Legendary actor Kurt Russell steers the iconic DAYTONA 500 pace car, bridging Hollywood glamour and thunderous horsepower
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Jan. 25, 2026) – 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.
Season two of the global hit Monsterverse series will pick up with the fate of Monarch — and the world — hanging in the balance. The dramatic saga reveals buried secrets that reunite our heroes (and villains) on Kong’s Skull Island, and a new, mysterious village where a mythical Titan rises from the sea. The ripple effects of the past make waves in the present day, blurring the bonds between family, friend and foe — all with the threat of a titan event on the horizon.
“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.”
Tickets are selling fast for the DAYTONA 500, NASCAR’s most prestigious event. Those wishing to attend in person should act quickly to book their experience for The Great American Race. Premium hospitality opportunities and Hard Rock Bet Fanzone/Pre-Race admissions are also available for purchase.
For ticket information on the DAYTONA 500, as well as all Speedweeks Presented by AdventHealth events, log onto www.DAYTONA500.com or call 1-800-PITSHOP.
About Daytona International Speedway
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. Though the season-opening NASCAR Cup Series event garners most of the attention – as well as the largest audience in motorsports – the approximately 500-acre motorsports complex, also known as the World Center of Racing, boasts the most diverse schedule of racing on the globe. Some of the exciting racing events include January’s Rolex 24 At DAYTONA and Roar Before The Rolex 24, February’s DAYTONA 500 and Speedweeks Presented by AdventHealth, March’s Bike Week At DAYTONA featuring DAYTONA Supercross and the DAYTONA 200, the August Coke Zero Sugar 400 weekend, and much more. The Speedway grounds are also used extensively for other events that include concerts such as Welcome to Rockville, sporting events including CLASH DAYTONA, civic and social gatherings, car shows, photo shoots, production vehicle testing and police motorcycle training.
About NASCAR
The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) is the sanctioning body for the No. 1 form of motorsports in the United States and owner of 15 of the nation’s major motorsports entertainment facilities. NASCAR sanctions races in three national series (NASCAR Cup Series™, NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series™, and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series™), four international series (NASCAR Brasil Series, NASCAR Canada Series, NASCAR Euro Series, NASCAR Mexico Series), four regional series (ARCA Menards Series, ARCA Menards Series East & West and the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour) and a local grassroots series (NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series). The International Motor Sports Association™ (IMSA®) governs the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship™, the premier U.S. sports car series. NASCAR also owns Motor Racing Network, Racing Electronics, and ONE DAYTONA. Based in Daytona Beach, Florida, with offices in five cities across North America, NASCAR sanctions more than 1,200 races annually in 11 countries and more than 30 U.S. states.
For more information visit www.NASCAR.com and www.IMSA.com, and follow NASCAR on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, X and Facebook.