Toby Keith, the beloved country music superstar and fierce patriot, has tragically passed away after a courageous battle with stomach cancer. Throughout his career, Keith dominated the Billboard country charts with an impressive 20 Number 1 hits, including iconic songs like “Red Solo Cup,” “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” and “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue.”
From the 1990s to the early 2000s, Keith’s heartfelt songs celebrating the greatness of America and American life could often be heard blaring from loudspeakers and campers at NASCAR races. His deep voice and unwavering patriotism were perfectly captured in his rendition of the national anthem at the Phoenix Raceway in 1999, solidifying his connection with NASCAR.
Upon hearing the news of Keith’s passing, Michael Waltrip, a two-time Daytona 500 winner and Fox Sports racing commentator, expressed his joyous memories of the singer, saying, “I just shed a tear of joy. Thought of Toby and Dale having a Red Solo Cup toast.” Clint Bowyer, a retired NASCAR driver and racing commentator, also paid tribute to Keith, praising him as an incredible person, talent, and proud American. Erik Jones, a NASCAR driver, shared his sadness at the news, reminiscing about the great memories he had while listening to Keith’s music with friends.
It was clear that Keith’s love for NASCAR matched the sport’s adoration for him. Not only did he spend time playing for the semi-pro Oklahoma City Drillers, but he was also a devoted race fan. In 2013, Keith served as the Grand Marshall at the Ford Ecoboost 400 in Miami, delivering his famous pre-race command with his signature flair. And in a touching tribute, Team Penske unveiled a special paint scheme featuring Keith’s image on the name rails of their three cars leading up to a race at the Kansas Speedway following his cancer diagnosis.
Toby Keith’s impact on both the music industry and NASCAR cannot be overstated. His powerful songs and unwavering patriotism will continue to resonate with fans for years to come.
NASCAR and Toby Keith: A Perfect Match
NASCAR fans have always had a special connection with country music superstar Toby Keith. Back in 2004, Cledus T. Judd (Barry Poole) decided to remake Keith’s hit song “I Love This Bar” into a NASCAR anthem called “I Love NASCAR.” And guess who made a surprise appearance in the parody song? That’s right, Toby Keith himself!
In the song, Cledus asks Toby, “how ’bout you?” And without hesitation, Keith belts out, “I love NASCAR!” It’s clear that he has a genuine passion for the sport. The lyrics continue with Keith expressing his love for football, wrestling, air hockey, and ping pong. But when it comes to racing, NASCAR is where his heart truly lies.
The song pays tribute to the late Dale Earnhardt, a legendary NASCAR driver known as “Big E.” Keith sings, “No one drove a car quite like Earnhardt. Vroom, vroom, vroom, vroom, vroom, I love NASCAR.” It’s evident that Keith holds Earnhardt in high regard and cherishes the memories of his incredible racing career.
According to the Daytona Beach News-Journal, Toby Keith not only enjoyed spending time with NASCAR drivers but also had a passion for collecting cars. In May 2022, Keith had the honor of headlining a veterans tribute at Daytona International Speedway, one of his final performances before his retirement. This event showcased Keith’s deep appreciation for those who have served in the military.
Aside from his love for NASCAR and his music career, Keith is also a savvy businessman. With a net worth of hundreds of millions, he has made smart investments and even bred horses. It’s clear that Keith’s success extends far beyond his musical talents.
To celebrate the incredible connection between Toby Keith and NASCAR, a mash-up video featuring his song “Made in America” and thrilling NASCAR footage has been released. This video is sure to attract thousands of views and captivate fans of both Keith and the sport.
In conclusion, Toby Keith’s love for NASCAR is undeniable. From his cameo in the parody song “I Love NASCAR” to his personal collection of cars and his involvement in the racing community, Keith has shown his unwavering support for the sport. As fans continue to enjoy his music and remember his contributions to the NASCAR world, his legacy will undoubtedly live on.