Folks, remember when NASCAR fans went wild after hearing that Morgan Freeman would serve as the Grand Marshal for the 2025 Pennzoil 400? The hype was through the roof. Freeman, the man with the most commanding voice in Hollywood, was set to deliver the iconic “Drivers, start your engines!” command. Fans expected chills, goosebumps, and an unforgettable moment that would echo through Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Freeman himself seemed pumped. Ahead of the race, he shared his excitement: “I’m thrilled to be chosen as the grand marshal for this NASCAR race. It’s a true honor to be part of such an incredible tradition, and I can’t wait to see the energy, passion, and excitement that fills the track. Let’s rev up those engines and make this race unforgettable.” His words fueled the anticipation even more. This was the man who narrated March of the Penguins, brought Nelson Mandela to life on screen, and made even the most ordinary words sound legendary. NASCAR fans were ready for something epic.

Then came the race day. The showgirls flanked Freeman, the cameras zoomed in, and the world waited. But what followed was a letdown no one saw coming. The 87-year-old acting icon, known for his commanding presence, barely raised his voice. The words “Drivers, start your engines” landed flat, missing the power and passion that fans had hoped for. Instead of an electrifying start, it was a murmur lost in the roar of the engines.

A cold start to the Pennzoil 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway!

The reaction? NASCAR fans weren’t just disappointed—they were downright stunned. The moment Freeman finished his uninspired delivery, social media erupted. NASCAR fans, who had expected something grand, felt let down. The usually lively Las Vegas crowd barely reacted, and TV viewers were quick to voice their disappointment. One fan summed it up perfectly: “Someone please wake up Morgan lol.”

It wasn’t just a letdown—it felt like a missed opportunity. Morgan Freeman, known as the ‘voice of God,’ delivered one of the most uninspired start commands in recent memory. To be fair, NASCAR didn’t randomly choose Freeman for the role. He has a real connection to motorsports. In a pre-race interview, he revealed that for his 60th birthday, he took a three-day racing course at Lowe’s Motor Speedway (now Charlotte Motor Speedway).

“I had an opportunity for my 60th birthday, I got a three-day schooling at Lowe’s Raceway. So, you know, I know a little bit about it,” he told the media. Apart from this, he has even voiced some of the most popular NASCAR documentaries. Fans even applauded his 2025 Daytona 500 advertisement for FOX Sports for its thrilling narration, but today’s event totally disappointed them.

However, before the disappointment, Freeman was deeply engaged in the pre-race activities. Ahead of the race, the 87-year-old actor joined Bubba Wallace in his 23XI Racing Garage. It was a fanboy moment for Freeman, as he has been a long-time Wallace bud! Acknowledging his support for the team, Wallace handed him an official 23XI Racing crew hat to wear.

Notably, it was a perfect meet-up as Wallace is driving a special Stealth Bomber paint scheme today in honor of the US Air Force, which was once home to Freeman. Wallace, who had shown a strong pace in practice, had an extra boost of motivation knowing that the legendary actor was cheering him on. It was a great pre-race storyline. Unfortunately, that energy didn’t translate to the start command.

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Fans fail to digest Freeman’s commands!

NASCAR fans are a passionate group. They don’t just watch the sport—they live it. So, when the “God of Voice” failed to deliver, they didn’t hold back. One fan bluntly stated: “Unc did not care.” That sentiment summed up what many felt. Freeman’s command lacked passion, and fans noticed. Even though he has a history with racing, he didn’t seem fully invested in the moment.

Notably, NASCAR has seen its share of unforgettable start commands. From booming military leaders to enthusiastic celebrities, the best ones electrify the crowd and set the tone for the race. But Freeman’s delivery? Fans rated it “2/10, only because it was Morgan Freeman.” Meanwhile, some fans joked that Freeman might be having a Saturday night hangover. “Me to my car when I get into it on Monday mornings hungover to go to work,” writes a user.

It was a brutal but honest take. NASCAR fans who are used to hearing booming, passionate start commands like Kevin James’s 2007 Daytona 500 felt betrayed. Even longtime Freeman fans couldn’t hide their frustration. A user simply called it “weak sauce.”  It was more shocking for a man whose voice has moved audiences for decades. Despite a disappointing start, fans now shift their focus to the Pennzoil 400 as Christopher Bell eyes a fourth consecutive win.