Iconic crooners will bring the funk for Bojangles’ Southern 500 pre-race concert
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This year’s retro Bojangles’ Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway on Labor Day weekend will have some equally retro entertainment: A pre-race concert featuring the iconic 1970’s rock ‘n’ roll band Grand Funk Railroad.
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The band, known for its hits “We’re An American Band” and “The Loco-Motion,” was one of the highest selling rock bands of the 1970s with many No. 1 hits and album successes.
“What better way to celebrate the 1970s and our return to Labor Day weekend than by having rock legends Grand Funk Railroad perform our Bojangles’ Southern 500 Pre-race Concert Presented by Coca-Cola,” Darlington Raceway President Chip Wile said in a track release. “Grand Funk Railroad’s hit songs were some of the most memorable from the early 70s. They are an iconic name in rock music and a tremendous fit for our celebration.”
Grand Funk Railroad’s drummer, Don Brewer, has similar sentiments about the concert as he declared in the track release, “NASCAR and GRAND FUNK on Labor Day Weekend! God Bless America!”
The group features founding members, Brewer and bassist Mel Schacher, Max Carl from the rock band 38 Special, former KISS member Bruce Kulick and keyboardist Tim Cashion.
Fans of the band will be able to watch the concert from the front of the stage for an additional $45. The pass also guarantees fans an up-close view of the Sprint Cup competitors during driver introductions.
“Coca-Cola has been part of racing since the beginning, so we’re excited to partner with Darlington Raceway to bring fans a fun throwback race and a great classic band for the pre-race concert,” Heather Hucks, Senior Director of Brand Marketing for Coca-Cola Bottling Co., said in the track release. “The weekend will be full of classics, from drivers to cars to our ice cold Coke, it’s going to be a fantastic event for race fans.”