Here at JKS Incorporated, every restoration project is an opportunity to preserve history—and sometimes, to celebrate the people and places that helped shape it. The Nash Airflyte now on display outside of The Nash Event Center in downtown Winston-Salem is no exception.
It all started when JKS Incorporated’s Founder, Will Spencer, came across a non-running 1951 Nash Airflyte sitting quietly in a field outside of Charlotte. The car had clearly seen better days, but where some might have seen a forgotten relic, Will saw potential.
A Nod to Racing History
The Nash Airflyte is more than a vintage car. It’s a symbol of a unique chapter in American automotive and racing history. Nash Motors, founded in 1916, was known for its innovative designs and forward-thinking engineering. By the early 1950s, Nash was pushing boundaries with unibody construction, aerodynamic styling, and features like reclining seats and optional seatbelts (long before these became industry standards).
But what makes Nash truly special to racing fans is its place in the history of NASCAR. In 1950, Nash Motors became the first car manufacturer to officially support NASCAR, aligning with Bill France Sr. to sponsor races and supply cars. This was a bold move at a time when most manufacturers were hesitant to be associated with stock car racing. The partnership helped legitimize NASCAR in its early days and paved the way for the factory sponsorships that would soon follow.
It was this legacy that inspired our team when restoring the Nash Airflyte’s exterior. We took design cues from the Nash Ambassadors once driven by legends like Bill France Sr. himself and Louise Smith, one of NASCAR’s pioneering female drivers. The car was painted in a bold red and white color scheme to match The Nash Event Center’s branding, blending vintage flair with modern identity.
A Personal Tribute to a Racing Legend
This project also carries a much more personal story. If you look closely, you’ll notice that the decals on the windows pay tribute to Max Berrier, a name well known in Winston-Salem’s racing community. Max was a talented modified driver, a two-time season champion at Bowman Gray Stadium, and a North Carolina State Champion. But to the Spencer family, he was also a close friend and a beloved presence in their lives.
Max passed away in August 2024, and this restoration was a natural way for us to honor both his legacy and his connection to our team. His son, Ed Berrier, is part of the JKS Incorporated family as our Fabricator and Motorsports Coordinator, and Ed’s own racing career and deep knowledge of motorsports made this tribute even more meaningful.
On Display at The Nash Event Center
Today, the 1951 Nash Airflyte sits proudly outside The Nash Event Center, a venue Will and JKS Incorporated’s President, Christy Cox Spencer, built to celebrate creativity, community, and stories worth telling.
The car may not run, but its presence speaks volumes—highlighting The Nash Event Center’s commitment to honoring NASCAR’s roots and Winston-Salem’s motorsports legacy.
Interested in seeing the Nash Airflyte in person? Follow The Nash Event Center on social media at @TheNashWSNC for information about upcoming events.
