USA Today via Reuters
May 29, 2022; Concord, North Carolina, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Ryan Blaney (12) and NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Larson (5) lead the field into turn 1 during the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
May 29, 2022; Concord, North Carolina, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Ryan Blaney (12) and NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Larson (5) lead the field into turn 1 during the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Who does not enjoy wonderful music ahead of a NASCAR race? However, how about a timeless classic, which was well-established in the 70s and 80s? Well, seems like the organizers at NASCAR prefer just that. NASCAR insider Bob Pockrass recently revealed which band would be taking over the pre-race concert for the Coke 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
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In a Tweet, Pockrass mentioned, “Preraca concert for Coke 600 in May … The Doobie Brothers.“
For a sport that has been attempting to attract a younger demographic, this is a pretty wild choice of a band for that purpose. The majority of the younger populace would not even have heard of them. So who are the Doobie Brothers? Well, they are a multi-genre group with influences of soft rock, pop, and blue-eyed soul. They were massive back in the ’70s. Even going on to win two Grammys and four nominations during their peak. Back in 2020, they even included the band in the Rock and roll Hall of fame.
NASCAR fans react to pre-race concert announcement for the Coke 600
Some of the fans were not pleased with the organizer’s decision to come up with an age-old classic band for the concert. Their principal argument is that moves like this will never attract the younger demographic that NASCAR needs so desperately.
USA Today via Reuters
May 29, 2022; Concord, North Carolina, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Ross Chastain (1) leads the field into turn 1 during the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Fans mocked the choice of artists for a race such as the Coke 600.
That’s gonna really attract the young audience they want to watch. People in charge of this stuff are a joke
— Joseph (@JMATZ144) December 16, 2022
What a way to promote one of the biggest races of the season with a band that hasn't been relevant in any way since 1978.
— Ian Schrader (@Ianthin) December 16, 2022
Well guess I won’t need to rush to my seats for the one. 🤷🏼♀️ no idea who they are. #sorrynotsorry
— Heather Rosche (@88_heather_88_5) December 16, 2022
SMI is a joke with this stuff.
— Seth (@Seth_Cole33) December 16, 2022
“The young folks love the doobie brothers!” pic.twitter.com/lltnl5G93o
— Turnpike (@Turnpike_) December 16, 2022
NASCAR hire a relevant musician challenge (impossible)
— Zach (@aangozz) December 16, 2022
Nice work on attracting that 18-29 demographic
— Sterling LeBlanc #88 (@88_Sterling) December 16, 2022
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Nothing like "attracting a yonder audience and the casual viewer" like bringing in a '70s band no one's ever heard of… At least it's rock for once so I'll take it
— Tyler (@t_sholts) December 16, 2022
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Meanwhile, the elder populace of NASCAR fans would definitely love the return of such a timeless classic. It certainly would not attract young folks. While some may argue that the younger generation is out of touch with the past. Which even might be true to some extent. In the end, in order to get this age group through the gates and into the venues, NASCAR would have to adapt either way. NASCAR definitely requires a significant attraction of the younger demographic to keep the sport prosperous and alive for the long run.
