Sunday 6th August 1961
Jim Paschal benefited from Richard Petty’s engine misfortune in the later stages to win the Nashville 500 at the half-mile Nashville Speedway (Tennessee, US) fairgrounds track. Paschal took over in the 363rd lap after Petty — who had led all the way to that point — retired with engine failure. The High Point, N.C., native remained in front until the race was halted by rain after 403 laps. Ned Jarrett, the only other driver on the lead lap, finished second with Johnny Allen two laps down in third.