Metallica Takes Over Drag Strip at Infineon

Metallica Takes Over Drag Strip at Infineon Raceway

SONOMA, Calif. (IMMEDIATE RELEASE) - Members of the popular rock-n-roll group Metallica recently traded in their high-powered music for high-speed thrills on Infineon Raceway's world-famous quarter-mile drag strip.

Lead singer James Hetfield, drummer Lars Ulrich and guitarist Kirk Hammett rented the facility on Tuesday, Aug. 6, as a birthday gift for Hetfield. The trio, along with friends and family, spent the day darting down the drag strip in cars like a 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air, 1957 Chevrolet Corvette and a 1965 GTO convertible, among others. They also brought the same Chevrolet Camaro that was used in the video "I Disappear." In all, the band brought more than 15 cars to the track.

Hetfield, who turned 39 on Aug. 3, is an avid NASCAR Winston Cup and NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series fan, so this seemed like the perfect birthday gift. 

"When I was a kid I had NHRA bed sheets and was constantly drawing pictures of my dream dragster, 'The Wolverine,' " Hetfield said. "I've always had the inclination to go too fast. A great day at the track for me includes the sun, the fun, the family, the friends, the noise, the smell, the vibe and the speed."

Metallica, which is based in the Bay Area, is the seventh biggest selling act in American music history.