The 1980s were a golden age for music videos, and Sammy Hagar’s “I Can’t Drive 55” video is undoubtedly a standout. This high-energy anthem perfectly captured the rebellious spirit of the decade, and the accompanying video was just as iconic. Beyond the catchy chorus and fast-paced visuals, there’s a wealth of fascinating trivia surrounding this hit song. Let’s delve into nine surprising facts you probably never knew about “I Can’t Drive 55,” a true rock and roll classic.
1. “I Can’t Drive 65”: The NBC Sports Version
Believe it or not, there’s another version of “I Can’t Drive 55.” As speed limits across America began to increase, NBC Sports saw an opportunity. In 2001, they commissioned Sammy Hagar himself to re-record the song as “I Can’t Drive 65.” This updated rendition wasn’t just a novelty; NBC Sports used it as the theme song for the Budweiser Pole Award presentations during their NASCAR broadcasts on NBC and TNT. From 2001 to 2003, racing fans heard Hagar’s familiar tune with a slight lyrical twist, celebrating speed both on and off the track. This unique collaboration shows the enduring appeal of the song and its adaptability to different contexts, even beyond its original rebellious message about speed limits.
You can still find the “I Can’t Drive 65” version online, a testament to its brief but memorable life in the world of sports broadcasting.
2. Not Sammy Hagar’s Highest Charting Solo Single
It might seem hard to believe given its constant presence in pop culture, but “I Can’t Drive 55,” the quintessential driving song, wasn’t Sammy Hagar’s biggest solo hit on the Billboard Hot 100. Despite dominating the summer of 1984, blasting from car radios and featuring prominently in movies, TV shows, and commercials for decades, the song peaked at number 24 on the charts. Ironically, “Your Love Is Driving Me Crazy,” from his 1982 album Three Lock Box, actually outperformed it, reaching number 13 in 1983. While “Your Love Is Driving Me Crazy” is a solid 80s rock track, it lacks the cultural impact and lasting legacy of “I Can’t Drive 55.” This highlights how chart positions don’t always reflect a song’s true influence and enduring popularity in the public consciousness.
3. The Real-Life Speeding Ticket Inspiration
The genesis of “I Can’t Drive 55” is a classic example of art imitating life, or in this case, frustration with a speeding ticket turning into a hit song. Sammy Hagar owned a home near his son’s boarding school close to Lake Placid, New York. After a long 24-hour journey from Africa, he landed at Albany International Airport, rented a car, and started the two-hour drive to Lake Placid in the early hours of the morning. Exhausted and likely wanting to get home quickly, Hagar was pulled over for doing 62 mph in a 55 mph zone on a four-lane highway with no other cars in sight. According to Hagar, the officer told him, “We give tickets around here for over 60.” In a moment of songwriting inspiration amidst the annoyance, Hagar famously declared, “I can’t drive 55!” and started writing the lyrics right there as the officer wrote the ticket. He finished the song upon arriving in Lake Placid, fueled by the incident and the catchy phrase that perfectly encapsulated his frustration with arbitrary speed limits.
4. Directed by a TV Veteran of Car-Centric Shows
The music video for “I Can’t Drive 55,” with its fast cars and rebellious energy, was helmed by director Gil Bettman. Bettman wasn’t just any music video director; he had a notable career directing television, particularly shows with a strong car focus. His IMDB credits include episodes of iconic car-themed TV series like BJ and the Bear, The Fall Guy, and Knight Rider. This background made him a perfect fit for capturing the automotive excitement and lighthearted law-breaking depicted in the “I Can’t Drive 55” video. Bettman’s experience in action-oriented television likely contributed to the video’s dynamic pacing and memorable visuals, solidifying its place as a classic of the MTV era.
5. Saugus Speedway: From Rodeo Ring to Music Video Set
The music video’s setting might look like a professional race track, but it was actually filmed at the Saugus Speedway in Saugus, California. However, Saugus Speedway wasn’t originally designed for high-speed races. It began its life as a 1/3-mile rodeo arena. This unusual location adds a layer of unexpected history to the video’s visuals. Sadly, the Saugus Speedway’s racing days are over. It closed abruptly on July 19, 1995, mid-season, after the grandstands were deemed unsafe by Los Angeles County. Since then, the venue has been repurposed for swap meets and carnivals, a far cry from its racing and music video heyday. The “I Can’t Drive 55” video serves as a nostalgic glimpse into the Saugus Speedway’s past as a local racing and entertainment hub.
