Rally North America Drive Series

Our very first stop will be at the historic Lonesome Pine Raceway.  The track opened in 1972, it features 18-degree banked turns and has hosted NASCAR-sanctioned weekly racing for over five decades. The track recently underwent major renovations (new lighting, pavement, etc.) and is gearing up for the 2026 season with multiple classes including Late Model Stocks.

It’s a beloved short track known for exciting Saturday night racing and a strong local following in Southwest Virginia.

James Culbertson built a grist mill in 1831 on Amos Branch outside Nickelsville. The mill was a simple log structure, but it quickly became the bustling center of the community, providing residents with corn meal and flour for their tables, feed for their livestock, and a lively place to exchange information and gossip. Farmers traveled for miles on horseback with their sacks of grain, or in horse-drawn wagons with loads of Indian corn and wheat. The mill created a community and also relieved the farmers of the arduous task of grinding grain on hand “gritters”.

The land and mill later passed into the hands of Valentine Bush and his wife, Nancy Gose Bush, who moved to the area from Russell County. The Bush family added a water-powered sawmill upstream and a water-powered wool carding machine downstream. They also continued to operate the grist mill until April 1, 1895, when a fire broke out in the structure. Although the Bushes sent for help from nearby farmers, the date worked against them — “Is this an April Fool’s joke?” the farmers asked, only reluctantly accepting that the mill was actually on fire. By the time help arrived, the mill was too far gone to save.

But the community could not function without a mill. Over the next two years, Valentine Bush — then 88 years old — and his sons constructed the historic Bush Mill that now stands outside Nickelsville. The mill continued to operate until well into the 1950s.

Photo Credit: Scott County VA.

On the brink of the Civil War, Abingdon, Virginia was a bustling small town thanks to the coming of the railroad in the 1850s.  At the mid-nineteenth century, local businessman James Fields enjoyed a burgeoning career as a brick mason and building contractor. Mr. Fields built many stately homes and civic buildings throughout Abingdon and nearby Goodson, Virginia (now Bristol, Virginia).  In addition to building the home now known as the Fields-Penn 1860 House Museum, Mr. Fields constructed the first train depot in Goodson, rebuilt the Washington County courthouse following its destruction during the Civil War, and served as the masonry contractor on the new Abingdon Male Academy (built 1872).

James Fields also experienced happiness in his personal life and married Susan Ellen Owen in 1849.  As Mr. Fields’ career continued to expand, so too did James and Susan’s family.   In 1857, James began construction on a larger, brick home for the family, which is today the Fields-Penn House.  Completed in 1860, the house remains a symbol of Mr. Field’s success and influence in Washington County, Virginia.

We will be taking a lunch Break in town, as there are several local eateries in town that we can visit.

Known as “Vanderbilt’s First Choice” and “God’s Thumbprint,” beautiful Burke’s Garden is Virginia’s highest valley, and its largest rural historic district.  This bowl shaped valley carved out of the top of a mountain offers the most breathtaking scenery, with fertile farmland, abundant wildlife, rare bird watching, peaceful biking and adventurous hiking on the Appalachian Trail.

Spanning from Marion to Tazewell, Virginia riders from around the world unite for the experience of a lifetime. Back of the Dragon offers over 400 curves for the thrill-seeking knee draggers, a two-lane ribbon road for the sports car aficionado’s and breathtaking views of the expansive 3 mountain range for all riders.

While all of this sounds amazing and action-packed, it was not always that way. Beginning in the late 1800’s Tazewell, Virginia was founded and immediately became a thriving coal and mining town with businesses spanning both sides of Main Street. There was not an empty store front in sight. For over 90 years Tazewell remained the source of endless opportunity bringing workers and their families to the small town, but that all began to change with the slow dissolution of the coal industry. The once flourishing and prospective Main Street became an eerie ghost town. A feeling that was unsettling and brought sadness to long-time Tazewell resident Larry Davidson.

Photo Cred – Virginia.org

Near Lincoln Theatre With a stay at General Francis Marion Hotel in Marion, you’ll be next to a golf course, just steps from Lincoln Theatre and a 3-minute drive from Jefferson National Forest. This golf hotel is 4 mi (6.5 km) from Hungry Mother State Park and 6.8 mi (11 km) from Mount Rogers National Recreation Area. Make yourself at home in one of the 36 air-conditioned rooms featuring flat-screen televisions. Your pillowtop bed comes with Egyptian cotton sheets. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming is available for your entertainment. Private bathrooms with shower/tub combinations feature complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Grab a bite to eat at Puerto Nuevo, a restaurant which features a bar/lounge, or stay in and take advantage of the room service (during limited hours). A complimentary self-serve breakfast is served daily from 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM.