“We want real country artists”: Fans reject NASCAR’s choice of musician at Nashville

Nashville Speedway has announced that the country rock singer HARDY will give the command at the NASCAR Cup Series race Ally 400, which will take place on June 30. However, the majority of fans have rejected NASCAR's choice, opining that that the 33-year-old was not a country artist.

Hardy will be the grand marshal at the Ally 400 in Nashville, which serves as the 18th race of the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series. The singer will give the command to the drivers to start their engines.

HARDY has had a pretty promising career so far, having teamed up with some big names in country music, including Thomas Rhett, Morgan Wallen, Florida Georgia Line, Jason Aldean, Cole Swindell, and others.

The 33-year-old will give the command in Nashvile but several fans are not convinced of him serving as the grand marshal at the Ally 400. A lot of fans voiced their disapproval on the situation, with one fan implying that HARDY was not a "real country artist".

"We want real country artists," the fan said.

"Let’s hope he doesn’t have an embarrassing hardie when he sings it," another fan chimed in.

Here are some more fan reactions to HARDY being the grand marshal for the Ally 400 in Nashville.

"Sorry to hear that, Bob." another fan said.

"He’s not a country artist." commented another fan.

"Aw sweet, probably media rounds for the new Venom movie," another fan said, taking a sarcastic dig at NASCAR's choice.

Not to mention, the last three Ally 400 grand marshals have all been country music luminaries, with Old Dominion stepping into the role in 2023, preceded by Kane Brown in 2022, and Luke Combs in 2021.

Ross Chastain will enter this year's race in Nashville as the defending champion, having beaten Martin Truex Jr. and Denny Hamlin, who finished second and third respectively.

Before the Ally 400, we will witness the USA Today 301, which will take place on June 23, at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

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New National Anthem lineup for the NASCAR Nashville Ally 400 race

The Nashville track has unveiled a fresh lineup of national anthem performers for the Ally 400 NASCAR race weekend, featuring artists like Sierra Ferrell, Jessica Nixon, and Renee Blair. These musicians will bring a slice of Music City to the track as they deliver renditions of “The Star-Spangled Banner” to the crowd.

Additionally, Trackside Live is set to return in 2024 at Nashville Superspeedway with Kenny Wallace, John Roberts, and Jose Castillo at the helm. This fan-favorite event will include interviews with some of NASCAR’s leading figures.

Trackside Live is scheduled to kick off at 11 a.m. CT on June 30 at the fan zone stage, setting the stage for the Ally 400.