By Frank “Smokin” Truatt
I just got back from spending the race weekend at Dover Motor Speedway in Delaware enjoying all the festivities as well as a diverse selection of music. Music was playing pretty much everywhere I went, either live or on loudspeakers all three days. Considering the vast musical tastes of all those who attended, I would imagine it was quite a task to keep the crowd entertained.
Going back a few decades, the music you would hear at the track was primarily county. It made sense, because back in the day, the sport featured drivers primarily from the southern states as the sport derived from many of those who outran the cops bootlegging moonshine. As the years went on, NASCAR realized that to keep the sport viable, they would need to attract fans from across the country while developing a youthful interest to keep the fan base growing. Part of catering to such a diverse audience was the challenge to get the right mix of music. What was played for the race attendees last weekend was a mix of rock, rap and country sporting themes. The music was playing non-stop unless track activities were going on. On the various stages throughout the fan zone was a live mix of unique bands providing up-tempo, exciting music. On the main stage was a group called the Amish Outlaws. Most don’t expect a band dressed so plainly to cover rap, country and metal as well as they do. Into bagpipes? Ally the Piper took the bagpipe to a new level playing it with rock music. Strolling around were a group of mummers, Philadelphia elaborately dressed performers.
It’s all part of the spectacle that makes the race weekend a fun experience. Odds are, you’ll find your favorite music there somewhere, and you may even get turned on to something new! Yes, the country music is downplayed a bit today, but it’s still there. You may have to look harder to find those southern drivers, but they’re still there too!
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