Coverage from the 47th Annual NSRA Street Rod Nationals South
By Tommy Lee Byrd – Photography by the Author
Springtime in Eastern Tennessee brings beautiful flowers, occasional thunderstorms, and a daily dusting of pollen. It also brings street rodders from all over the Southeast into Knoxville for the NSRA Street Rod Nationals South. This long-standing event takes place at Chilhowee Park every year, typically on the first weekend of May. Last year was anything but typical, due to COVID-19 restrictions, but this year was back to the regularly scheduled program and attendees seemed eager to get back in the swing of things. Beginning Friday morning, the park began filling with street rods and spectators who enjoyed some of the best weather we’ve experienced at this event in quite a few years.
The event featured street rods, customs, muscle cars, and classic trucks covering the expansive park. Ranging from traditional hot rods to slammed four-door cruisers, the event had something for everyone. We saw patina, slick paint, and everything in between, along with tons of great engine combinations, including the infamous Chrysler Hemi, Ford Y-block, an early Cadillac V-8, Flatheads, and more, all dressed in vintage speed equipment. Speaking of vintage equipment, a stroll through the swap meet didn’t yield any new souvenirs for our garage wall but it’s always worth the hike up the hill to check it out.
Take a look at some of the highlights from the 47th annual NSRA Street Rod Nationals South, and be sure to check out nsra-usa.com and mark your calendars for upcoming NSRA events in your area. MR
