By George A. Paul, Staff Writer

NASCAR drivers aren't the only guys with a need for speed.

"There's always been a pretty strong connection between me and racing," said Sammy Hagar, in a phone interview this week.

"I think I've written more car songs than anybody." One in particular, "I Can't Drive 55," is heard regularly at race tracks nationwide.

The veteran musician and former Van Halen singer is a Fontana native. That makes his performance before 90,000 people tonight, serving as Grand Marshal for the Stater Bros. 300 NASCAR Busch Series race on Saturday and an appearance on the live Fox-TV broadcast before the Auto Club 500 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race on Sunday at the hometown speedway, particularly sweet.

"I don't think I've ever played for that many people before. When I sing `I Can't Drive 55' and put my hand in the air (to get an audience response), I'm going to look like Hitler up there. Hopefully, we'll raise whatever roof is available."

Hagar said "it seems like NASCAR keeps coming to my backyard," in reference to his role in racing activities.

After shooting a TV commercial for NAPA Auto Parts (which licensed the "55" song) with driver Michael Waltrip (whose current racecar is No. 55), Hagar was invited to be Grand Marshal at the Daytona 500, but declined due to logistics.

Then Stater Bros. - which stocks Hagar's Cabo Wabo brand tequila in its markets and is the title sponsor of Saturday's race - asked and he accepted.

"When it came down to my hometown, it was just perfect."

Surprisingly, the Red Rocker has never attended the Fontana races before.

He was supposed to perform a couple years ago until technical problems got in the way.

"It's not easy to put a rock `n' roll band at a race," Hagar said with a laugh.

Don't expect to see the usual Cabo Wabo tequila pinata spray confetti on the crowd.

"We can't do it because it would be all over the track. It's going to be a blast though."

For the short live set, Hagar plans to include selections from Montrose, his early solo career, Van Halen and more recent solo material.

On Tuesday, he was in the midst of rehearsals ("my band practices all the time...it's me they have to worry about") and signing 145 red Yamaha and Fender guitars for various organizations and charities. One will be donated to the live NASCAR memorabilia auction today.

Hagar's passion for all things automotive extends to his 16-car collection, which is stored in an airplane hangar, a pair of two car garages and the family driveway at home.

Among the luxury and muscle car models are an Aston Martin Vanquish S, Shelby Ford Mustang GT-H ("a rubber burning monster"), Ferrari Daytona and BMW Alpina.

"I drive the hell out of them...I never have to jump start my cars. I never let them sit that long."

Recently, Hagar had a longtime dream realized by becoming co-owner of an Indy Pro Series car for Team KMA to help promote his Cabo Wabo Cantina.

"I would love to have a NASCAR (vehicle), but they're so expensive. If Cabo Wabo ever becomes the No. 1 premium tequila in America, I can afford it. Well, I could afford a car now, but then I wouldn't have any money (left)."

Staff writer George A. Paul can be reached at features@sbsun.com, with "George Paul" in the subject field, or by phone at (909) 483-8549.

CONCERT PREVIEW
SAMMY HAGAR AT RACEFEST
Where: California Speedway, 9300 Cherry Ave., Fontana
When: Tonight at 8:40
Cost: free
Information: (800) 944-7223,
www.californiaspeedway.com, www.sammyhagar.com

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