Racing Cars: The Welsh Rock Band Behind a 70s Anthem

Racing Cars were a Welsh rock band from the late 1970s, best known for their melodic songcraft and a major hit single that defined their career. Hailing from the town of Rhondda, the group achieved significant commercial success with their debut album, which charted in the UK and spawned a Top 20 single that remains a staple of classic rock radio.

Early career

Racing Cars formed in 1975 in the Rhondda Valley, Wales, emerging from the vibrant pub rock and club scene. The original lineup consisted of Graham "Morty" Mortimer on vocals, Ray Ennis on guitar, Martin Ace on bass, Bob Wilding on keyboards, and David Land on drums, creating a sound that blended rock with pop sensibilities.

Their early demos caught the attention of Chrysalis Records, a major UK label, which signed the band in 1976. This deal provided the platform for the recording of their first studio album, setting the stage for their imminent breakthrough.

Breakthrough

The band's breakthrough arrived in 1977 with the release of their debut album, "Downtown Tonight," and its lead single, "They Shoot Horses Don't They?". The single became an unexpected smash, climbing to number 14 on the UK Singles Chart and propelling the album into the UK Top 40.

This success was cemented by extensive radio play and national television appearances. The album's performance established Racing Cars as one of the prominent new rock acts from Wales during that era.

Key tracks

They Shoot Horses Don't They? — This soaring, piano-driven rock ballad was the band's signature hit, defining their sound and achieving lasting recognition.

Downtown Tonight — The title track from their debut album showcased their knack for catchy, guitar-oriented rock with strong vocal harmonies.

First to Know — A fan favorite that highlighted the band's songwriting depth and melodic strength beyond their biggest single.

She's My Girl — This track exemplified the band's energetic, radio-friendly rock approach that filled their live sets.

Following their initial success, Racing Cars released their second album, "Weekend Rendezvous," in 1978. While it did not replicate the chart impact of their debut, it contained solid rock material and maintained their presence on the touring circuit. Internal tensions and shifting musical trends led to the band's dissolution in the early 1980s, though their music retained a loyal following.

The legacy of Racing Cars is firmly tied to their 1977 hit, which continues to be featured on classic rock compilations and radio playlists. The members pursued various musical projects afterwards, but the band's concise catalog, particularly "Downtown Tonight," remains a respected example of late-70s Welsh rock.

Fans of Racing Cars often appreciate the work of similar artists from the UK rock scene. Man shares the Welsh heritage and a foundation in melodic, guitar-based rock. Status Quo mirrors the no-frills, boogie-rock energy present in many Racing Cars tracks. 10cc parallels their focus on clever songwriting and polished studio production. The Kinks influenced their narrative-driven, British approach to rock music.

The music of Racing Cars maintains regular rotation on dedicated classic rock FM stations and online rock radio streams that specialize in 1970s hits. Their tracks are frequently featured in curated playlists focusing on one-hit wonders and seminal albums from the decade, introducing their sound to new generations of rock listeners.

Listeners can discover the classic rock sound of Racing Cars on radio stations featured on our website. You can hear their iconic tracks and deeper cuts on the classic rock and album-oriented rock stations available on onairium.com.