Attica: raceway apology over national anthem version
Ohio racing venue
ATTICA -- An apology was issued Saturday for an instrumental version of the Star-Spangled Banner played at a raceway the night before at Attica Raceway Park.
The version sparked hundreds of reactions and more than 200 comments on social media on Friday night and Saturday, to the performance that can be heard here.
This included criticism and support of what racing fans heard, including positive mentions of Jimi Hendrix's electric guitar performance of the Star-Spangled Banner in 1969 at the Woodstock festival.
On the Ohio raceway's official Facebook page, Saturday's post said that Attica Raceway Park staff did not choose the version at the racing venue about 10 miles west of Willard. It did not specify who made the choice.
A message was left Saturday seeking additional information from the raceway.
"We will be the only ones choosing the National Anthem from now on," the raceway stated in its post, expressing respect to "all those that have served and are serving this wonderful country of ours."
It was not immediately clear on Saturday who performed the national anthem at the Attica racing site in Seneca County. The raceway could not be reached for immediate comment.
"Attica Raceway Park would like to sincerely apologize for what was played as the National Anthem last night," its social media post said.
Weekly shows at Attica Raceway Park feature complete racing programs that include 410 Sprints, UMP Super Late Models, 305 Sprints, and dirt trucks, its page notes. The events take place on a one-third-mile banked clay oval on the Attica Fairgrounds.
Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
