The heat has finally made it’s way to BangShift Mid-West. Today wasn’t nuclear hot, but it’s the first day of the year that western Kentucky’s infamous humidity made an appearance, much to the displeasure of anybody who had to do any kind of work outside. It’s the kind of heat that leaves you feeling like you’ve worked four times harder than you actually did. In the NASCAR realm, short tracks like Bristol are just the same. 500 laps around a half-mile loop? Yeah, that’ll work you out, especially when the banking rocks up to 30° and there’s a field of hot-shots who are dying for a chance to cross that checkered flag, win that money, and live it up in Victory Lane that night.

Any NASCAR Grand National footage from this era is a treat, but the standout for me are the distinct cars that aren’t normally associated with this era of NASCAR. The Monte Carlo body was proving popular for Chevrolet leaders, but this might be the first time I’ve ever seen a 1970 Chevelle in competition. It’s certainly the first time I’ve seen a 1970-71 Ford Thunderbird in competition, either. The “Bunkie Beak” certainly stands out, doesn’t it? Sit back and enjoy a condensed look at short track greatness from NASCAR’s bullring!