Where have all the good times gone? I mean have they actually left, or have they just been restructured in time to join the 21st century? So just like anything else in life that becomes outdated, NASCAR also felt that father time was slowly forgetting about our sport and that it was time for change. We have seen some pretty dramatic changes in the past decade, and none of them have gone unnoticed.
Mark Martin summed up the changes in three easy words during his weekly press conference this past week. “There’s so much” he said. While looking back at just a couple of them that have probably had the biggest impact are the C.O.T., and the chase for the Sprint cup championship by far have taken center stage. And then of course there are the subtle changes which didn’t have such a big impact, but none the less they still slowly but surely crept their way into the sport.
Now looking back to one of these subtle changes that are still being refined to this day, are the drivers introductions. Back in the day, drivers had a great deal of fun during pre-race festivities as they introduced themselves to the fans in attendance. While at the same time showing some of their own individuality into the way they addressed the crowd.
NASCAR has really gone out of their way to make sure that our sport is keeping up with today’s high demands, as far as the entertainment aspect is concerned. What was once a simple way of introducing the drivers, along with a short prayer, and the singing of the Star Spangled Banner. Has now turned into a full fledged production complete with fireworks, a pre-race concert, and of course a stage from where the drivers come walking out and are introduced.
NASCAR is continuing to let the sporting world know that they too can bring that same type of excitement, which other sports bring before the green flag is ever waved. When you take in all the hype and excitement that the N.F.L. brings to its fans before the superbowl, why should NASCAR be any different? After all this is one the most high energy, breath taking, colorful, and exciting sports that is out there today.
We already know how colorful and exciting some of the drivers can be, just by watching the pre-race shows while they are being interviewed. And with the different personalities that each driver posses, I’m sure that it also shows in the music that they listen to. Whether it is country or hard rock, their musical tastes are just as diverse as the paint schemes on their cars.
So don’t be too surprised for this Saturday night’s Sharpie 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway, when the music you hear sounds more like a battle of the bands is taking place during driver introductions. Bristol Motor Speedway will be turning back the hands of time by not only asking the drivers to introduce themselves, but they will also walk out to the song of their choice. When you look at the diversity in music that our drivers enjoy, it’s easy to see why NASCAR racing has become so popular during the 21st century. So far the lineup includes;
Tony Stewart- “Bawitdaba” by Kid Rock
Mark Martin- “For Those About To Rock” by AC/DC
Dale Earnhardt Jr and Jimmie Johnson- “Thunderstruck” by AC/DC
Matt Kenseth- “The Enemy” by Godsmack
Kurt Busch- “Going The Distance” by Cake
Kyle Busch- “Amazing” by Kanye West
Carl Edwards- “Jump Around” by House Of Pain
Jeff Gordon- “Start Me Up” by The Rolling Stones
Jeff Burton- “Welcome To The Jungle” by Guns And Roses
Kasey Kahne- “Life On The Run” by Dierks Bentley’s
Michael Waltrip- “As Good As I Once Was” by Toby Keith
Ryan Newman- “Save A Horse, Ride A Cowboy” by Big & Rich
Clint Bowyer- “Enter The Building” by Elvis Presley
Reed Sorenson- “Billy Jean” by Michael Jackson
So as we get ready to take the green flag, on what should be another exciting evening of racing under the lights? The battles that will be taking place should fall nothing short, especially by looking at the list of songs that our favorite drivers have chosen to represent themselves. If there was one song that could best portray what our drivers mean to not only us fans, but also the sport as well. It would have to be AC/DC’s, “ For Those About To Rock, (We Salute You).” Im Out
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and the best bit? AC/DC is Australian, woohoo! :D
ReplyDeleteGOTTA love AC/DC!
ReplyDeleteSal, great post. Bristol's gonna be ROCKIN'! Bowyer wins the race and makes a late run to the Chase.
Nice job, Sal. Ya know anything with music references is going to get me attention!
ReplyDeleteRock of Ages!!!
Hmmm I'll go with Junior - Livin' on a Prayer...
ReplyDeleteFun Sal! Hope we do get to hear these rockin on Saturday night and no soggy intros.
Thanks for the heads up on the battle of the bands!
ReplyDeleteIf I was a driver, I'd pick "Higher" by Creed.
Marcos has disappointed me...he should have gone with Gangajang over Men at Work :(
ReplyDelete