The 68th Daytona 500 weekend is set to start next weekend, and NASCAR has Grammy-winning comedian Nate Bargatze to serve as grand marshal for the Great American Race. He will call out the traditional “start your engines” command at Daytona International Speedway after actor Anthony Mackie did the same last year.
Bargatze, who won the Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album with his Netflix special Your Friend this year, has become one of the most popular comedians in the United States. He topped touring charts in 2024 and 2025 as the No. 1 touring comedian in the world and hosted Saturday Night Live twice. He also appears to try to help promote his film debut, family comedy movie, The Breadwinner, which he created, co-wrote, produced, and stars in, this May 2026.
Daytona International Speedway shared the announcement on X, writing:
“Everything is gonna be just fine with [Nate Bargatze] as our [Daytona 500] Grand Marshal!”
Bargatze will address fans and welcome drivers before the green flag, and also take part in a fan Q&A session in the Hard Rock Bet Fanzone on race morning. Meanwhile, Hollywood legend Kurt Russell will be the honorary pace car driver this season.
2026 Daytona 500 Schedule and Entries So Far
The 2026 Daytona 500 is set for Sunday, February 15, 2026, at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series opener will follow the Speedweeks, which begin on Wednesday, February 11, with practice sessions and Cup Series pole qualifying.
Over the next few days, Speedweeks features a packed schedule. On Thursday, February 12, the Duel at Daytona qualifying races decide most of the field. Friday and Saturday bring more practice, qualifying, and support races, including ARCA and Truck Series events. The Daytona 500 itself starts in the afternoon of February 15.
36 chartered entries have guaranteed spots to the Daytona 500, and Jimmie Johnson’s No. 84 Toyota Camry will use the Open Exemption Provisional rule this year. So, there will be a 41-car field. Other open cars have announced their attempt to enter the ‘Great American Race,’ including:
Chandler Smith in the No. 36 (Front Row Motorsports), Justin Allgaier in the No. 40 (JR Motorsports), JJ Yeley in the No. 44 (NY Racing Team), Anthony Alfredo in the No. 62 (Beard Motorsports), Casey Mears in the No. 66 (Garage 66), Corey Heim in the No. 67 (23XI Racing), Corey LaJoie in the No. 99 (RFK Racing), and BJ McLeod’s No. 78 (Live Fast Motorsports).
Meanwhile, the season’s pre-season exhibition race is set for this Wednesday, February 4, at 6 pm ET.
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