When gearheads come to the race track, their primary goal is to indulge solely in the racing experience. Yet, throwing in musical interludes with some of America’s biggest artists spices things up a little. And NASCAR prefers a particular musical genre whenever selecting artists to perform at the tracks: country.

This falls in place with a tradition that goes back seven decades. While IndyCar and other series recruit pop and rock artists, NASCAR sticks to its roots. In 2024 as well, the sanctioning body called forth a local country star from Alabama to soothe people with his soft tunes. But fans blamed officials for refusing to keep pace with the times.

NASCAR’s country icon is returning for another show

At the beginning of 2024, country singer-songwriter Tim Dugger cemented his plans with NASCAR for the year. Dugger was booked for a tour of premier races at Speedway Motorsports venues, beginning in Atlanta in February. However, the Atlanta event was canceled. Per the latest reports, he will perform this weekend during the Coca-Cola 600 in Charlotte.

Recently, the news circulated on social media that the 7/8-mile Iowa Speedway has been added to his schedule. A NASCAR community page updated the news: “To rival IndyCar bringing Luke Combs and Post Malone to Iowa Speedway, NASCAR has booked …… Tim Dugger.”

Dugger is no stranger to race tracks. He first entered the NASCAR scene in 2011 when he filmed a music video at North Wilkesboro Speedway—starring Austin Dillon. Since then, the Alabama native has lent his melodious voice to several race tracks. “I’ve played several of these tracks and I always have the MOST fun with the race fans,” said Dugger. “For 2024 we’re going to kick it up a notch and throw some big-time parties before those green flags fall.”

Even Speedway Motorsports owner Marcus Smith oozed appreciation for the country sensation. “It’s a party every time Tim Dugger takes the stage, and NASCAR fans absolutely love him because he’s one of them.”

But a major chunk of the NASCAR community begs to disagree with Smith’s views. Upon hearing Tim Dugger’s appearance at Iowa Speedway, one fan dropped a cutting claim. “Hey @NASCAR, just a tip from somebody who lives in Nashville and works in country music: Nobody knows who Tim Dugger is.”

This is just the tip of the iceberg as others from the community showered accusations on NASCAR, drawing a parallel with the “cooler” guest artists at IndyCar.

Is NASCAR lagging behing: The community has its say

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For IndyCar, Iowa Speedway is a big deal. Star drivers hail the track as the “Fastest Short Track of the Planet.” Hence the artists attending the program are also big celebrities this year. Post Malone, a hip-hop and R&B rapper of global acclaim, and Loke Combs, a famous country music singer will perform there. 

More than a few fans ridiculed NASCAR for avoiding big names like the Malone and settling for Tim Dugger instead. One fan pointed out the IndyCar guests’ renowned status while taking a cruel dig at Dugger. “At least I know who Luke Combs and Post Malone are. Tim Dugger sounds like a fake NASCAR driver name.” Another fan chimed in: “Guy doesn’t even have a Wikipedia page. I feel like it’s just some long con of a joke.”

Then fans pointed out NASCAR’s old-school approach which keeps out the younger demographic. One fan elaborated: “Indy gets two huge superstars and NASCAR gets someone I never heard of. And NASCAR wonders why it can’t grow or bring in young audiences.” Another fan called the sanctioning body to swing into action: “Get with the times NASCAR!”

Evidently, the fan community is not so thrilled to hear Tim Dugger’s country songs rev up the Iowa track. Let us wait and see if NASCAR ropes in more celebrities.