The Daytona 500 has long been a spectacle of speed, adrenaline, and tradition. Imagine the rumble of engines, the sea of fans decked out in their favorite driver’s colors, and the anticipation in the air as the Great American Race prepares to begin. Now, throw in Anthony Mackie—yes, Captain America himself—ready to take the microphone for the most famous command in motorsports.

If you’re familiar with Anthony Mackie, you know he doesn’t do anything halfway. As the man currently holding Captain America’s shield in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, he’s accustomed to making moments unforgettable. So, when he was given the privilege of delivering the iconic “Gentlemen, start your engines!” command, he had something different in mind.

NASCAR didn’t want to move away from tradition

The Hollywood star was in two minds about whether to go for the iconic command or add a personal twist to it. In the press conference leading up to the race, Mackie opened up about this dilemma, revealing his intentions were originally to deliver the iconic line from his Avengers movie franchise: ‘Avengers Assemble!’ 

“So, a really great question. So, my idea was, instead of saying ‘Gentlemen, start your engines,’ I was going to say ‘Avengers Assemble.’ Then they said, ‘DON’T DO THAT!'” Mackie divulged, chuckling. Now, let’s pause to enjoy what might have been. Imagine it: tens of thousands of NASCAR enthusiasts cheering in the stands at Daytona International Speedway, the hum of engines in the distance, and Mackie—Captain America himself—spouting one of the most iconic lines ever in movie history. It’s the moment that would have resonated through the NASCAR and Marvel fan bases.

Too bad that NASCAR wasn’t ready to go superhero all the way with its race this year. The old pre-race command has been a long-standing part of auto racing, a burst of energetic waiting that gets things started in the most classic way possible. Playing with tradition—even for a Marvel moment—wasn’t an option. Still, Mackie took the rejection in stride. “So, we’ll see,” he added, hinting that he might still sneak in a little superhero flair when the big moment arrives. “You all make me nervous, so I’ll try not to mess it up.”

Mackie’s enthusiasm for the Daytona 500 is evident, and it’s easy to understand why. The Great American Race is one of the largest events in motorsports, attracting fans from all over the nation. Having a big Hollywood name like Mackie on board only makes it more of an event, bringing together the worlds of entertainment and high-speed racing in a way that few events can. And although his “Avengers, Assemble” fantasy was nixed, who’s to say he won’t weave in a bit of Marvel magic elsewhere in the celebrations?

Perhaps a subtle “on your left” nod, a tribute to his iconic Falcon/Captain America moment? Perhaps a nod to Tony Stark? One thing for certain—when Anthony Mackie gets behind the microphone at the Daytona 500, fans will be listening to every word, hoping he might just manage to find a way around the NASCAR gatekeepers. Whether superheroes or stockers, one thing never changes: race day during the Daytona 500 is always legendary. And with Anthony Mackie in the mix, this year’s event may just have a little bit of star power.

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Donald Trump’s Daytona 500 return sparks roaring cheers and renewed debate

The Daytona 500 is no stranger to iconic moments. From photo finishes to breathtaking crashes, NASCAR’s biggest event always delivers. But this year, the buzz wasn’t just about the race—it was about the return of Donald Trump to the Daytona International Speedway. Emerging from his iconic presidential limousine, “The Beast,” President Trump rode the circuit, guiding the pack on a ceremonial lap that sent the audience abuzz. He praised the drivers via the vehicle’s speaker system, mentioning their skill and bravery.

In an interview with Fox Sports, Trump was in high spirits, saying, “The Daytona 500 is a great event important to the morale of the country.” He also highlighted America’s revival in spirit and hinted at future growth under his rule. But not all were so pleased. Bubba Wallace, the sole African American full-time driver in NASCAR, was absolutely indifferent to the President’s arrival. When asked as to what he thought of the President’s appearance before the race, Wallace commented, “Couldn’t care less.”

It was a reminder of the tensions that have been between the two since 2020 when a noose was found in Wallace’s garage stall at Talladega Superspeedway. Even though an FBI probe concluded it was not a hate crime, Trump had publicly denounced Wallace as perpetrating a “hoax” and even called for an apology. Wallace, unflinching, remained firm then, and it was clear from his response at Daytona that his position hadn’t altered.

As engines roared and the checkered flag flew, the day reminded us of NASCAR’s unique position at the intersection of sport, culture, and politics. The 2025 Daytona 500 will be remembered not only for the on-track racing battles but also for the broader debates that it raised.