Daytona International Speedway has announced actor Kurt Russell as the honorary pace car driver for the 2026 Daytona 500, adding a major Hollywood name to NASCAR’s most prominent event. The announcement was made Sunday, Jan. 25, coinciding with the conclusion of the Rolex 24 endurance race at the World Center of Racing.
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The news was revealed during Fox’s broadcast of the NFC championship game between the Seattle Seahawks and the Los Angeles Rams, signaling that preparations are already underway for the next running of the Great American Race. Russell’s role will place him behind the wheel of the pace car ahead of the NASCAR Cup Series field as it prepares to take the green flag.
Russell, 74, brings decades of entertainment history to the Daytona 500 stage. His acting career began in the 1960s and has spanned more than half a century, with notable roles in films such as Tombstone, Miracle, and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. His selection reflects Daytona’s tradition of blending motorsports with broader popular culture.
The appearance will also come at a busy time for Russell, arriving just weeks before the debut of the second season of his Apple TV series, Monarch: Legacy of Monsters. The new season is scheduled to premiere on Feb. 27, placing the Daytona 500 within a broader moment of visibility for the actor.
The 2026 Daytona 500 is scheduled to begin at 2:30 p.m. on Feb. 15. As NASCAR’s season-opening event, the race is widely regarded as one of the sport’s most significant dates, drawing international attention and a diverse audience beyond traditional racing fans.
Event organizers have emphasized that the Daytona 500 extends beyond competition, serving as a cultural spectacle that merges sport, entertainment, and tradition. Russell’s participation aligns with that broader identity, reinforcing the race’s reputation as a marquee event on the American sports calendar.
Russell will not be the only celebrity presence at the event. Country music artist Miranda Lambert has also been confirmed as part of the Daytona 500 weekend, with plans to perform the pre-race concert.
With the honorary pace car driver now announced and additional festivities taking shape, the 2026 Daytona 500 continues to position itself as a convergence point for motorsports, music, and entertainment, maintaining its status as NASCAR’s most visible and celebrated race.
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