Friday First Look! Goodguys 18th BASF Nashville Nationals

Here we go, hot rodders! Who’s ready to have a rockin’ good time in Tennessee! Goodguys has set the stage for a weekend of automotive fun as the 18th BASF Nashville Nationals roll into the infield of the Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tennessee. Charlies Custom Creations helped us get fired up with a great kickoff party last night, and we’ve got our foot on the throttle and are ready to make some mechanical music over the next couple days!

Cloudy skies and a little early morning moisture didn’t dampen the spirits of those who joined us for a fun-filled Friday. True to tradition for this event, the Tanks, Inc. Hot Rod of the Year Reliability Run rolled out this morning, and none of the competitors were about to let a few raindrops keep them from a racking up the miles on a backroads adventure. More than 15 hard-charging rods made the trek, many of them flinging water from their uncovered tires when we rolled out of Nashville Superspeedway. By the time we hit our first scheduled stop it was a dry run the remainder of the day. Hot Rods on the open road – what a sight!


When the caravan arrived back at the speedway, we upped the ante with burnout exhibitions and old-school, arm-drop dragstrip passes down pit road. We can’t think of a better way for a pack of rowdy hot rods to show off!


While the hot rods were off having their adventure, the Nashville Superspeedway infield was filling up with an incredible array of vintage rides, from old-school street rods and customs to muscle cars, classic trucks, and next-gen classics from the ’80s and ’90s. They were joined by scores of vendors showcasing parts and services, swap meet sellers with vintage treasures, and Goodguys CPP AutoCross Series racers making laps around the track later in the day, which includes part of the speedway’s road course. Simply put, there was no shortage of cool sights and fun things to do.

We’ve got a full schedule of fun happenings ahead this weekend, and we’re not about to let anything get in our way. We hope you’ll join us here at the speedway if you’re anywhere close. If not, stay tuned for online updates all weekend!

Photos by Marc Gewertz & Terry Lysak

Editor, Goodguys Gazette

Damon Lee began snapping photos at car shows when he was 10, tagging along with his father to events throughout the Midwest. He has combined his passion for cars and knack for writing and imagery into a 20-year career in the automotive aftermarket, writing for titles like Super Chevy and Rod & Custom and, more recently, working for respected industry leaders Speedway Motors and Goodguys Rod & Custom Association.