If so woukd you olease e mail them to me I am his daughter. The e mail is mrbilly222@aol.com thank you

sharon darks		08-Dec-2013 01:42
Do you have any pictures of omar jackson he was my father, would you please e mail them to me if you have any. Thank you

Chase Whitaker		28-May-2013 21:07
Steve - Back in 70s and early 80s, Ralph Emery's morning show on Channel 4 in Nashville hosted a few "outhouse races" in the parking lot of the TV station. Some of the Cup guys participated. Any pics? Or know who may have some? Thx.

Steve Cavanah		22-May-2013 03:08
Where do you live Linda Donoho, I would like to meet you.

Linda Donoho		07-May-2013 17:40
My husband was Jim Donoho who passed away in 2002 and my father-in-law was Bill Donoho who passed away much earlier, before Jim and I married, though I did get to meet him. I think these pictures are awesome.

NealyBob		04-Jan-2013 23:43
You have some amazing photos of racing history~!V

james hensley		03-Aug-2011 23:25
ive got a pic of my grand mall that i would like to get on your web site it my dads pic if i send it on a email

Sandy Ivey		18-Jun-2011 22:53
Great Pictures! My Uncles and Dad raced! #83 and #84 Glenn Ivey.

Guest		25-Jan-2011 02:50
Anyone know any of the names of the powder puff drivers in the 1968 picture?????

Mike Sanders		23-Dec-2010 18:45
I'm glad to have stummbled onto this site. My first memory is of going over to Carl Lanes house on Glenrose Avenue with my brother to letter a 55 Chevy and a 63 Chevy, both being Orange in color. It was my brother's first lettering job on a racecar. I think it was the year 1965. Signs and Designs by Don Sanders was my late brothers name. He spent alot of time pinstripping and lettering many of the Fairground cars including Jimmy Griggs number 709 Late Model open wheel cars and Chevelles and many more through the years. Thank you for the fond memories again of all the drivers and cars also of The Fairground Speedway Track. Mike Sanders

miss3bad		25-Nov-2010 23:32
hi, looking for more photos' of dale earnhardt driving the tuobo blue chevy? or photo's of the car? or any more he drove. thanks dan

Guest		12-Oct-2010 06:35
My father Bubba Francis had several cars in the 70's. We were at the races for most of my childhood. It's good to see some of the old pics from that time.

T.Clinard		01-Mar-2010 05:48
Does anyone remember or have photos of #77 Wayne Johnson, it was a competition chevy orange 1957 Belair built by Wayne Johnson and Don Clinard of Nashville that was run in the mid 60's ?

Peyton Northern, Jr.		01-Mar-2010 02:31
P.Northern...My Dad, Peyton Northern, was a mechanic for Jimmy Griggs, when he drove 709 and won the point championship in '62. We got an all expense paid trip to Daytona, to run in the Sportsman 300, the day before the 500 IF we built a car. I was in the 8th grade. Got out of school for a week, they hid me in the trunk of a car to get me in the infield. The picture of Jimmy Griggs and what looks like a 57 Chev Body with a modified nose, is the car we took to Daytona. Thanks for all the great memories here of drivers like Bullit Bob Reuther, Eddie Mitchell, Malcolm Brady, Red Farmer, Bobby and Donnie Allison, Marty Robbins, L.J. Hampton,P.B.Crowell, coo Coo Marlin, and more.

David N Evans		12-Jan-2010 03:09
I Attended my first race at Fairgrounds speedway in 1960. During that season or the next in 1961 (if my memory serves correctly?) A Driver "had a heart attach on the back straightaway" He never lifted and hit the guardrail in the third turn of the quarter track. I would like to know if anyone out-there remembers who this was? If know please contact me at eagle1116@comcast.net This is driving me crazy. Thanks David Evans

Johnny		02-Dec-2009 18:50
Carl Lane was my grandfather and he just passed away. RIP Paw Paw. What a great man.

