Nate Bargatze, the popular stand‑up comic, was named Grand Marshal for the Daytona 500. He delivered the command to start engines, keeping his speech clean after joking about a 500‑mile pun. Bargatze said he chose to stay straightforward, focusing on the race’s spirit.
After the command, Bart Simpson dropped the flag to start the race. Bargatze mingled with drivers like Denny Hamlin and noted the honor of the role. The comedian, who has released Netflix specials and won a Grammy, will resume his tour after the event.