Brian Vickers has always thought of himself as a pretty good singer.  At karaoke bars, he is the first to take the stage.  He can be heard outside his driver’s coach while singing in the shower.  Even during races, Vickers would communicate to his crew chief and spotter in song.  While reviews are mixed on the driver’s vocal talent, his pit crew made him put his money where his mouth is when they dared him to sing the national anthem before the Sprint Cup race at Talladega Superspeedway earlier this year.  Vickers was understandably nervous about his public singing debut, so much so that he wrote the lyrics on his hand should his nerves get the best of him in front of the 100,000 fans in attendance that Sunday.  However, all the preparation in the world couldn’t prevent Vickers from making a mistake that put into question the young man’s knowledge of the United States but forever placed him in the hearts of Alabamans.

As the public address announcer informed the crowd that Vickers would be performing the national anthem that day, he was greeted with scattered cheers but most fans reacted with surprise that Vickers has vocal talent.  He slowly approached the microphone and cleared his throat, silence fell over the crowd and he began.  What happened next was a surprise to all in attendance, especially Vickers himself.  “Big wheels keep on turning.  Carry me home to see my kin,” Vickers sang. “Singing songs about the Southland.  I miss my Alabamy once again, and I think it’s a sin, yeah.”  While Vickers clearly thought that the Lynyrd Skynyrd hit “Sweet Home Alabama” was the national anthem, his mistake went unnoticed by the Alabama crowd and even if they were aware of his confusion, they didn’t seem to mind.  Vickers continued on through the first verse and then was joined by a chorus 100,000 people strong when he reached the refrain.  “Sweet home Alabama.  Where the skies are so blue,” the crowd sang in unison along with Vickers. “Sweet home Alabama.  Lord, I’m coming home to you.” 

When Vickers concluded his rendition of the “national anthem,” he was greeted with a 15 minute standing ovation, the first cheers of his career. 

Since the race at Talladega, the state of Alabama has begun the process of seceding from the United States of America for the sole purpose of giving Sweet Home Alabama the national anthem designation it so richly deserves.