Since 1981, the best short track racers in the country have gathered at Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway for the All American 400. Before this year’s installment in the historic legacy of this event, here are 10 things to know about this year’s All American 400.
1 – There is only one former All American 400 on this weekend’s entry list, but it’s the defending race champion. Casey Roderick will be looking to defend his crown in the event, while the rest of the field hopes to find a new home for the Nashville guitar trophy.
2 – The race will feature drivers from 17 states and even one Canadian province. This was always the theme of the All American 400 to bring the best drivers in the world together to race in one event.
3 – A good bet would be to keep an eye on the 51 numbered cars. First, you have Stephen Nasse who was third a year ago in the All American 400. The second 51 car is that of rookie Jake Finch, whose grandfather James Finch fielded cars for three-time All American 400 winner Jeff Purvis.
4 – Sammy Smith is back at the All American 400 fresh off his Winchester 400 win. He’s looking to win another big major this weekend. Smith was 20th a year ago in his only All American 400.
5 – Chandler Smith comes back to Nashville hoping to get the monkey off his back. He’s been second in the past two runnings of the All American 400.
6 – Fairgrounds Speedway in Nashville, TN is the backdrop for the All American 400 this weekend. This race has been a major event for Super Late Models since its first installment in 1981. The track is also one of the longest that has Super Late Model majors. At .596, it marks a 300 lap race at 178.8 miles compared to 150 for the Snowball Derby.
7 – The main event on Sunday will be 300 laps for the Super Late Models.
8 – Willie Allen is set to make his ninth start in the All American 400 this weekend. He was second in 2014 and seventh a year ago. Allen was the pole sitter in 2015.
9 – Speed51.TV will be the online streaming place for all racing action at the Fairgrounds Speedway in Nashville. With weather impacting the schedule throughout the weekend, the Vores Compact Touring Series and CRA Street Stocks will join the Super Late Models and Pro Late Models for an action-packed day of racing on Sunday.
10 – A total of six drivers are planning to run both the Pro Late Model and Super Late Model portions of the All American 400; Dylan Fetcho, Cody Coughlin, Hunter Wright, Cole Williams, Jackson Boone and Michael House.
-Story by: Elgin Traylor, Speed51 Correspondent
-Photo credit: Speed51 Photo