Many times the National Anthem is pretty routine, tracks mix up the singers and sometimes use instrumental versions, but more often than not, it’s a routine part of the program. Some race tracks have live singers perform at the events or marching bands.
The opening round of Ohio Sprint Speedweek at Attica was anything but routine when it came to the playing of the National Anthem. Someone (the track announcer claimed it was not him or the track) played the Jimi Hendrix, the long version at that. Fans in attendance and those watching at home on Flo had about a minute and a half of suffering.
Following the playing, which was cut short fans in the grandstands could be heard shouting at the track announcer “This is the United States of America, if you’re going to play it, play it right” and “This is bulls***”. One race fan who identified himself as a Veteran of the Armed Forces said “When you screw up the National Anthem, that’s the first thing you have to get right, it’s important”. Comments on Facebook and Twitter were just as critical of the track for playing that rendition.
For what it’s worth track announcer Brian Liskai seemed genuine in his statement that “We didn’t pick it”. Liskai moved the program along to the Command to start engines by two kids before the event into a rain delay.
Attica kicks off Ohio Sprint Speedweek for the All Star Circuit of Champions as they will race for nine days at nine different tracks across the Buckeye State. One can only hope the other eight tracks take a more conservative route in choosing their rendition of the Star Spangled Banner.
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