Nashville Superspeedway marked its 25th anniversary on June 25 with a special tribute that brought together decades of racing heritage and highlighted the venue’s ongoing connection to the local community.
A Legend Takes the Wheel
James Ham, the 83‑year‑old former NASCAR driver known as the "Fastest Man on Four Wheels," was invited to drive his red 1994 Corvette on the concrete oval. In 1971 he set a lap speed record of 123.085 mph, a mark that stood until Charlie Binkley edged it the following year.
Track officials kept the veteran driver in check with the NASCAR Cup Cracker Barrel 400 Ford Mustang pace car, allowing Ham to flirt with 100 mph while navigating the track’s varying banking. He spoke about staying high on the banking and the nuances of corner entry, drawing on a career that includes memories of a 1973 crash at the Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway that left his car ablaze.
Alan George, director of marketing and communications for the speedway, said the event was a chance to honor the venue’s past while looking forward. The celebration also highlighted the track’s ongoing relationship with Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway, where operations manager Gary Neal underscored Ham’s lasting impact on regional racing.
Aric Almirola’s 2021 record of 161.992 mph remains the benchmark for the venue, but the anniversary focus was on personal stories. Ham, who retired before the track opened, expressed his long‑held dream of driving on the speedway and will be on hand for the upcoming Pro Late Model 100 on June 28, continuing his tradition of attending local events.