Derrick Rose to Serve as Grand Marshal for NASCAR Chicago Street Race

Chicago Bulls Legend, 2011 NBA Most Valuable Player, and Hometown Hero to Give the Famous “Drivers Start Your Engines” Command Ahead of the Third Running of the NASCAR Cup Series Race

 

The NASCAR Chicago Street Race announced that Derrick Rose will serve as the Grand Marshal for the NASCAR Cup Series’ Grant Park 165 on Sunday, July 6 in Grant Park. The Chicago Bulls legend and 2011 NBA Most Valuable Player will give the most famous command in all of sports: “Drivers, Start Your Engines” as a part of a special pre-race celebration that shines a spotlight on the best of Chicago to a global audience.

 

“Chicago is one of the best sports towns in the world, and NASCAR is proud to be a part of that historic Chicago sports culture,” said Julie Giese, NASCAR Chicago Street Race President. “Derrick is one of the most beloved sports icons in the city’s history, and we look forward to having him get NASCAR’s only street race underway.”

 

The Chicago native became the youngest NBA MVP in history when he won the award in 2011 at age 22, leading the Bulls to the best record in the NBA that season. Rose spent the first eight years of his professional career with his hometown Bulls, becoming a three-time NBA All-Star, 2009 NBA Rookie of the Year, and capturing the hearts of Chicago basketball fans with his explosive athleticism and unwavering dedication to the city. During the 2025-26 season, the Chicago Bulls will host a ceremony to retire Rose’s jersey.

 

“It’s an honor to be part of such an incredible event in my hometown,” said Rose. “Chicago has always supported me throughout my career, and I’m excited to give back to the fans and be part of this amazing racing weekend in Grant Park.”

 

Delivering the command for Sunday’s street race 🔥

Derrick Rose will be giving the command to fire the engines for this year’s #GrantPark165!

JULY 5-6 | 🎟️: https://t.co/OhtvAwqOqu pic.twitter.com/Le7DjXgIZG

— NASCAR Chicago Street Race (@NASCARChicago) July 1, 2025

 

source: NASCAR Chicago Street Race Media

Las Vegas #NASCAR Fan Entertainment Info

A Sin City Fan Spectacle

 

Fan Zone Experiences

 

The Las Vegas Motor Speedway Fan Zone will be packed with so much to see and do including DJs and bands performing all weekend long. Located outside the main ticket gates, a wide-variety of vendors will have displays set up: EchoPark Automotive, Pennzoil, South Point, and many more. In addition to driver appearances and autograph sessions, there will be plenty of merchandise trailers featuring souvenirs of your favorite drivers. Get here early so you don't miss a thing!

 

National Anthem & Officials

 

We've added to our star-studded pre-race! Academy Award-Winning actor and producer, Morgan Freeman will give the command to start your engines as the Grand Marshal of the Pennzoil 400 presented by Jiffy Lube on Sunday, March 16.

 

Country recording artist and songwriter, Cali Tucker will perform the national anthem for the Pennzoil 400. The honorary Pace Car will be driven by WWE Women's United States Champion, Chelsea Green.

 

The flyover on Sunday will be performed by an U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, who are stationed at neighboring Nellis Air Force Base.

 

.@AntronBrown, NHRA Top Fuel World Champion, named an honorary race official for the Pennzoil 400! pic.twitter.com/cTgyjnD04f

— Las Vegas Motor Speedway (@LVMotorSpeedway) March 14, 2025

We are excited to announce @John_Schneider as one of our honorary race officials for the Pennzoil 400! pic.twitter.com/INszn605jB

— Las Vegas Motor Speedway (@LVMotorSpeedway) March 14, 2025

Pre-Race Concert

 

The Wedge Brothers with Kelly Sheehan will kick off the Sunday pre-race activities with a fun classic rock performance on the Pre-Race Stage.Th UNLV Rebel Girls & Company Dance Team will follow the concert with a pre-race dance performance prior to Driver Introductions.

 

Trackside Live in the Neon Garage

 

Race fans can get up close to the stage for driver appearances and maybe even get an autograph from your favorite driver! Be sure to check the 'Appearances' page for all the latest schedule updates. In addition to the Trackside Live Stage appearances, the Neon Garage has plenty to offer including live entertainment options, specialty concessions, and you can watch Victory Lane celebrations and tech inspections!

The Drivers' Meeting

 

Most NASCAR Cup Series drivers meetings happen out of the public eye. But at LVMS, fans can gather in the Neon Garage to watch when all the drivers and race dignitaries attend The Driver's Meeting under the Neon Garage canopy. Once the meeting is over, the drivers and VIPs will walk down the Red Carpet on their way to Driver Introductions.

 

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Experience

 

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing and Sin City Tundras/Vegas Toyota Offroad will have a large display in the Fan Zone outside of Gate C. There will be new vehicles on display as well as driver appearances throughout the weekend.

 

Draft Bar Sports Lounge

 

The Draft Bar is free to all ticket-holders!

