By Patrick Reynolds

Thirty years ago, I opened my monthly issue of Stock Car Racing magazine. Splashed across the top of two pages was a pavement late model photo spread from the Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway. Butch Lindley had a close-up that focused on him as he steered his machine through the high-banked turns. Davey Allison, Dick Trickle and Bob Senneker were also featured in driving action shots that centered on the men through the window nets.

Lindley went on to win that inaugural All-American 400 in 1981 over Trickle, Senneker, and 37 other drivers. Allison did not qualify.

So this was Nashville? I wanted to go there someday.

Thirty years ago I opened my copy of Southern MotoRacing, an auto racing trade paper. Pasted on the front page was a wide-angle shot of a NASCAR Winston Cup Grand National field taking the green flag. Darrell Waltrip led the cars to the stripe in Junior Johnson’s car. Towering outside of turn four was a roller coaster, adding to the festive Saturday night summertime image.

So this was Nashville? I wanted to go there someday.
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