Nate Bargatze is usually a headlining act, but he’ll be the opener at the Daytona 500.
The comedian will serve as Grand Marshall for The Great American Race on Feb. 15, giving drivers the command to start their engines.
“There is nothing quite like the anticipation of the Daytona 500 — the roar, the energy, the sense that something special is about to happen,” Frank Kelleher, President of Daytona International Speedway, said in a news release on the announcement.
“Nate Bargatze’s nationwide popularity, family-friendly humor, and authenticity embody that same spirit with a style that resonates with all. He’ll bring a memorable spark to the command, amplifying the emotion and excitement of one of the biggest moments in motorsports.”
This will be Bargatze’s first time as a NASCAR Grand Marshall, but he previously served as the honorary pace car driver for the 2023 Ally 400 at Nashville Superspeedway, his hometown track.
Bargatze’s Daytona 500 appearance will help kick off the promotion for his upcoming feature film, “The Breadwinner,” which premieres on May 29. The Daytona 500 is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on Fox.
SUBSCRIBE AND LISTEN TO THE GAS: AN AMERICAN CARS AND RACING PODCAST ON YOUR FAVORITE PLATFORM
3 Comments