Why Nick Mason Once Considered Leaving Pink Floyd To Become A Racecar Driver

March 20, 2025

Nick Mason, the legendary drummer of Pink Floyd, always had a passion for speed. As a child growing up in England, he found himself captivated by the roar of engines and the thrill of racing cars. He would dream of racing down winding roads, feeling the adrenaline rush as he pushed the limits of speed. While music was his primary focus, racing always lingered in the back of his mind, calling to him like a distant thunderstorm promising excitement. As Pink Floyd soared to fame in the late 1960s and 1970s, the idea of leaving it all behind to chase the thrill of becoming a racecar driver started to take root in Nick’s heart.

The turning point came during the making of “The Dark Side of the Moon.” Amidst the endless studio sessions and the pressure to create a masterpiece, Nick often felt a pull towards the racetrack. Each time the band wrapped up a recording, he could almost hear the engines revving, inviting him to escape the world of music for a while. The idea of racing began to consume him; he pictured himself tearing around a track, wind in his hair and a smile on his face. It was a tantalizing thought—what if he traded his drumsticks for a steering wheel? What if he could leave behind the demands of the music industry and pursue the rush of speed?

However, Nick’s passion for Pink Floyd always held him back. He knew the band’s journey was extraordinary, filled with creative exploration and a deep bond with his bandmates. Music was not just a career for him; it was a part of his identity. Over time, he began to realize that his love for both music and racing didn’t have to be mutually exclusive. Instead of leaving Pink Floyd, he could find a way to blend his two passions. This revelation was a turning point in Nick’s life, reminding him that he could chase his dreams without abandoning what he loved.

As years went by, Nick embraced the world of racing while staying committed to the band. He purchased several classic cars and even participated in amateur races, which he found exhilarating. Balancing life as a musician and a racing enthusiast brought him immense joy. He learned to find inspiration in the adrenaline of the racetrack, which sometimes fueled his creativity in the studio. In a way, racing became a reminder of the freedom he felt while creating music. He realized that the heartbeat of racing was not so different from the rhythm of drumming—it was all about feeling alive and in the moment.

Looking back, Nick Mason feels grateful for the decision he made. The journey of being a member of Pink Floyd was filled with highs and lows, but it ultimately shaped him into the person he is today. His love for racing added a vibrant layer to his life, reminding him of the importance of following one’s passions, no matter how different they may seem. As he sits behind his drum kit today, he carries both the spirit of music and the thrill of speed within him, a perfect blend that reflects his rich and adventurous life. Nick’s story teaches us that we should never be afraid to pursue our dreams, even if it means navigating the twists and turns along the way.