Local musical artist Neva Alden cherished the experience of being able to sing the National Anthem at the first ever NASCAR Cup race in Newton.

Alden, who is a country/folk artist from Carlisle, plays a large variety of shows all over Marion and Warren counties, including several at the Knoxville Raceway. Alden was already performing the Friday night before the cup race at the Iowa Speedway and was approached ahead of time about if she wanted to sing the National Anthem for Sunday’s race. Alden said she didn’t hesitate to say yes and that she loves the attention and performing in front of a big crowd. 

“Honestly I don’t really nervous for these things. I just love it. When I got out there I saw all of these people and they said I would be on TV and I thought it was just awesome. My heart was so happy and it was just amazing.”

Hear all about Alden’s experience singing the National Anthem at the Iowa Corn 350 on today’s In Touch with South Central Iowa.