Texas Motor Speedway #NASCAR Dignitaries

Tom Araya, Cooper Flagg plus Fan Zone Entertainers

Tom Araya Named Grand Marshal for WÜRTH 400 Presented by LIQUI MOLY

 

Tom Araya will undoubtedly take “pedal to the metal” to a whole new level – pedal to the thrash metal – as the Grand Marshal of Sunday’s WÜRTH 400 presented by LIQUI MOLY NASCAR Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway. 

 

Araya, the unmistakable lead vocalist and bassist for the legendary thrash metal band Slayer, will deliver the command for drivers to start their engines ahead of the WÜRTH 400 presented by LIQUI MOLY (2:30 p.m. CT, TV: FS1, Radio: PRN, SiriusXM) as Texas Motor Speedway celebrates its 30th anniversary season.

 

“Excited to be the Grand Marshal for the WÜRTH 400,” Araya said. “Slayer, NASCAR Reign in speed!”

 

Dallas Mavericks Rookie Star, Cooper Flagg Named Honorary Pace Car Driver

 

Dallas Mavericks rookie sensation Cooper Flagg has been named the Honorary Pace Car Driver for the WÜRTH 400 presented by LIQUI MOLY NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday, May 3, at Texas Motor Speedway.

 

Flagg will have the distinction of driving a 2026 Chevrolet Corvette to pace the NASCAR Cup Series field to the green flag for the start of the WÜRTH 400 presented by LIQUI MOLY beginning at 2:30 p.m. CT (TV: FS1, Radio: PRN, SiriusXM). It will mark his first-ever NASCAR race experience – and it comes with the best seat in the house.

 

“Being asked to drive the official pace car at Texas Motor Speedway is such an honor,” Flagg said. “My Mom and Dad are both big NASCAR fans so we’re excited; this is going to be a special experience for our family.”

 

.@Cooper_Flagg winning Kia @NBA Rookie of the Year was expected, what’s next isn’t ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/XEGE6BLpLb

— Gatorade (@Gatorade) April 27, 2026

Texas Motor Speedway Fan Zone Entertainment

 

Headlining the Fan Zone entertainment lineup is the crowd-favorite Sea Lion Splash show, where these whiskered performers wow fans with balancing acts, basketball shots, dancing routines and plenty of personality. Equal parts athleticism and comedy, the show delivers a fun, family-friendly spectacle that has become a fan favorite wherever it travels.

 

The lineup of high-energy performers and roaming entertainers includes: 

• KARDENNI the Magician: Think you’ve seen every trick in the book? KARDENNI is ready to prove otherwise. This high-energy magician blends sleight-of-hand wizardry, interactive comedy and mind-bending illusions that leave crowds laughing, guessing and wondering how he did it. A favorite on stages from theme parks to festivals, KARDENNI brings a little mystery – and a lot of fun – to the Fan Zone acts.
• Jason D’Vaude, The Circus Man: Part stuntman, part comedian and all entertainer, Jason D’Vaude brings a modern circus spectacle to the Fan Zone. His fast-paced act mixes daring balance tricks, juggling mastery, fire artistry and “laugh-out-loud” comedy into a performance that keeps fans glued to the action from start to finish.
• Funkanometry: Precision, rhythm and serious swagger. The fan-favorite viral dance duo Funkanometry returns to TMS to dazzle fans with their signature blend of hip hop, popping and robotic-style choreography that has earned millions of views online and a memorable run on “America’s Got Talent.” Expect slick moves, perfect timing and routines that continue to impress.
• AmirrorCAN MEN: These roaming performers in dazzling red, white and blue mirrored suits reflect everything around them, creating a walking patriotic show across the Fan Zone. Equal parts art installation and crowd favorite, the glimmering trio turns every stroll through the midway into a moment worth capturing with a selfie.
• Animal Stilt Walkers: Towering above the crowd, these larger-than-life performers bring the wild side of entertainment to the Lone Star Sideshows. Dressed as safari favorites like giraffes, zebras and lions, the colorful stilt walkers roam the Fan Zone greeting fans, posing for photos and adding a playful, high-flying energy to the weekend atmosphere.
• Cracker Barrel Trackside Live Stage: The stage will come alive throughout the weekend with driver appearances from all three NASCAR national series. Check out the latest from some of the biggest NASCAR names as they stop by for entertaining and informative on-stage Q&A sessions.

