Kurt Russell (Pace Car Driver) Miranda Lambert (Pre-Race Show); Air Force Thunderbirds (Flyover)
Daytona International Speedway is a state-of-the-art motorsports facility and was awarded the SportsBusiness Journal’s prestigious Sports Business Award for Sports Facility of the Year in 2016. Daytona International Speedway is the home of The Great American Race – the DAYTONA 500. Below are a few of the event dignitaries.
From Hollywood to Horsepower: Acclaimed Actor Kurt Russell Named Honorary Pace Car Driver
Hollywood horsepower will help lead the field to green for the 68th running of the DAYTONA 500 as Daytona International Speedway announced today that acclaimed actor Kurt Russell will serve as the honorary pace car driver on Sunday, Feb. 15.
Russell brings a multi-generational storytelling legacy to The Great American Race ahead of the highly anticipated season two premiere of his hit Apple TV series, “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters,” set to make its global debut on Friday, Feb. 27.
“The DAYTONA 500 has always been bigger than a race. It’s a global event that blends competition, spectacle, and culture,” said Frank Kelleher, President of Daytona International Speedway. “Kurt Russell’s impact in entertainment mirrors what makes The Great American Race special – moments that endure long after the checkered flag.”
Kurt Russell is one of the most enduring and recognizable figures in American film, with a career spanning more than five decades. From early Disney roles to iconic performances in films such as “Tombstone,” “Miracle”, and “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,” His work across action, drama, and comedy has earned him critical acclaim and a devoted global following.
“It’s incredibly exciting to be named the honorary pace car driver for this year’s Daytona 500,” Russell shared. “I can’t wait to get back behind the wheel, it’s been a long time since I’ve been in a race car.”
Three-Time GRAMMY-Award Winning Country Music Superstar Miranda Lambert to Perform DAYTONA 500 Pre-Race Show
Three-time GRAMMY-award winning country music superstar Miranda Lambert is set to perform the DAYTONA 500 pre-race concert. The most-awarded artist in Academy of Country Music history is set to kickstart the festivities prior to the 68th running of The Great American Race.
“To have this level of talent with an artist such as Miranda Lambert performing our pre-race concert adds an incredible amount of energy for the 68th running of the DAYTONA 500,” said Frank Kelleher, Daytona International Speedway President. “Her powerhouse vocals and passion for music are the perfect mix to represent the prestige of this event. Get ready for the thunder of country music before we wave the green flag and engines roar to kick off the 2026 season!”
Lambert’s generational career in the country music scene has spanned over 20 years, with her first chart-topping studio album Kerosene released in 2005. She has since released nine additional solo albums, plus collaborative projects as part of the Pistol Annies as well as GRAMMY-nominated album The Marfa Tapes together with Jon Randall and Jack Ingram.
We already don't wanna go home 🎶
— Daytona International Speedway (@DAYTONA) January 11, 2026
Welcome to The Great American Race, @mirandalambert! #DAYTONA500 pic.twitter.com/XYbqQEAKXG
United States Air Force Thunderbirds Back with High Flying Thrills for 2026 DAYTONA 500
The United States Air Force Thunderbirds are back with high flying thrills for the 2026 DAYTONA 500, showcasing the power, speed, and technique of F-16 fighter jets. The iconic Thunderbirds flyover tradition will once again be an extravagant spectacle before the deep rumble of stock car engines roar throughout The World Center of Racing ahead of NASCAR’s season opener – the DAYTONA 500.
This will be the 16th consecutive year and 17th overall that the Thunderbirds will perform a flyover ahead of The Great American Race at Daytona International Speedway.
“The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds flyover is one of the best traditions in all of sports and never fails to give you full body chills,” said Frank Kelleher, Daytona International Speedway President. “It’s an honor to have them represent The Great American Race every year and their performance will fill the venue with pure American energy before we watch the green flag fly in the 68th running of the DAYTONA 500.”
The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron “Thunderbirds,” also known as “America’s Team,” will perform their signature “Delta” formation just before the green flag drops for the 2026 DAYTONA 500.
🏁Ladies and gentlemen... START, YOUR, ENGINES🏁
— Thunderbirds (@AFThunderbirds) February 16, 2025
This morning we opened up the #Daytona 500 for the 15th consecutive year in a row to kickstart the 67th annual Great American Race! Best of luck to all the drivers out there!#NASCAR#Thunderbirds#AmericasTeam#NoPressureNo💎 pic.twitter.com/UW1mqJr0nb
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