Guest		04-Nov-2009 00:34
love to see more of those great pictures of the good ol days at the best damn race track in tennessee because memories is all we will have damn shame

Bobby Varnon		10-Oct-2009 05:20
I have enjoyed this site and would like to thank all who have contributed photos, time and resorces. Thank You again... Bobby Varnon Huntsville Alabama

Deborah Oats Conn		08-Oct-2009 15:09
Sorry, forgot to mention Pappy Oats my Grandfather ran the wrecker service for the race track for years. Any photos of him would greatly be appreciated. Thank you Deb

Deborah Oats Conn		08-Oct-2009 15:05
These pictures bring back so many memories for me. My Grandfather was Lawrence "Pappy" Oats, Oats Garage. He was my whole world. If anyone has any pictures of him with the wrecker etc. please e-mail me. I hope so bad that we can keep our race track it holds alot of memories. These pictures are truly awesome and thank you for sharing them. Debbie

paul judd		07-Oct-2009 23:40
i love all of those pictures they bring back lots of memories especially the 1960,s

David Joiner		03-Oct-2009 02:53
I really have enjoyed looking at pictures of the drivers and their cars I often watched race at the track since the early 1960's. They bring back many good memories and a few sad. The open wheel modifieds have always been my most favorite and exciting cars to watch when I was young. I'm sorry to say but it looks like the Fairgrounds track will be going the same route as Birmingham Fairgrounds Speedway last year and be dismantled since the State Fair will be discontinued. Both tracks date back to the early part of the 20th century for auto racing events.

art mullins		17-Sep-2009 04:03
these pictures sure bring back alot of good memories and great times.when racing was fun and all you worried about was if your favorite driver was going to win.I SURE MISS THOSE TIMES

Larry Baker		16-Sep-2009 15:01
Its sad and scary that these pictures might be all we have of our beloved fairgrounds speedway. The future of the track doesnt look good to me.Mr Cavanah I realy love these pictures. I would like to frame them every one and hang them all on my liveing room wall.

Jimmy Greer		21-Aug-2009 15:28
Please post more pictures. Thank You, Jimmy

Thomas Proctor		07-Aug-2009 00:00
I had a brother and law, I use to go and watch in the 60's. His name was Doc Norris. I would love to have some pictures of him. These pictures on this site bring back fond memories of the Fairgrounds. Thanks for the hard work.

TM 44		16-Jul-2009 01:36
My Dad Tom Metler built cars and had other people drive them for him from 1960-1963. One of his drivers was Bobby Evelsisor, if anyone has some pics of an old 34 Ford coupe, number 34 and 35 or a number 3 Ford coupe I would appreciate if you coule email them to me at TMet44@hotmail.com, Thanks very much , Tommy Metler, Knoxville, I race at 411 motor speedway in Seymour, Tennessee now. Thank you....44

Martin Lyles		14-Jul-2009 18:44
These Are Great Pictures. Many Memories. Thanks The photo is (Left to Right) Flookie Buford, Billy McRae, Ben Pruitt, Buddy Baker, Paul Goldsmith, Pete Hamilton, and Lee Roy Yarbrough

Guest		14-Jul-2009 03:47
Great pictures! Please post more. My father raced in the Cadet division in 64 and 65. He won one race. I'm not sure if it was a heat race or feature. His car was a Ford, late 50's model #25 and light blue. Is there a picture out there? Thanks so much for the memories.

DONNIE KAYLOR		03-Jul-2009 14:14
GREAT PICTURES, I CAN SEND YOU A FEW MORE.....THANKS FOR A FANTASTIC SITE. DONNIE KAYLOR

Steve Cavanah		11-Jun-2009 02:52
Special thanks to: Mike Barrett Ken Binkley Tony Formosa Maxey Grubbs Cory Jones Jimmy Liebengood Fred Marchman Tommy Marchman Marshall Polk Joe Ryman Russ Thompson Dennis Wiser for their contribution to this collection.

