Fourth-generation racer Bobby Hamilton Jr. says he’s “getting a quick education” about the other side of the sport. “In the past I just showed up the track, ran the race, and went home,” said Hamilton, who on Saturday launches his first season as owner/operator of Highland Rim Speedway. “I had no idea what all’s involved before the green flag falls. The last few months have been a learning experience.” Highland Rim is a paved quarter-mile track located 20 miles north of Nashville. Hamilton said he and his late father Bobby Sr., a former NASCAR truck champion and team owner, discussed buying the track a few years ago “but the timing just wasn’t right. Now I think it is.” Prompting his decision was this year’s closure of 52-year-old Fairgrounds Speedway in Nashville. Hamilton believes displaced drivers and fans will gravitate to his track. He’s encouraged by the fact that that during a practice session last week more cars showed up than he had room for. Hamilton, who over the years raced in the Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series, said his driving career is on hold. “If something comes along I’ll listen,” he said, “but meanwhile I’ve got all I can handle with my race track.”(Racin’ Today)(3-11-2010)
