Performers of hits “Carry On Wayward Son” and “Dust in the Wind” to open pre-race ceremonies at Darlington Raceway on Sunday, Sept. 4
DARLINGTON, SOUTH CAROLINA (June 23, 2016) – Fitting into its throwback weekend plans of celebrating the 1975-84 era of the sport, Darlington Raceway will have classic rock legends KANSAS perform the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Bojangles’ Southern 500 pre-race concert presented by GEICO on Sunday, Sept. 4.
KANSAS, known for its hits Carry On Wayward Son and Dust in the Wind, is one of the top-selling bands of the late 1970’s and early 1980’s. The band has produced eight gold albums, three sextuple-Platinum albums (Leftoverture, Point of Know Return, Best of KANSAS), one platinum live album (Two for the Show) and two one million-selling gold singles (Carry on Wayward Son and Dust in the Wind).
KANSAS appeared on the Billboard charts for over 200 weeks throughout the ‘70’s and ‘80’s and played to sold-out arenas and stadiums throughout North America, Europe and Japan. Carry On Wayward Son continues to be on of the top five most played songs on classic rock radio, and Dust In the Wind has been played on the radio more than three million times!
“For the second consecutive year, we’re bringing pre-race entertainment to Darlington Raceway that fits our 1975-84 throwback celebration perfectly,” Darlington Raceway President Chip Wile said. “KANSAS was an iconic band in that era whose hit songs you can still hear on classic rock stations to this day. We’re excited for them to perform for our fans and give the Bojangles’ Southern 500 pre-race ceremonies a nostalgic feel as we celebrate the history and heritage of NASCAR on Labor Day weekend.”
“It’s never boring when you mix rock music, Darlington Raceway, and NASCAR fans!” original drummer for KANSAS, Phil Ehart said. “It will be a great Labor Day weekend event.”
Fans of KANSAS have the exclusive opportunity to watch the concert from the front of the pre-race stage. In addition to the purchase of a Bojangles’ Southern 500 grandstand ticket, a pre-race access pass may be purchased for an additional $45. This pass will not only give fans stage front access for the concert, but will also include an up close view of the Sprint Cup Series stars as they are introduced to the crowd. Supplies are limited.
Coinciding with the celebration of their 40th anniversary in 2013, KANSAS was inducted into both the Kansas Hall of Fame and Georgia Music Hall of Fame as recognition for their achievements from both their native state and adopted home state.
2016 marks the release of “The Prelude Implicit,” KANSAS’s fifteenth studio album. The wide-ranging progressive rock album set for release in September by Inside Out Music, and marks the band’s first studio album release in 16 years.
The band, which is currently comprised of original drummer Phil Ehart, bassist/vocalist Billy Greer, keyboardist David Manion, vocalist/keyboardist Ronnie Platt, violinist/guitarist David Ragsdale, guitarist Zak Rizvi and original guitarist Richard Williams, continues to perform in front of large and enthusiastic audiences around the world.
About GEICO
GEICO (Government Employees Insurance Company) is a member of the Berkshire Hathaway family of companies and is the second-largest private passenger auto insurance company in the United States. GEICO, which was founded in 1936, provides millions of auto insurance quotes to U.S. drivers annually. The company is pleased to serve more than 14 million private passenger customers, insuring more than 23 million vehicles (auto & cycle). Using GEICO’s online service center, policyholders can purchase policies, make policy changes, report claims and print insurance ID cards. Policyholders can also connect to GEICO through the GEICO App, reach a representative over the phone or visit a GEICO local agent. GEICO also provides insurance quotes on motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), boats, travel trailers and motorhomes (RVs). Coverage for life, homes and apartments is written by non-affiliated insurance companies and is secured through the GEICO Insurance Agency, Inc. Commercial auto insurance and personal umbrella protection are also available. For more information, go to www.geico.com.
The Tradition Continues on Labor Day weekend as the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Bojangles’ Southern 500® is set for Sunday, Sept. 4, 2016. The NASCAR XFINITY Series VFW Sport Clips Help A Hero 200 will race on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2016. Tickets are on sale now.
You can keep up with all of the latest news from Darlington Raceway at DarlingtonRaceway.com, on Facebook at Facebook.com/DarlingtonRaceway and on Twitter at Twitter.com/TooToughToTame. Fans are encouraged to post their Bojangles’ Southern 500 stories and memories at #TraditionContinues, #BojanglesSo500 and #SportClips200.
