Dwayne Johnson Set to Serve as the Grand Marshal for Daytona 500

In the 66th edition of the Daytona 500, former WWE Champion Dwayne Johnson will issue the opening command for 40 race car drivers to start their engines. NASCAR’s broadcasting partner, FOX Sports, revealed that The Rock would be the Grand Marshal for the 2024 Daytona 500 during an NFC Championship game between the San Francisco 49ers and Detroit Lions.

This isn’t Dwayne Johnson’s first appearance in NASCAR either. He has served as the grand marshal for a Cup Series race at the Texas Motor Speedway in 2004. With the recent announcement of Trackhouse Racing co-owner Pitbull joining the Daytona 500’s pre-race rituals, the race is bound to attract a big crowd at the Daytona International Speedway.

The Daytona 500 is one of the most prestigious races in the motorsport industry. A chance to headline it is an incredible opportunity for superstars like Dwayne Johnson. Trackhouse Racing co-owner Pitbull also shared his excitement with the community: “It’s an honor to once again be part of the Great American Race, this time performing at the Daytona 500. So everyone start your engines, Get Ready and Dale!”

The move might seem like NASCAR’s solution to appeasing and attracting some of its fans. Following the backlash after the announcement of Machine Gun Kelly’s participation in the Busch Light Clash at the LA Coliseum, The Rock’s addition could divert the fanbase from its concerns. After an opening night of MGK, Dillon Francis, and comedian Gabriel Iglesias in Los Angeles, NASCAR aims to lure some fans with star power at Daytona Beach.

Dwayne Johnson, who was recently added to the TKO Board of Directors, continues to expand his horizons. His placement in WWE’s parent company also led him to gain the ownership of the name “The Rock.”

The decision to have the likes of Dwayne Johnson and Pitbull headline the Daytona 500 seems like a stark contrast from last year’s events. The 2023 Daytona 500 was marshaled by some of the most legendary drivers in the sport, with a mixture of modern and old-school dignitaries collaborating to command the grid. With NASCAR allowing some room for the NASCAR Mexico Series to inaugurate its 2024 season, a big turnout is expected.

Apart from these superstars, one of the most awaited scenes of the 2024 Daytona 500 is the return of the USAF Thunderbirds to the Daytona International Speedway.

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The USAF Thunderbirds to make a 15th appearance at the Daytona 500

The Daytona 500 is a matter of pride and honor for race car drivers. Representing the American motorsport culture most finely, the event has added to its fame with the continued presence of America’s Ambassadors in Blue, year after year. With a sold-out Daytona International Speedway, the U.S. Air Force Demonstration Squadron will showcase its aerial prowess with a delta formation flyover.

The breathtaking maneuvers will be organized at the World Center of Racing and Speedway president Frank Kelleher can’t wait for February 18 to arrive earlier. He said,

“The Thunderbirds flyover is part of a rich tradition we have here to kick off the NASCAR season, and we always look forward to hosting them at The World Center of Racing. The sound of those jets piercing through the sky is the perfect precursor to those engines firing up on pit road as we get ready for one of the biggest and most thrilling races of the year.”

From the looks of it, NASCAR has prepared well for the Daytona 500. With the sport experiencing the fastest Daytona 500 ticket sellout in November 2023, NASCAR has managed expectations well and increased the race’s appeal.

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