NASCAR has had budgetary constraints, and fans and insiders have pointed it out alike on various occasions. The pre-race concerts are now the latest point of contention. Many fans believe that pre-race concerts should be engaging with good bands performing on the stage. However, Tim Dugger does not make that cut for most fans, especially the younger populace, as some fans argued.

In NASCAR’s defense, though, no one listens to these concerts and a live band majorly serves as a filler before the main event. And that again, is one of the fan’s opinions on the matter. So, why does NASCAR even have a pre-race concert?

The theory behind NASCAR’s pre-race music event

There is a case to make that NASCAR’s pre-race concerts are mostly nostalgic. As per ESPN’s 2018 analysis, the race track operator’s idea is to add some value to the race tickets without spending a fortune. Especially on tracks where either the races are too important that the fans wouldn’t care or there isn’t much expectation of a turnout. So, getting the fans something is better than nothing at all.

This weekend’s race is at Bristol Motor Speedway which is owned by Speedway Motorsport. So, talking about SMI tracks in particular, they do have a history of calling in Tim Dugger. And there are multiple reasons for the same. Firstly, yes budget is one of the major considerations. But there are other considerations, such as the fact that it’s not the main event, as mentioned earlier. Another aspect is that local country music artists are more relatable to a wider age spectrum.

Then, there’s another factor that plays a role in choosing the artist. Dugger is a staunch NASCAR fan and loves to do NASCAR race track tours with his band, performing his originals. So, the opportunity he gets by performing before the races also serves dual purposes. And then there is the Dale Earnhardt Jr. connection that makes Dugger a popular name among NASCAR followers.

And it is not that NASCAR hasn’t invited more popular artists. But that is not NASCAR’s focus, nor is it for the fans, in general. Nonetheless, the debate about SMI’s finances had some interesting takes.

What did the fans have to say about Tim Dugger performing at Bristol?

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Dugger’s love for songwriting and NASCAR were brought together when he met Richard Childress in 2022 after a race. Ever since the artist has made it a point to play his part in making the race day fun. As one Redditor rightly wrote, “He’s a nascar fan so he’s probably just volunteering. I mean I 100% would so I could watch races.” He might be, but even the SMI President and CEO, Marcus Smith, likes his performance.

So, the choice of Dugger seems like more of a mutual admiration. “It’s a party every time Tim Dugger takes the stage, and NASCAR fans absolutely love him because he’s one of them,” said Smith after the announcement of Dugger’s 10-show tour this season. After Bristol, Dugger will also be seen performing in Charlotte and Las Vegas. A Reddit user therefore highlighted on the thread, “Wasn’t it announced at the beginning of the year he’d be at most if not all the SMI tracks this year to perform a concert?”

But not all fans are convinced of SMI’s version of the response to Dugger. As one fan wrote, “I’ve been to so many races with pre race concerts… I’ve been to one like 15 years ago. I don’t understand the interest in pre race concerts.” Yet another user added, “He’s friends with Michael Waltrip, I’m pretty sure NASCAR/SMI just hire him whenever they can’t get anyone more interesting.”

There are varied notions about Tim Dugger, his performances, and NASCAR’s choice of pre-race artists. But the underlying fact remains that some live entertainment is better than nothing while people get settled for the race. Dugger is known to be interactive by bringing surprise guests on stage and keeping the party alive. That’s quite enough to start a race on the right note.