Lights, camera, action!
Punxsutawney Phil may have predicted six more weeks of winter, but that’s not enough to stop NASCAR from rolling back into action at the sandy beaches of Daytona International Speedway.
One week removed from Super Bowl LIX, NASCAR kicks off its 77th season with its prime event, none other than the illustrious Daytona 500.
A whopping 45 cars are entered for the Great American Race, the most since charters were introduced in 2016, epitomizing the importance of this race. Winning at Daytona chisels your name into history for the ages.
The atmosphere and energy of Daytona is felt beyond its Florida shores, drawing in big names from vast areas of entertainment to witness the showcase of some of the most talented drivers. Let’s see who will be on hand this year.
Grand Marshal
Serving as the grand marshal for NASCAR’s biggest races means more than any other dignitary role on the schedule, and this year’s selection is ready to assemble with NASCAR’s heroes.
Actor Anthony Mackie switches the studio for the racetrack to give the command for drivers to fire their engines. Mackie stars as Captain America in Captain America: Brave New World, which will hit theaters on Valentine’s Day. The New Orleans native has appeared in several films in Marvel’s Captain America franchise. Additionally, his appearances include 8 Mile, Real Steel and We Are Marshall.
Honorary Pace Car Driver
Actor and producer Alan Ritchson will pace the field prior to the running of the 67th Daytona 500.
Ritchson performs as the title character on Reacher and produced Netflix’s War Machine. He also has appeared in the Fast & Furious franchise, and he is expected to return to his role in its upcoming movie.
Pre-Race Concert
Grammy award-winning artist and Trackhouse Racing co-owner Pitbull returns to perform the pre-race concert for the Daytona 500. Pitbull appeared as the grand marshal in 2021, and he was scheduled to perform the pre-race concert last year before weather canceled the show.
Known as Mr. Worldwide, Pitbull has garnered dozens of accolades, ranging from No. 1 singles on Billboard‘s charts to several music awards. He also released the album Trackhouse in 2023, paying homage to his Cup team.
Flyover
What is a Daytona 500 without the roar of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds? The F-16 jets will display the sound of their engines before Cup drivers fire theirs up when they take to the skies during the national anthem.
The Thunderbirds have memorized packed crowds at the Great American Race for 15 consecutive years. Based out of Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, the squadron is known for displaying its Delta formation prior to the race.
Entering his fifth year with Frontstretch, Luken Glover is the author of The Underdog House, shedding light on the motivation and performance of NASCAR's dark horse teams as they strive to fight to the top. Additionally, Glover reports for the site at various events, and he contributes in the video editing department.
A 2023 graduate of the University of the Cumberlands, Glover is a middle school math and PE teacher, as well as a basketball coach. He is passionate about serving in his church, playing/coaching a wide variety of sports, and researching motorsports history.