 

source: Texas Motor Speedway Media

NASCAR Dignitaries for Las Vegas Motor Speedway

NASCAR Weekend at Las Vegas Motor Speedway will bring star power from the stage, the slopes, and the screen for the highly anticipated Pennzoil 400 weekend.

 

Honorary Race Officials

 

Nick Carter

 

Nick Carter will bring international star power to NASCAR Weekend as he leads the lineup of honorary race officials at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Carter rose to global superstardom as a member of the iconic Backstreet Boys, the best-selling boy band of all time, with more than 130 million records sold worldwide. Fresh off the group’s headline-making “Into The Millennium” residency at Sphere in Las Vegas, one of the city’s most talked-about live productions of the year,

 

Ashley Farquharson and U.S. Luge Teams

 

Joining Carter as honorary race officials are several members of the U.S. Luge Teams, led by 2026 Olympic bronze medalist Ashley Farquharson, who captured the podium in women’s singles. She will be joined by fellow 2026 Olympians Zack DiGregorio (men’s doubles), Ansel Haugsjaa (men’s doubles), Jonny Gustafson (men’s singles), and Marcus Mueller, who set an Olympic track record in men’s doubles at Cortina alongside Haugsjaa. The Olympians will take part in pre-race ceremonies, bringing the speed, precision, and fearless competitive spirit of Olympic luge to the high-intensity atmosphere of NASCAR racing.

 

Blippi

 

Lastly, adding excitement for the youngest race fans, Blippi will serve as an honorary race official on March 15 as part of a year focused on cars, vehicles, and how things move across his globally recognized YouTube platform. One of the most popular live-action preschool brands in the world, Blippi reaches more than 100 million fans and averages more than 2 billion views each month. Known for his curiosity, energy, and hands-on exploration, Blippi will bring an engaging and family-friendly presence to the racetrack, helping introduce a new generation of fans to the sights and sounds of NASCAR.

 

“This is one of the most dynamic and star-studded honorary race official lineups we’ve ever assembled,” said Patrick Lindsey, General Manager of Las Vegas Motor Speedway. “We’re welcoming one of pop music’s most recognizable stars, Olympic athletes who competed on the world’s biggest stage, and a global children’s phenomenon, all right here at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.”

 

Grand Marshal - LiUNA NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Race

Jacob Lofland

 

The rising Hollywood star will appear on behalf of WILDE Protein Snacks, a primary partner of JR Motorsports, bringing Hollywood energy to the iconic NASCAR event in Las Vegas.

 

As Grand Marshal, Lofland will be at the center of Saturday’s pre-race festivities, adding star power and energy to a weekend that consistently highlights NASCAR’s emerging drivers. These young stars are battling for early-season momentum and valuable championship points. The moment underscores the shared DNA between high-performance racing and WILDE’s bold, protein-powered approach to snacking.

 

“Jacob represents the next generation of Hollywood talent, and that aligns perfectly with what this race is all about, showcasing NASCAR’s rising stars,” said Patrick Lindsey, Sr. Vice President and General Manager of Las Vegas Motor Speedway. “It’s fitting to have someone whose career is accelerating just as fast as these cars join us for the perfect weekend.”

 

Grand Marshal for the Cup’s ‘Pennzoil 400’

Jonathan Davis, Frontman of KORN

 

The roar of NASCAR engines will collide with the powerhouse vocals of rock music superstar Jonathan Davis, @JDavisOfficial lead vocalist and founding member of the two time-Grammy Award-winning band Korn, who has been named Grand Marshal of the Pennzoil 400 - presented by Jiffy Lube at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Sunday, March 15.

 

As Grand Marshal, Davis will deliver the most anticipated words in motorsports, bringing the intensity of alt-rock/metal to NASCAR's Cup Series at LVMS.

 

"Our concerts are loud, fast, and full of chaos, which sounds a lot like a NASCAR race," Davis said. "I'm excited to jump into that world and soak up the energy of the track in Las Vegas."

 

Korn frontman, Jonathan Davis, is named the Grand Marshal of the #Pennzoil400 taking place this Sunday, March 15, in Vegas. 🏁 pic.twitter.com/NbjpbAO208

— Las Vegas Motor Speedway (@LVMotorSpeedway) March 10, 2026

Cup Pace Car Driver

Tiffany-Stratton

WWE Superstar Tiffany Stratton shifts from the center stage to take the wheel as the Honorary Pace Car Driver for the Pennzoil 400 presented by Jiffy Lube on Sunday, March 15. Stratton will lead the field to the green flag, kicking off NASCAR’s second race on the West Coast Swing.

