The Talladega Superspeedway will come alive this weekend (Sept 30-Oct 1). Hordes of race fans will pile into the venue to watch the high-speed race cars vie for the YellaWood 500 Cup. The event is one of the races of the year and, as such, anticipation has built to lofty heights.
Videos by American Songwriter
To help set the mood for the race, check out five songs that are guaranteed to get to revved up for Talladega, below.
1. "Rapid Roy (The Stock Car Boy)" (Jim Croce)
[RELATED: The Best 7 Jim Croce Quotes]
Starting off on the tamer side, we have "Rapid Roy (The Stock Car Boy) by Jim Croce. Croce's storytelling chops are unparalleled. He sets a vivid scene with this 1972 track. Every Sunday afternoon he is a dirt track demon / In a '57 Chevrolet, Croce sings in his distinctive tenor. The kind of races he's talking about here may not be on a Talladega level, but it's the unbridled, dare-devil spirit that lives within every driver.
2. "Born to Be Wild" (Steppenwolf)
Get your motor runnin' / Head out on the highway...This Steppenwolf hit was previously used as a bumper song for NASCAR in the '00s. Though they've moved on from it now, it remains a viable energy source. It's hard to not want to floor it when you listen to this track.
3. "Life is a Highway" (Rascal Flatts)
[RELATED: Who Wrote “Life Is A Highway?”]
Naturally, Rascal Flatts' cover of "Life is a Highway" had to have a spot on this list. One of the most famous racing movies of all time, Cars, used this track as its theme song. Of course, Cars might be a little blithe compared to the stakes at Talladega. Nevertheless, the country group created an instant classic with this Disney-sponsored cover.
4. "Shut Up and Drive" (Rihanna)
Rihanna's "Shut Up and Drive" is one of many car songs that doubles as a sexual innuendo. Musicians love to conflate the twists and turns of the road to that of an intimate relationship. Double meaning aside, "Shut Up and Drive" is a worthy addition to any race day playlist. The beat is driving. Rihanna's vocals are rousing. At the end of the song, you'll want to do exactly what she's asking: Shut up and drive.
[SHOP: American Songwriter Racing Tee]
5. "Sweet Home Alabama" (Lynyrd Skynyrd)
Last, but not least, we have "Sweet Home Alabama." It's not a racing song per se, but we can't let this list go by without throwing a little love to the Alabamian host city. Talladega is like the Kentucky Derby. Of course, race fans will be there for the love of the sport, but non-race fans will go just to experience the atmosphere. This weekend, many will flock to "Sweet Home Alabama" for a chance to say they've been to the Talladega Superspeedway.
Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
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