Racing in Nashville 2026
Watching a NASCAR race on TV is easy and fun. You have in-car cameras, multiple announcers telling you what you are seeing and not seeing. However, if you ever get a chance to attend a race in person, do it! Even if it is only once, if you are a race fan, go to the track. It is an entirely different experience and one you need.
The Circus that is NASCAR is a huge production. There are far more happenings than what the TV will show you. Spend the money and get pit passes. Don’t go just for the big race. See them all, go every day if it is a 3 day eve4nt. You will not be disappointed. There are so many things going on, you will be shocked. The Fan Zone, with its entertainment and vendor trucks, is a shopper’s delight. There are also autograph sessions with many drivers.
The big show arrived at Nashville for the 2026 Cracker Barrel 400 with vintage race cars, country singers, and a little rain. Well, sometime is was a lot more than a little rain. However, it did not put a damper on the crowd, the racers, or the cars. After 4+ days in the infield and garage area, I was beyond tired when I got home Sunday night. I don’t know how these pit crews and drivers do this week in and week out.
I am offering up a few of my unstaged photos from all 4 days. Not only was I there to have fun and enjoy the festivities, but our 1969 Ford Talladega was invited to participate as a factory street version of the vintage race car that won David Pearson the 1969 NASCAR Championship! It is also the only Ford Richard Petty ever raced! In this knowledgeable race crowd, there was no shortage of enthusiasts who knew exactly what it was. There were those younger folks who had never seen a Ford Talladega in person before!
Here is a small portion of my photo collection from the weekend. Excuse me if there is a preference for the Wood Brothers or Penske and their respective Fords.
Come back, there are more images to come.
