Box Car Racer

Box Car Racer is the first and only studio album by American post-hardcore band Box Car Racer. Produced by Jerry Finn, the album was released May 21, 2002 through MCA Records. The band was essentially a side-project of Blink-182 members Tom DeLonge and Travis Barker, with David Kennedy completing the band’s studio lineup; bassist and friend of Kennedy, Anthony Celestino, toured with the band throughout late 2002.

The album peaked at number twelve on the Billboard 200, and the two singles "I Feel So" and "There Is" charted on the U.S. Modern Rock Tracks. Despite receiving positive reviews on release, Tom DeLonge has stated that the band has "served its purpose" and is now defunct.

Background and recording

Origins, music and concept

Box Car Racer was formed by Blink-182 guitarist Tom DeLonge in late 2001 as a side project with Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker. Blink-182 producer Jerry Finn was called to produce the album. The two wrote all of the material themselves and recruited David Kennedy from Hazen Street to complete the lineup. The band recorded Box Car Racer during the winter of 2001/2002. According to DeLonge in interviews, the album’s recording sessions were difficult for him because of constant back pain. Blink-182 had previously canceled tour dates in fall 2001 due to DeLonge’s back problems.