 

Stratton has built a reputation for her fearless presence, magnetic charisma, and ability to shine in high-stakes moments, quickly becoming one of WWE’s most electrifying Superstars. As a former competitive gymnast turned WWE Women’s Champion, her role at the Pennzoil 400 combines the excitement of sports entertainment with the intensity of motorsports, creating an experience that fans of both genres won’t want to miss.

 

“Leading the whole pack as the Honorary Pace Car Driver for this NASCAR weekend is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I can’t wait to share it with fans from start to finish,” said Stratton.

 

Cup National Anthem

Foreigner

 

Rock legends FOREIGNER will perform the national anthem ahead of the highly anticipated Pennzoil 400 race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Sunday, March 15, bringing iconic arena-rock energy to one of NASCAR’s premier weekends. With shows leading up to their appearance at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas, along with their exclusive visit to Las Vegas Motor Speedway, the band is set to deliver a powerful and patriotic performance that will set the tone for an electrifying day of racing.

 

As one of the most enduring and successful rock bands in music history, FOREIGNER aims to deliver a performance that is both electrifying and deeply resonant as they perform their rendition of the national anthem at one of NASCAR’s premier race weekends. Known for their catalog of global hits and decades of chart-topping success, the multi-platinum band will bring its signature powerhouse sound to race day, creating a memorable opening moment for fans in attendance and viewers nationwide.

 

“We’re excited to have FOREIGNER bring their musical excellence to Las Vegas Motor Speedway for Pennzoil 400,” said Patrick Lindsey, senior vice president and general manager of Las Vegas Motor Speedway. “Bringing together legendary rock artists and the high-energy atmosphere of race weekend creates a unique experience for not only NASCAR fans, but also for the broader Las Vegas community.”

 

Cup Flyover

U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II

 

The U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft will perform an awe-inspiring flyover during the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series Pennzoil 400 presented by Jiffy Lube on Sunday, March 15. The flyover, scheduled just before the green flag, promises to deliver a breathtaking display of skill, precision, and patriotism for fans in attendance.

 

The A-10 Thunderbolt II, affectionately known as the “Warthog,” is a legendary aircraft renowned for its durability, firepower, and maneuverability. Piloted by highly trained U.S. Air Force personnel, the aircraft will perform a low-altitude, high-speed pass over the speedway, providing a thrilling spectacle that mirrors the intensity and precision of NASCAR racing. The flyover is part of a long-standing tradition honoring our nation’s military heroes at major sporting events.

 

“A once in a lifetime experience.”

Chase and Noah got a behind-the-scenes look at @NellisAFB and met the pilots for the #Pennzoil400 flyover. #AFFlyover pic.twitter.com/bfEClHLrZs

— Las Vegas Motor Speedway (@LVMotorSpeedway) March 6, 2026

 

source: Las Vegas Motor Speedway Media

Miss Alabama Emma Terry Named Honorary Pace Car Driver

For Sunday’s YellaWood 500 at Talladega Superspeedway

 

Talladega Superspeedway announced that reigning Miss Alabama Emma Terry will serve as the honorary pace car driver for Sunday’s YellaWood 500 NASCAR Cup Series Playoff race.

 

Congratulations to Miss Alabama 2025, Emma Terry, on finishing as 4th runner-up in last night's Miss America competition. She was just at our Commission meeting last month! What a great representative for our community! pic.twitter.com/hvouj770nu

— Jefferson County, AL (@JeffCoToday) September 8, 2025

Terry, a graduate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, was crowned Miss Alabama earlier this year and went on to finish as the fourth runner-up to Miss America last month. She was also selected as the second runner-up for the Quality of Life Award presented by Miss America, which recognizes delegates whose community service initiatives exemplify impact, innovation, and lasting commitment.

 

“We’re so proud to have Emma representing the state as Miss Alabama and share in her passion for serving others,” said Brian Crichton, Talladega Superspeedway President. “Emma has a genuine love of NASCAR, and with her drive to make lives better for those in the community, she’s the perfect person to lead the field to green for Sunday’s big race!”

 

During her tenure as Miss Alabama, Terry’s community service initiative is Stomping Out ALS One Step at a Time. Her service focus is dedicated to her grandfather, Stewart Simpson, who battled ALS. He also inspired her passion for NASCAR, making her role as honorary pace car driver that much more poignant to her and her family.

