Event Coverage Leaving Iowa for Louisville through Texas...

I am not lost, I am just taking a trip to Mc Kinney, Texas to see my brother this weekend. My plan is to leave Thursday morning and drive straight through with a stop at The National Rod & Custom Car Hall of Fame Museum. Spend Friday, Saturday and Sunday in Dallas area. Then take 3 days to Louisville for the nationals. Will then hook up with friends in Louisville on Wednesday night and hit the nationals for the weekend.
The house furnace ate my car money this year so have to take my truck on the road. Any insight to good local food or hot rod related places in the Dallas area or the trip to Louisville (Little Rock, Memphis, Nashville, Bowling Green). I have no real agenda on that Mon - Wed before the nationals so I am looking to the Hamb for guidance. Thanks for your help.