Joe Nicely a Corryton, Tennessee native began his interest in racing at an early age. As a four year old his aunt and uncle used to take him to the old Broadway Speedway in Knoxville.

As Joe was growing old enough to begin thinking about driving, his brother-in-law L.B. Welch asked him if he would be interested in driving a race car provided he bought one. It was the break Joe was looking for and accepted the offer. After running at some other tracks he came up to Tazewell looking to try out the little track. They drew for starting positions that night and he got the coveted spot leading the field to the green flag.

Joe with a grin said, " I got to lead the first two laps I raced up there because I couldn't get out of the way."

At that moment he realized his love for Tazewell Speedway, a track which he now admits was and is still his favorite despite not having as much success there as other tracks. A friend approached him with an offer to drive his car at the Mountain. That friend was Roger Flenniken. He took the car and qualified it well and went on to finish fourth. Flenniken told him that if he would be interested in driving for him next season that he would buy a new car. Joe agreed and had a Warrior chassis waiting for him. The car had a Custom Race engine and was good enough to win its first time out at 411 Speedway.

Later on, Joe's car owner came to him and asked him what he thought about purchasing 411 Speedway. Joe told him that if it was what he wanted he understood. Flenniken went on to buy the track and Joe moved on to the next chapter in his racing career. This chapter included a new racing machine that was reminiscent of days gone by, the Classics car.

During the early 90's Nicely began racing a Classic race car and ran in a series that traveled all over the south east. In his first year running the series he racked up 14 wins and won the upstart series' championship, then won another title the next season. The cars began to catch on so he did the obvious thing and started building the Classic cars. He never lost the love of driving even when he was building the Classics but on one night his life changed in a flash.

While finishing a race one night at Cookeville he felt something wrong in his chest. There was only three laps remaining and he was set on finishing the race. He finished in third place but his crew had to drag him out of the car. He had experienced a heart attack that all but effectively ended his driving career.

While racing he had help from Claude Shockley, the two were best of friends from an early age. He also got help from his nephew Joe "hot rod" Keck. As a driver he enjoyed and admired Tootle Estes and his driving style, he adds " For my part I don't think they came any better." He also had a great admiration for Claude Donovan.

Nicely recalls his favorite Tazewell moment as one in which he came up to race his late model and won the dash and finished third in the feature. He admits while racing at the Taz that he let a lot of wins slip out of his grasp which he says is his worst moments racing at Tazewell. His biggest ever win in racing happened at Richmond, KY when he ran the old coupes at the start of his career.

Nicely would like to thank his loyal sponsors; Bryant Boats, Pioneer Market, Baker Transmissions and Tic Marine. A special thanks goes out to Bob Russell, Roger Flennekin, Ed Merriman, Joe Keck and the Shockley family. When asked about the state of racing he says, " The working man just can't do it anymore and be competitive."

His parents were Von and Laura Nicely, sadly, his father passed away when he was eleven but he tells a great story about his mother. " My friends pulled in the driveway one evening and I had plans of going with them to Knoxville Raceway. My mother came out of the house, saw the car on the trailer and made them leave without me."

Last year he had a battle with cancer and the loss of his eyesight. Thankfully his sight has came back and is still improving. He overcame these roadblocks in his racing career and ended up being a legend in the sport he so loved. Joe Nicely began racing the old coupes and moved into late models then Classic cars where he remains involved today by helping the Shockleys and nephew Joe Keck primarily at the track he calls his favorite, Tazewell Speedway.

Photos courtesy of family archives.

If you know of a local legend you would like to have featured in the Claiborne Progress contact Allen Earl at pitchadude@hotmail.com or call 423-526-3480.