Billie Jo Jones’ High-Speed NASCAR Adventure at Daytona

Hailing from Emory, Texas, country music star Billie Jo Jones is no stranger to speed. At 18, she was caught driving 119 mph in a 70 mph zone, resulting in a $650 fine she paid off as a pharmacy clerk. “I was lucky to keep my license,” she says with a laugh.

The 34-year-old mother of four, known for her fearless performances at Texas Rangers games and sold-out concerts, was thrilled to take on Daytona International Speedway. Her nerves of steel made her a perfect fit for the NASCAR Racing Experience.

From Stage to Screen to Speedway

Jones recently wrapped filming for “The Road,” a new CBS series set to air this fall, hosted by Keith Urban and co-produced by Blake Shelton and Taylor Sheridan. As one of only 12 contestants chosen from hundreds, she’s poised to shine.

She’s not the first music star to tackle Daytona’s track. Icons like William Lee Golden (Oak Ridge Boys), Artimus Pyle (Lynyrd Skynyrd), John McCuen (Nitty Gritty Dirt Band), and Makenzie Phipps have joined the NASCAR Racing Experience’s celebrity adrenaline program.

Daytona’s High-Stakes Track

Daytona’s 2.5-mile oval, with its 31-degree banking, is notorious for high speeds and dramatic crashes. In the 2025 Daytona 500, 35 of 41 cars were involved in incidents, though no serious injuries occurred. The track also carries the legacy of Dale Earnhardt Sr.’s tragic 2001 crash.

With over 30,000 miles logged giving thousands of rides, every lap demands precision. Completing a circuit in under a minute, safety is critical: helmets, Hans Devices, and five-point harnesses ensure protection, with stock cars built to endure 170+ mph impacts.

A Thrill Worth Celebrating

Strapped in with her signature turquoise boots, Jones admitted she’s not a huge NASCAR fan but an adrenaline junkie. “Floor it!” she urged. Over nine laps (22.5 miles), we tore through the track, weaving low, center, and high to pass slower cars, with the engine’s roar silencing all else.

Back in pit lane, Jones was all smiles. “Not scared at all,” she said. “Only nervous passing those new drivers—you never know what they’ll do.” Compared to her first radio play? “This was better,” she grinned. “Driving one myself might top it—no speeding ticket this time!”