Donnie Winters		08-Jun-2009 17:29
Steve I enjoyed meeting and talking with you at the wedding Saurday. you can find me at myspace.com/donniewintersmusic

tommy		14-May-2009 16:48
thanks for all the great pics...goning to fairgrounds since 1961... seen most of these great drivers..thanks for the memories

KEN BINKLEY		12-May-2009 03:31
THERE ARE MANY PICTURES OF THE BY-GONE DAYS FLOATING AROUND, BUT I BELIEVE THESE COVER A LOT OF THEM. BEING RAISED AROUND THE OLD DIRT TRACK ON COWAN AVE I BECAME A RACE FAN AT THE RIPE OLD AGE OF SIX, THAT WAS SIXTY TWO TEARS AGO AND I STILL LOVE THE SPORT. MY PRAYER IS THAT THE HISTORY IF STOCK CAR RACING WILL ALWAYS BE KEPT ALIVE. I BELIEVE IT CAN WITH THE HELP OF PAST AND PRESENT FANS.COMEON OUT AND LEND YOUR SUPPORT, YOU WOLL NOT BE DISAPOINTED. KRN BINKLEY

Sandi		19-Apr-2009 03:11
Oh one more thing don't be scared of getting embarrased, so load up your cars and bring them on down to carthage and get your butts handed to you. The owners are awesome and the fans are great come to where there's no fighting and cars being destroyed from hotheads and people that can't drive so come big are small but atleast come see bo and arty go to riverview speedway website and see the start times so come join us and see what real racing is all about

Sandi		19-Apr-2009 03:04
If any of you so called drivers want to race at a real race track I challenge you all to come to Riverview Speedway, thats where real drivers are racing come try your luck if you think you have a chance GOOD LUCK because you'll need it........

Sandi		19-Apr-2009 03:04
If any of you so called drivers want to race at a real race track I challenge you all to come to Riverview Speedway, thats where real drivers are racing come try your luck if you think you have a chance GOOD LUCK because you'll need it........

Robert W. Baron		17-Apr-2009 04:25
Great gallery and thanks for sharing. I'm a bit North of you but this does bring back a lot of memories of which for me was the Milwaukee Mile.

Guest		16-Apr-2009 03:37
Love this : ]

Donny Lane		02-Apr-2009 16:45
Wow this is great was just wanted to know if anyone out there has any photos of the 44 and 33 cars Carl Lane and jerry long were the drivers the cars were orange and white the name on them was the Triple l CHEVELLE THAT WAS lANE LAWSON AND LONG. CARL AND JERRY ARE MY UNCLES

Guest		01-Apr-2009 02:46
Wow! Thanks for posting. Awesome gallery!

Chip Curley		15-Mar-2009 12:36
Before my time, but amazing!

Guest		05-Mar-2009 19:32
Thank you so much for these pictures...Forrest Prine was my Grandfather and I have many fond memories of weekends at the track. My grandmother handmade his flags. I remeber as a kid the flags were in the dining room of their house and me and my brothers played with them all the time. Papa Prince was a great man and from the time I was a very little boy..I wanted to be just like him.

Paolo Peggi (aka Bracciodiferro)		05-Mar-2009 06:18
Absolute GREAT!!!VVV Paolo

Guest		05-Mar-2009 06:17
I love pics from the sixties, must have been a great time. Thanks.

Guest		05-Mar-2009 03:38
I am so glad I found this website. I have been looking for some pictures of my grandfather (Forrest Prince). He was the flagman for a few years. Thanks for the pictures.

Rossi A.		03-Mar-2009 08:21
I love this gallery, old time race fan here.

zach griggs		25-Oct-2008 06:41
great collection of pictures i really like the ones of my grandfather jimmy griggs do u have any more my email is jzg2448@yahoo.com

Mike Stobbs		09-Nov-2007 00:47
Just a super collection of old prints...well done Steve.........Mike

mike		08-Nov-2007 09:58
enjoyed these old pics steve, even a coloured one....you in one of those pics steve?

Arlon		08-Nov-2007 01:41
WOW, what a great collection of old pictures..

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