 

“As Miss Alabama, I’m thrilled to join thousands of fans in celebrating the history and energy of Talladega Superspeedway,” said Terry. “Experiencing Talladega in person for the first time-the largest oval track in NASCAR, known for its speed, excitement, and incredible fan traditions-is truly unforgettable. For me, this is more than just a race; it’s an opportunity to honor my grandfather’s memory and celebrate a sport that we enjoyed watching on television before ALS took him from us.”

 

In addition to her philanthropic endeavors, Terry is an accomplished dancer, having trained extensively with Exclusively Ballet, Birmingham Dance Theatre, and the Alabama Ballet. She was recognized with a Preliminary Talent Award and Scholarship at the 2025 Miss Alabama Competition.

 

 

source: Talladega Superspeedway Media

NASCAR Dignitaries for Las Vegas Motor Speedway

WWE Damian Priest - Pace Car Driver; Actor Glen Powell - Grand Marshal; Journalist Holly Cain - Grand Marshal

NASCAR dignitaries are individuals, often celebrities or respected figures, who have ceremonial roles, such as a Grand Marshal, who delivers the "Start Your Engines" command, an Honorary Pace Car Driver who leads the field to the green flag, or a figure who gives an invocation or presents the colors, to add excitement and honor to an event, rather than having administrative or operational duties.

 

WWE Superstar Damian Priest to Serve as Pace Car Driver for South Point 400

 

The South Point 400 NASCAR Cup Series Playoff Race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Sunday, October 12, will feature an electrifying crossover between two worlds of entertainment as WWE Superstar Damian Priest takes the wheel as the official pace car driver for this year’s playoff race.

 

Known to fans worldwide as “The Archer of Infamy,” Priest will bring his trademark intensity, charisma and larger-than-life presence to the NASCAR stage as the former World Heavyweight Champion, setting the tone for one of the most anticipated playoff races of the year.

 

THROUGH THE TABLE! 😱@ArcherOfInfamy got his revenge... pic.twitter.com/ymfihDfIEF

— WWE (@WWE) October 4, 2025

Hollywood Superstar Glen Powell named Grand Marshal for the 2025 South Point 400

 

With magnetic charisma, an accomplished career, and a presence that commands attention beyond the screen, acclaimed actor, producer, and screenwriter Glen Powell has been named grand marshal of this year’s South Point 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Oct. 12.

 

“It was an absolute yes when I was asked to serve as grand marshal for the South Point 400,” Powell said. “I’ve grown up around a love of speed and competition, and NASCAR racing embodies that passion like no other. To be part of this tradition in Las Vegas, with all the energy and excitement of the fans, is going to be an unforgettable experience.”

 

The Chad Powers marketing team has gone too far… https://t.co/HZgYXcvKwd pic.twitter.com/c5PHJTRWsR

— Glen Powell (@glenpowell) September 28, 2025

Award-winning Motorsports Journalist Holly Cain named Grand Marshal for Focused Health 302

 

Known for her role behind a screen, award-winning Motorsports Journalist Holly Cain  will put the computer to the side to serve as Grand Marshal for the Focused Health 302 NASCAR Xfinity Series Playoff Race on Saturday, October 11, 2025. Cain will give the official command to start engines alongside fellow breast cancer survivors, kicking off the NASCAR Xfinity Series Playoffs Round of 8 race.

 

Cain, a mom of two and a two-time cancer survivor, has been a respected voice in the motorsports media for over 30 years. Her career includes writing for The Tampa Tribune, The Dallas Morning News, and The Seattle Post-Intelligencer, as well as digital roles at AOL Sports, FOXSports.com and NASCAR.com. She currently writes for the NASCAR Wire Service, covering the sport’s biggest stories and championship moments, as well as a voter for the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

 

“The Focused Health family has been touched by breast cancer. Breast cancer awareness is one of the causes we support,” said Larry Cassar, Co-Founder and President of Focused Health, and Shawn Holt, Co-Founder and CEO of Focused Health, in a joint statement. “Holly exemplifies the power and determination of being a human being, overcoming great odds, and being a breast cancer survivor. We're excited to partner with Las Vegas Motor Speedway.”

 

Motorsports journalist and breast cancer survivor Holly Cain will serve as the grand marshal for the #FocusedHealth302.

Read More: https://t.co/LmWoROHXxV pic.twitter.com/GexYiqBJfT

— Las Vegas Motor Speedway (@LVMotorSpeedway) October 9, 2025

 

source: Las Vegas Motor Speedway Media