On Tuesday morning, NASCAR made Times Square noisier than usual. A new billboard was set up right in the middle of Midtown Manhattan, New York City, which featured the unmistakable roar of the Next Gen engine and was big enough to set a Guinness World Records title as the World’s Loudest Billboard.
The 1:1 replica NASCAR engine had the fans around the area listen to the actual noise of a NASCAR engine. It was developed by 72andSunny, backed by Guru House and approved by leading NASCAR engine builders, Earnhardt Childress Racing (RCR), and Hendrick Motorsports. As per NASCAR.com:
“The refresh also includes a new brand spot developed by Concept80 that debuted Sunday, Feb. 8. Featuring drivers Bubba Wallace, Carson Hocevar, Ross Chastain and Kyle Larson, alongside Scott Eastwood, Marshawn Lynch, Cleetus McFarland and Katelyn Larson.”
According to Tim Clark, NASCAR’s chief brand officer, setting a Guinness World Record is indeed a proud moment for the sport and a bold way to enter the 2026 season. It’s also part of NASCAR’s iconic “Hell Yeah” campaign through the 2026 season.
“The billboard puts the visceral energy of NASCAR front and center and invites everyone to experience what makes our sport so unique.”
That being said, the season-opening Daytona 500 is less than a week away. This historic, 500-mile event has been opening Cup Series seasons since 1982, making it one of the most watched, most prestigious, and high-paying races on NASCAR’s yearly schedule.
So much so that the Daytona 500 is often known as the “Super Bowl of Stock Car Racing.” Scheduled for this Sunday, the 68th running of the event will be televised on FOX, starting from 2:30 p.m. ET. Fans can also listen to live radio updates on MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
Could NASCAR Reschedule the Daytona 500 in 2026?
NASCAR’s unofficial season-opening race, the Cook Out Clash, was delayed not once, but twice due to inclement weather. There was about 8-10 inches of snow in Winston-Salem that day, which affected qualifying and practice. And as the Daytona 500 inches closer, the weather forecast seems to get even worse.
A few days ago, the marquee NASCAR event called for a fresh, sunny sky. But according to FOX Weather, there is a 60% chance of rain on Sunday afternoon, which can crank up to 80% in the evening.
In fact, Accuweather has predicted that rain can delay or even postpone the race. Four times in the past six years, the Daytona 500 was ravaged by rain, and that includes 2024 as well as 2025.
Well, Monday’s forecast looks better, but it’s not perfect. There is a 50% chance of precipitation throughout the morning, which means that NASCAR could sanction a late afternoon or evening race. But given how unpredictable the weather is in Florida, even that could change anytime.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
