Now that the Del Mar Fair has packed up and left us wanting more fun for summer, the horse races at Del Mar have started and with them, the 4 O’Clock Fridays concert series. For those of you who still haven’t experienced the racetrack in all its glory, you need to listen close.

First of all, there is so much history involved with the Del Mar Racetrack. In 1937, Bing Crosby, a famous American singer and actor, was there to greet the very first fan who walked through the gates the day the track opened. In 1938, the famous Seabiscuit-Ligoroti match-up took place at Del Mar and drew more than 20,000 people to witness the now-celebrated victory of the unlikely champion. At a time in American history when baseball was the sport of choice, this highly publicized race put the fledgling track on the map.

The 1940s brought the stars to the track. Stars like Edgar Bergen, W.C. Fields, Ava Gardner and Bing Crosby were often seen attending the races during this time. But during World War II (1942-1944) the track went “dark” and the grounds were used initially to train Marines and as a manufacturing site for parts for B-17 bombers. Of course this was a much different time in American history when the American public did everything in its power to show solidarity to work together to get the job done and to bring our troops home safely; unlike now where dissension and sedition split our unification, but I digress.

In 1955, Cipria, an Argentinean filly, won a maiden race by a head Sept. 1, which rewarded her backers with $263.40 for every $2 they bet for her to win; to this day this is still a Del Mar record. The biggest wins ever scored by a female conditioner in Del Mar history took place in 1980 when Mary Lou Tuck pulled off a stakes double winning the Eddie Read and Del Mar Handicaps. In 1984, South African race commentator Trevor Denman coined the phrase “And away they go!” And 15 summers ago, Del Mar decided to line up a band to play after the 4 p.m. races on Friday, to see how it would go over.

Now, the history and excitement start all over again including 4 O’Clock Fridays. Track attendance jumps as much as 50 percent on Fridays according to the track’s Web site.

Also performing this summer will be San Diego alternative band Pinback (Aug. 1) and Morrissey knock-offs The Bravery (Aug. 8). All concerts are standing room only, never sell out, and are free with track admission. There are three different Saturday shows, and performing will be Gnarls Barkley (July 26), Bob Marley Roots Reggae Fest (Aug. 9), and new wave punkers Devo (Aug. 30).

If you’ve never had the opportunity and pleasure to experience the rich history and entertainment of going to the famous Del Mar Racetrack, take the opportunity to go, especially on any Friday to catch the last race of the evening and the good music and fun that follows. You can take the Coaster to Solana Beach where there are shuttles provided by the racetrack that will take you directly to the track for free. To me, you haven’t experienced North County until you’ve gone to the races at least once in your life.

For more information on the Del Mar races and for a complete listing and schedule of performances for 4 O’Clock Fridays, visit www.dmtc.com.