Personalities among NASCAR's Sprint Cup drivers are as varied as their musical tastes. Fans will get more of an indication as to what might make their favorite drivers tick during driver introductions for the Sharpie 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway Aug. 22.
Back in the day, drivers had a great deal of fun during pre-race festivities as they introduced themselves to the fans in attendance, injecting some of their own individuality into the way they addressed the crowd. BMS will turn back the clock Saturday, not only asking the drivers to introduce themselves to the sold-out throng of nearly 160,000, but also asking them to walk out to the song of their choice.
The Sprint Cup stars take their music seriously and a good many of them deliberated for weeks before making their song choice for driver introductions, while others changed selections several times. Whether it is country or hard rock, their musical tastes are as diverse as the paint schemes on their cars.
For instance, current point leader Tony Stewart has selected his good friend Kid Rock's "Bawitdaba," while Mark Martin is going with AC/DC's "For Those About To Rock." Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Jimmie Johnson also are AC/DC fans, choosing "Thunderstruck" as their theme music.
Hard-rock loving Matt Kenseth is partial to Godsmack's "The Enemy" while Scott Speed wants to hear the strains of "Boom, Boom, Pow" by Black Eyed Peas as he makes his entrance. Kurt Busch likes Cake's "Going The Distance" while brother Kyle prefers Kanye West's "Amazing."
Defending Sharpie 500 winner Carl Edwards identifies with "Jump Around" by House of Pain, while Jeff Gordon likes an oldie but a goody in the Rolling Stones' "Start Me Up" and Jeff Burton gives a tip of the hat to BMS, choosing Guns N' Roses' "Welcome To The Jungle."
Kasey Kahne is going country with buddy Dierks Bentley's "Life On The Run," while Michael Waltrip offers some insight by choosing Toby Keith's "As Good As I Once Was." Ryan Newman likes "Save A Horse, Ride A Cowboy" by Big & Rich.
Some of the legends of the entertainment business also will be represented, including The King of Rock ‘n' Roll and "The King of Pop." Clint Bowyer, an Elvis Presley aficionado, wants to "enter the building" as The King often did, to the strains of CC Rider while Reed Sorenson is paying homage to Michael Jackson with "Billy Jean."
The Sharpie 500, the 55th consecutive sellout at BMS, takes the green flag at 7:30 p.m. Saturday night.