6. The “Mechanic” is a Supercar Legend
The mechanic who briefly appears in the “I Can’t Drive 55” video is not just a random actor. He’s Claudio Zampolli, a significant figure in the world of supercars. Beyond his cameo in the video, Zampolli partnered with famed music producer Giorgio Moroder (an icon of 1980s instrumental music) to create the Cizeta V16T supercar. Unveiled in 1988 under the Cizeta-Moroder brand, this extraordinary vehicle was styled by Marcello Gandini, the legendary designer behind the Lamborghini Miura, Lancia Stratos, and Bugatti EB110. The Cizeta V16T was notable for its incredibly complex V16 engine. However, production was extremely limited, with only around eight examples built before the company ceased initial production. Adding to its mystique, the New York Times reported that the Cizeta V16T was never officially approved for road use in the United States due to its failure to meet environmental and DOT crash safety standards. In 2009, one of these rare supercars was seized by ICE agents in California, highlighting its elusive and somewhat controversial history. Zampolli’s presence in the “I Can’t Drive 55” video adds a surprising connection to the exclusive world of high-performance automobiles.
7. Sammy Hagar Wasn’t Actually Driving the Ferrari
In the opening scene of the “I Can’t Drive 55” music video, we see a sleek black Ferrari BB512i speeding along. However, despite being the star of the video and the song being about driving, Sammy Hagar wasn’t actually behind the wheel of that iconic Ferrari. The driver in those opening shots is none other than Claudio Zampolli, the supercar designer who also appears as the mechanic in the video. This detail adds a touch of authenticity to the car scenes, having a genuine automotive figure driving the featured Ferrari.
8. Date of Birth Goofs on Video Props
Eagle-eyed viewers might notice some humorous inaccuracies regarding Sammy Hagar’s date of birth within the video’s props. The “Wanted” poster featuring Hagar offers a $1,000 reward for his capture and incorrectly lists his birthday as February 14, 1923, in Billings, Montana. Adding to the confusion, Hagar’s driver’s license shown in the video gets the day right, October 13th, but mistakenly states the year as 1954. Sammy Hagar was actually born on October 13, 1947, in Salinas, California. These deliberate errors are likely playful Easter eggs added by the video production team, injecting humor and lightheartedness into the rebellious narrative.
9. The Judge Who Helped Launch Careers
The stern-looking judge presiding over Sammy Hagar’s trial in the video, Judge Julius Hangman, is portrayed by John Kalodner. Kalodner wasn’t just an actor; he was a highly influential figure in the music industry. In the 1970s, he was a powerhouse A&R executive at Atlantic Records, responsible for signing major acts like Foreigner, AC/DC, Peter Gabriel, and Phil Collins. Later, he was recruited by David Geffen to Geffen Records, where he continued his success, working with bands such as Madness, XTC, Whitesnake, and Aerosmith. Interestingly, Kalodner is also credited with playing a key role in launching Sammy Hagar’s solo career after he left the band Montrose. His appearance as Judge Hangman is a nod to his industry stature and his connection to Hagar, adding an insider element to the video’s cast.
10. Bonus Fact: Han Solo’s Cameo and “Used Cars” Props
For pop culture enthusiasts, there are a couple of extra fun details to spot in the “I Can’t Drive 55” video. Look closely at the gallows in Judge Hangman’s courtroom, and you’ll see a 1970s Kenner Han Solo action figure hanging there – a quirky and unexpected visual gag. Furthermore, the gallows and guillotine props themselves have a Hollywood history. They were borrowed from the set of Robert Zemeckis’s comedy film Used Cars, starring Kurt Russell. Used Cars itself is a cult classic and a brilliant satire of sales tactics, often compared to Glengarry Glen Ross for its sharp wit (and NSFW language). These behind-the-scenes details enrich the “I Can’t Drive 55” video, making it not just a performance piece but a treasure trove of pop culture references and fun trivia.
“I Can’t Drive 55” is more than just a catchy song; it’s a cultural artifact of the 1980s, packed with interesting stories and details. From its real-life inspiration to its connections to supercars and Hollywood movies, this anthem continues to resonate with audiences today, proving that some songs truly are timeless classics.
