Grammy Winner John McEuen’s 170 MPH Thrill Ride at Daytona

Renowned Grammy-winning Americana artist John McEuen recently embarked on a thrilling adventure at the Daytona International Speedway, known for its high-speed racing events. Despite his 78 years, McEuen’s adventurous spirit was evident as he eagerly accepted a ride at 170 mph, provided by a Forbes reporter as part of the NASCAR Racing Experience’s celebrity program.

During the adrenaline-pumping ride, McEuen, a founding member of The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, couldn’t resist the urge to gauge the wind speed by sticking his hand out of the window netting. However, he quickly realized the intense force of the wind and retracted his hand. Reflecting on the experience, McEuen remarked, “I didn’t realize when I did it that my hand would feel as if it would get ripped off.”

While McEuen may not be a seasoned racing enthusiast, his contributions to the music world are undeniable. With hits like “Will The Circle Be Unbroken,” “Mr. Bojangles,” and “Fishin’ In The Dark,” he has helped pioneer the Americana country music genre and has sold millions of records. Throughout his career, McEuen has collaborated with iconic figures such as Steve Martin, Earl Scruggs, and drummer Jim Gordon (“Layla”), earning him a Grammy and establishing him as a prominent figure in the music industry.

McEuen’s Daytona adventure is not the first time a celebrity has experienced the thrill of high-speed racing with the NASCAR Racing Experience. Previous participants have included an astronaut, Daytona 500 winners, NHRA Top Fuel Dragster and Funny Car champions, and even a former Miss Texas.

Daytona Speedway, with its 2.5-mile track and steep 31-degree banking in the corners, presents a formidable challenge even for seasoned drivers. The track is notorious for its high-speed crashes, with incidents like the 20-car pile-up during this year’s Daytona 500 highlighting its dangers. However, safety measures such as helmets, the Hans Device, and a five-point harness system are in place to ensure the safety of both drivers and passengers.

Following the exhilarating six laps around the Daytona Speedway, McEuen expressed his admiration for the experience, describing it as a unique blend of man and machine. Despite the inherent dangers of racing at such high speeds, McEuen felt secure throughout the ride, attributing this to the skill and control of the Forbes reporter driving the car.

McEuen’s sense of humor was evident as he joked about his expectations for the ride, expressing disappointment that the car didn’t flip or catch on fire. Known for his witty nature, McEuen has authored two books, “Will The Circle Be Unbroken” and “The Life I’ve Picked,” showcasing his talents beyond music.

As McEuen continues to captivate audiences with his music and adventurous spirit, his Daytona experience is sure to remain a memorable chapter in his storied career.