Kickin’ Off 2021

Photography by Nate Nelson — Story by Jimmy B

When the call comes, just like in baseball, when you are on deck, you have to get up to the plate and take make a hit happen. The National Street Rod Associations Nationals South for 2021 did just that. The event was slated to be the number two event in the NSRA schedule for 2021. When the NSRA Western Street Rod Nationals in Bakersfield had to be pushed back to another date then that put the

Nationals South into the number one position. The NSRA Nationals South delivered a great time for all who attended this year.

Chillhowee Park was looking good for everyone who came out for the weekend or some portion of it.

Coming out of the COVID situation in our country made it a challenge to make events happen. Give the NSRA credit for working with the City of Knoxville and the State of Tennessee to get this event to happen as scheduled.

In our opinion, we saw a good turnout of hot rods, street rods, muscle cars, customs and more at the event. To answer the question gearheads ask…”how many cars were there?”, we will say considering the situation at the end of April, it was a very healthy showing. No it was not as many as in years past, but that’s ok as hot rodders feel their way thru the post Covid pandemic landscape.

The exposition building had vendors inside, again not as many in years past, BUT a respectable showing for sure. There were vendors outside too for hot rodders to check out.

By all measures the 47th Annual NSRA Nationals South ( 38th in Knoxville) were a success. It set the bar high for the next events in the NSRA schedule.

The 48th Annual NSRA Nationals South in 2022 will be back at full strength in our minds. Make sure to plan to attend it so you can join in the fun too.