Goodguys brings new Legends of Hot Rodding event to Nashville

By AI, Created 10:33 AM UTC, May 20, 2026, /AGP/ – Goodguys Rod & Custom Association will host its inaugural Legends of Hot Rodding event May 15-16 at the renovated Fairgrounds Nashville, pairing hot rods, custom cars and live music in downtown Nashville. The weekend also will crown the 2026 Tanks, Inc. Hot Rod of the Year and feature awards, builders, vendors and special displays.

Why it matters: - The inaugural Legends of Hot Rodding event gives Goodguys Rod & Custom Association a new Nashville showcase centered on hot rods, customs and car culture. - The event adds a competitive spotlight with the 2026 Tanks, Inc. Hot Rod of the Year award, part of Goodguys’ Top 12 of the Year program presented by BASF. - The weekend blends car competition with live music, which widens the appeal beyond core enthusiasts.

What happened: - Goodguys Rod & Custom Association announced the Legends of Hot Rodding presented by BASF for May 15-16, 2026, at the renovated Fairgrounds Nashville in downtown Nashville. - The event is positioned as an intimate celebration of the roots of hot rodding. - The show will feature hot rods and pre-1965 specialty cars and trucks. - Goodguys will announce the 2026 Tanks, Inc. Hot Rod of the Year on Saturday afternoon.

The details: - The Hot Rod of the Year competition begins Thursday morning with a 100-mile reliability run. - The route includes scenic back roads and a stop at Music City Raceway for drag strip runs. - Vehicles will return to the Fairgrounds Nashville for display on Friday and Saturday. - Eight Nashville-based bands and musicians will perform on the Advanced Plating Soundstage presented by Alloway’s Hot Rod Shop. - The event also includes a Pinstripers Brush Bash, autograph sessions with builders and hot rodding icons, food, and vendor displays. - Special displays will include the York Speed Shop Speakeasy presented by Ethos Brewing. - Bobby Alloway of Alloway’s Hot Rod Shop will select 10 Builders Choice cars and trucks. - Those vehicles will receive a unique trophy during Saturday afternoon’s awards ceremony. - More than 50 other awards will be handed out during the parade of hot rods. - Event information, tickets and vehicle registration are available at More information.

Between the lines: - Goodguys is leaning into Nashville’s music identity to frame hot rodding as both a car show and a cultural event. - The mix of awards, live performances and builder appearances suggests the organization is trying to create a destination weekend rather than a single-day show. - The focus on pre-1965 vehicles and reliability testing keeps the event tied to traditional hot rod standards.

What’s next: - Participants will complete the competition run ahead of the Friday and Saturday display schedule. - The 2026 Tanks, Inc. Hot Rod of the Year winner will be revealed Saturday afternoon. - Attendees can buy tickets at the gate or online at More information.