Sammy Hagar’s Speedway Saga: The Elusive Search for the State Trooper Behind "I Can’t Drive 55"
The Quest for a Legacy
Sammy Hagar’s most iconic solo hit, "I Can’t Drive 55," has been a mainstay of classic rock playlists for decades. The song’s inspiration, a speeding ticket on a fateful night in 1984, has become an integral part of music history. However, the mystery behind the ticket has remained unsolved – until now. Local radio station Q105.7, assisted by retired trooper Mike Wells, attempted to track down the state trooper who wrote the ticket, hoping to reunite them with the legendary singer.
The Odds Against Them
Wells, a former New York State Trooper and secretary of the Association of Former New York State Troopers, took on the challenge to investigate the case. He explained, "I put it out to our network. The story started going back and forth; somebody said it was this guy, somebody said no, it had to be this guy. I think we had it narrowed down to about four." Despite the efforts, the final outcome was disappointing. "Of the likely people, they’re all deceased," said Wells. "There wasn’t anybody who stepped up and said, ‘It was me.’" The Department of Motor Vehicles also proved to be of little help due to the lack of digital records at the time. "The individual tickets were all paper… back then," Wells acknowledged.
The Legacy Lives On
This setback will not deter Sammy Hagar from performing his iconic hit to fans on his Best of All Worlds tour, which has dates booked until September. Fans can look forward to reliving the magic of "I Can’t Drive 55" once again. The song has undergone various interpretations, including a successful music video featuring David Lee Roth, Hagar’s predecessor and fellow Van Halen vocalist.
Lessons Learned
The story of Sammy Hagar’s speeding ticket serves as a reminder to leave a lasting legacy. Even something as seemingly insignificant as an outdated paper ticket can have a lasting impact, inspiring a hit song that is still widely enjoyed today. At the same time, it highlights the challenges posed by the passage of time and limited resources in uncovering and preserving historical records.
Watch Sammy Hagar’s ‘I Can’t Drive 55’ Music Video
Conclusion
The search for the elusive state trooper behind Sammy Hagar’s "I Can’t Drive 55" may have ended in frustration, but the legacy of the song and Hagar’s music lives on. Although the mystery remains unsolved, Q105.7 and Mike Wells’ efforts have shed light on a fascinating piece of music history. Fans eagerly await the Best of All Worlds tour as a testament to the enduring power of art and the memories it creates.
