Daytona 500: Patriotic TV Star Roped into NASCAR’s Controversial EV Move by Chevy

Is NASCAR abandoning its roots? Fans termed it as “corporate nonsense” and have raised questions within the online community against the move, stating “Who asked for this? We don’t want EVs in NASCAR.” Critics warned that it undermines the sport’s tradition of roaring V8 engines and high-octane racing. However, despite all the fuss over the EV taking center stage at the Daytona 500, the celebrity driving it was warmly welcomed by the community.

The Chevrolet Blazer EV SS debuts at the Daytona 500, with actor Alan Ritchson driving the pace car. Alan Ritchson, well known for his role as ‘Jack Reacher’, an American military police officer on the TV show ‘Reacher’, joins a star-studded list of NASCAR pace car drivers, including WWE’s Sheamus, NFL legend Peyton Manning, and country star Brad Paisley.

Jack Reacher of the television world to lead Daytona 500’s green flag

Daytona International Speedway President Frank Kelleher praised Alan Ritchson as the Daytona 500’s honorary pace car driver, highlighting his high-stakes experience in Reacher and excitement for him leading the field to the green flag. “Alan Ritchson serving as our honorary pace car driver for the DAYTONA 500 is sure to add strength to our star-studded dignitaries during pre-race festivities,” said Kelleher. Alan Ritchson is making history as the 2025 Daytona 500 pace car driver, leading the field in NASCAR’s first-ever electric pace vehicle, the 2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV SS. Recently unveiled by Chevrolet, this groundbreaking move cements Ritchson’s name in the sport’s legacy.

Excited for the honorary role, he looks forward to running laps on the iconic two-and-a-half-mile oval. Adding a touch of humor, Ritchson joked about the pressure on drivers, as he won’t be leaving the track after just one lap at the start of the race. “It’s an honor to be named the honorary pace car driver for the DAYTONA 500, I hope the drivers are feeling extra competitive this year because there’s no way I’m ditching after the first lap. My dream has always been to win the DAYTONA 500. This is my year.,” Ritchson said at a press meet.

Alan Ritchson is eager to take a few laps at Daytona, but his ride—the Chevrolet Blazer EV SS—will sound vastly different from the roaring V8-powered Cup Series cars he’ll be pacing. Chevrolet’s choice to use the Blazer EV SS highlights NASCAR’s push toward innovation and sustainability. This mid-size electric SUV boasts 615 horsepower and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds, according to Chevrolet.

Chevrolet’s Blazer EV SS pace car will take the lead in its stock production form, enhanced with custom graphics and embedded strobe lighting for race-day visibility. However, the excitement doesn’t stop there. Alongside it, Chevrolet is unveiling the Blazer EV.R NASCAR prototype, a key step in NASCAR’s push toward electrification.

This groundbreaking shift isn’t happening in isolation. NASCAR has teamed up with industry giants—Chevrolet, Ford, Toyota, and ABB—to develop its first-ever electric race car prototype. As momentum builds, speculation grows that a fourth OEM could join if the EV program proves successful. With a firm commitment to innovation, NASCAR continues to steer its vision toward a more electrified future.

Justin Allgaier’s experience with the Chevrolet Blazer EV.R prototype highlights the key adjustments needed when shifting from combustion engines to electric power. Without engine noise or gear changes, drivers must rely on new sensory cues to gauge speed, marking a fundamental evolution in racing. “I’m used to knowing my speed through gearing and listening to engine revs, so I had to totally change how I judge corner entry speed…With this platform, we’re learning how to strategically adjust regenerative braking, which has a big impact on braking sections and cornering balance,” said Justin Allgaier who carried out the test drive for his team Chevrolet.

Aside from Alan Ritchson driving the pace car, the build-up to the Daytona 500 involved some prominent celebrities.

A Grand Entrance: Air Force One, President Trump, and the Daytona buzz

The energy at the sold-out Daytona International Speedway was electric an hour before the Daytona 500. While fans anticipated performances by Pitbull, Anthony Mackie’s iconic command to start engines, and Alan Ritchson’s pace car debut, the loudest cheers erupted for an unexpected spectacle—a Boeing VC-25, known as Air Force One, soaring over the track.

President Trump arrived at Daytona Beach International Airport just before noon, making his way to the Speedway in “The Beast.” Stepping out to a roaring crowd, he pumped his fist in acknowledgment before engaging with drivers, past champions, and race officials, adding a historic touch to NASCAR’s biggest event.

Trump’s Daytona 500 visit was a spectacle of patriotism and power. In his sole Fox interview, he praised the event as “fantastic” and “great for the country” before highlighting his achievements. Accompanied by his granddaughter, he arrived in style as “The Beast” took ceremonial laps around the speedway, thrilling the crowd before he settled into a private infield suite.

While the rain dampened the first few hours of the race, the fans found their voice after the rain stopped. Now, a race under the lights is set to change the whole dynamic of this race, making it way more unpredictable than it first was. Who do you think will win the 2025 Daytona 500?