 

Located on Club-Level near Elevator 1, race fans can enjoy the view overlooking the speedway in the popular Draft Bar. In this unique motorsports setting, fans can lounge around the outdoor patio while enjoying a favorite beverage from the bar or sit back and catch all the action on multiple LCD televisions while savoring freshly-prepared food.

 

Fan Gear

 

Looking to get your Pennzoil 400 merchandise without waiting in line? Get your hats, shirts and more online! Once you're here, be sure to check out our Gift Shop and visit all the souvenir trailers in the Fan Zone!

 

Kids 12 and under are free today for the #Ecosave200!@Ticketmaster | 🎟️ : https://t.co/OfoRaLrxqF pic.twitter.com/WEyIIYROpO

— Las Vegas Motor Speedway (@LVMotorSpeedway) March 14, 2025

 

source: Las Vegas Motor Speedway Media

Las Vegas Raider A.J. Cole Named Grand Marshal

#NASCAR’s Pennzoil 400

 

Sunday’s Pennzoil 400 Presented by Jiffy Lube will kick off in style as Las Vegas Raiders’ two-time All-Pro punter A.J. Cole has been named grand marshal for the 27th annual event. The three-time Pro Bowler will deliver the command to start engines before a massive crowd at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

 

“This is going to be a thrill of a lifetime to get to do this,” Cole said. “I know it’s pretty special to be the person chosen to do this, so I promise I will make it memorable. On top of that, I’m looking forward to spending the day taking in all of the excitement of a NASCAR event.”

 

Since joining the Raiders organization in 2019, Cole has been named to the All-Pro First-Team twice and selected for the Pro Bowl three times. For the 2023-2024 season, Cole led the NFL in net punting average and had the most punts stopped inside the 20. Cole was the Raiders nominee for the 2022 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, recognizing outstanding excellence on and off the field through exceptional community service.

 

The Raider has achieved several records, notably setting the NFL record with an average of 63.6 yards per punt in a game against the New York Giants, totaling 318 yards. Additionally, he holds the franchise record for the longest punt at 83 yards.

 

Cole will join a list of distinguished guests who have also delivered the command at LVMS including Vegas Golden Knights Adin Hill and William Carrier, Legendary car builder Carroll Shelby, actor Mark Wahlberg, comedian Tim Allen, former Raiders Marcus Allen and Derek Carr, actor Cole Hauser, socialite Kim Kardashian, country music group Rascal Flatts, noted broadcaster Brent Musburger and UFC President Dana White.

 

Ready to bring the hype, @AJCole90? The Las Vegas @Raiders will deliver the most famous words in motorsports for the #Pennzoil400 on Sunday!

📰: https://t.co/peAvf62Zdu pic.twitter.com/TDnC3JvP8J

— Las Vegas Motor Speedway (@LVMotorSpeedway) February 28, 2024

 

source: Las Vegas Motor Speedway Media

Old Dominion Named Grand Marshal of Ally 400

Award-Winning and World-Renowned Country Band Received its Eighth Consecutive Academy of Country Music Awards

 

Award-winning and world-renowned country music band Old Dominion will serve as grand marshal for the Ally 400 NASCAR Cup Series race June 25 at Nashville Superspeedway.

 

The Nashville-based group, which received its eighth consecutive Academy of Country Music Awards nomination for Group of the Year earlier this spring and claimed the past five straight such accolades, is set to give NASCAR’s Cup Series drivers the command to start their engines before the 6 p.m. CT race under the lights.

 

“We’re honored to have Old Dominion serve as grand marshal for Middle Tennessee’s can’t-miss event of the summer,” Nashville Superspeedway general manager, Matt Greci said. “The Ally 400 race week is one of NASCAR’s brightest stages, and it could not be more fitting for one of country music’s finest groups to be a part of this spectacular event.”

 

With eight No. 1 singles, the chart-topping band has surpassed one billion on-demand streams, earned several Platinum and Gold single certifications and headlined arenas and amphitheaters around the globe.

 

“NASCAR definitely brings us down Memory Lane, so to be asked to say the most famous words in motorsports at NASCAR’s Ally 400 race at Nashville Superspeedway is an honor and a privilege,” Old Dominion said. “We are excited to make even more NASCAR memories with our friends, family, and the NASCAR fans!”

 

Old Dominion have emerged as one of Nashville’s most successful post-modern country bands, fusing clever lyrics with an infectious sound. Their lyrical wit and hook heavy songwriting is a winning proposition. Since breaking onto the scene, the band has achieved eight No. 1 singles at country radio, over five billion on-demand streams, multiple Platinum and Gold single certifications and headlined arenas and amphitheaters around the globe. Old Dominion are currently the five-time reigning CMA and ACM “Group of the Year.” They are currently nominated for their eighth consecutive ACM “Group of the Year” honor. The band also earned nominations for “Album of the Year” at the 2022 CMA Awards and for “Favorite Country Duo or Group” at the 2022 American Music Awards.

 

Old Dominion Named Grand Marshal Of 2023 Ally 400 NASCAR Cup Series Race https://t.co/xfjXCiDYyS

— MusicRow Magazine (@MusicRow) May 4, 2023

 

source: Nashville Superspeedway Media