BRISTOL, Tenn. – Bristol Motor Speedway is already a unique venue.
But “The Last Great Colosseum” made sure that even driver introductions stand out at the high-banked short track.
Every year, drivers are able to select their own music, and 2015 is no different.
“I do enjoy it,” Kasey Kahne smiled. “I’ve picked some cool songs and I’ve picked some songs that weren’t very cool when you come out.”
The actual song selection seems to be the trickiest part of the equation.
“It’s almost work trying to figure it out,” Jimmie Johnson said.
“I’ve gotten into it some years where I’ve racked my brain and spent time trying to find the right one and editing the right 20 or 30 seconds,” Jeff Gordon recalled. “We’ve had so much going on this year I was like, ‘You know what? Surprise me.’”
So if the inspiration strikes to pick the perfect song, are there any tips to keep in mind?
“There are certain songs when you’re inside there that you can hear and you know what it is. Then there are other ones that you can’t, just for whatever reason, you can’t tell what it is,” Kahne cautioned. “So I’ve been on both sides of that.”
As for Dale Earnhardt Jr., he enjoys the tradition because the fans enjoy the tradition.
“The music, I think, is kind of neat. Having a song playing while you’re going through driver intros – I love music, so music any time is good with me,” he said. “I think a lot of drivers enjoy it, judging by their song selection.”
Speaking of those song selections, here is this year’s playlist for the four Hendrick Motorsports teammates.
Kahne:
John Cougar Mellencamp – “Cherry Bomb”
Gordon:
Nelly – “E.I.”
Johnson:
X Ambassadors – “Renegades”
Earnhardt:
The Who – “Eminence Front”