James Harvey Hylton and Nashville's Fairgrounds Speedway

Nashville’s historic Fairgrounds Speedway traces its origins all the way back to the dawn of the automotive age.  In 1904, the first race was held at the track and things haven’t slowed down in the Music City since.  The NASCAR Grand National / Winston Cup Series ran at the 5/8 mile track from 1958 till 1984 and James Harvey Hylton competed in 26 events as a driver.   “I always enjoyed making the trip to Nashville” reminisces Hylton “You know, I even made it to the Grand Ole Opry once.  It’s a great place for anyone interested in country music.” 

“When you look back at all the great drivers that got the start at Fairgrounds Speedway, its just overwhelms you” states Hylton “Ole DW, Coo Coo, Sterling Marlin, I mean man when it comes to racing, it just don’t get any better than those guys.”  Past track champions at Fairgrounds Speedway include NASCAR veterans Darrell Waltrip, Sterling Marlin, Coo Coo Marlin, Bobby Hamilton, Mike Alexander and Jimmy Means. 

"One of my most memorable moments in racing came back in the 1963 Nashville 400" recalls Hylton "I was a mechanic for Rex White back then and we had qualified second for the race.  Things were going pretty good for the team during the race until Rex got into it with David Pearson and Tiny Lund on the back straight.  Next thing I know Rex had went through the fence.  All I could think at that point was oh shit!"   Hylton accumulated quite an impressive record at the track with three Top-Five and eight Top-Ten finishes at the high-banked oval.  Hylton finished second in both the 1967 Nashville 400 and 1971 Nashville 420.  "It was a really special place to race," states Hylton "I wish it was still on the circuit."

James Hylton starts his qualifying run for the 1976 Nashville 420	At speed on the back straight during the 1974 Nashville 420	Hylton in Tech Line behind the car of Coo Coo Marlin at the 1975 Nashville 420
Hylton's 1969 Ford after sustaining damage during the 1971 Nashville 420 (The Tennessean)	The Aftermath of the Rex White, Tiny Lund and David Pearson crash during the 1963 Nashville 400 (The Tennessean)	James Hylton's Monte Carlo awaits the start of the 1980 Music City 420
Hylton brings his car into the pits after qualifying for the 1978 Busch Nashville 420	Crew readies engine in Hylton's 1971 Mercury prior to the 1973 Nashville 420	Hylton's Grand Prix sets along side the car of J.D. McDuffie prior to the start of the 1982 Busch Nashville 420
A panoramic view of Fairgrounds Speedway prior to the start of the 1972 Nashville 420