It’s the NASCAR season and the world of sports is gearing up to witness some of the most amazing sports events in the world. Drawing thousands of viewers each time, the Daytona 500 is the iconic opening event of the NASCAR Cup Series, held annually at the Daytona International Speedway in Dayton Beach, Florida. And like every other year with a famous celeb serving as the Grand Marshall, it was Dwayne the Rock Johnson who held the title this time.
Yet Johnson is not the only celebrity fond of high-speed racing and the thrill attached to it. NASCAR has witnessed more dignitaries and celebrities than events like the Oscars, for apparently driving around in circles is as hypnotizing and intriguing as it can get, literally.
So without further ado, here are 5 other celeb big-names who are too fond of cars driving around in circles in the NASCAR crown race, Daytona 500!
5. Charles Woodson
The former NFL Hall of Famer turned Sports Analyst, Charles Woodson too is pretty fond of the Daytona 500. Loving the sport as intensely as he loves football, the former Oakland Raiders player is known for his incredible sports knowledge that also extends to the world of motor racing it seems.
After shocking the world with some of the most incredible feats in the NFL over his glorious career, Woodson was named the Grand Marshal for the 64th running of the Daytona 500 race. Sounding one of the most important commands in the world of sports, Drivers, Start Your Engines, Woodson attended the race in 2022 (via FOX Sports).
4. Pitbull
The co-owner of NASCAR’s Trackhouse Racing, Pitbull’s love for the sport is well known and well documented over the years. As passionate as he is for his music and music career, the acclaimed artist is just as fond of the sport, and sees both as equal (via Billboard).
Not only does he love the sport but Pitbull showed his fondness for it by releasing his album Trackhouse. And just days ago, he came out with another EP titled Trackhouse: Daytona 500 Edition featuring a splendid record of songs (via Speedway Digest). While he was unable to perform this year due to rain (via APNews), he previously served as the Grad Marshall in 2021.
3. Donald Trump
Former President Donald Trump is a huge sports enthusiast. While his association with boxing and the UFC are widely known, he is also fond of motor racing. Trump became only the fourth sitting president to serve as the grand marshal of the Daytona 500 in his home state of Florida in 2020.
The 2024 Presidential election hopeful gave a phenomenal speech, and was accompanied by the first lady on that memorable day four years ago.
The real estate mogul once characterized the event as a “legendary display of roaring engines, soaring spirits of the American skill, speed, and power”. Needless to say, the fascinating competition has a huge fan in Donald Trump (via CBS).
2. Owen Wilson
Owen Wilson for the better part of this century entertained the audience by voicing the greatest car ever made, The Lightning McQueen. After its incredible track record on the silver screen, Lightning McQueen delivered the iconic line Drivers, start your engines! at the NASCAR’s Daytona 500 race of 2017.
Following along in the wake of several A-list actors, it was a historic event to witness him as Grand Marshall (via Entertainment Weekly). After playing a car for so many years, it is only natural that the actor ended up in one of the biggest motor racing events in the world.
1. Chris Evans
The Dayton 500 is considered one of the most prestigious races in American motorsports. the race is apparently so big and famous that even Captain America is a big fan. Such is his love for cars that Chris Evans is also known for his modest yet incredible car collection (see Hot Cars).
Back in 2014, the Marvel star also served as the Grand Marshall for the 56th Daytona 500 race (via The Hollywood Reporter). The Daytona 500 has always been a crowd-puller event for both sports and entertainment enthusiasts alike. Hence, it is no surprise that the event continues to hold such an important place in the world and attracts names like Chris Evans.
