All of the parts continue to fall in place in the run-up to the 68th Daytona 500.
A week after Hollywood legend Kurt Russell was announced as the honorary pace-car driver, comedian Nate Bargatze has been given the coveted role of Daytona 500 Grand Marshal for the Feb. 15 Great American Race.
The role of Daytona 500 Grand Marshal has been filled by a wide variety of people from a wide variety of fields — Hollywood, sports, politics and corporate America. Last year’s Grand Marshal was actor Anthony Mackie, of “Captain America” fame.
Bargatze, who wears the unofficial label of “The Nicest Man in Stand-Up,” will be the first comedian to give the Daytona 500 starting command.
“He’ll bring a memorable spark to the command, amplifying the emotion and excitement of one of the biggest moments in motorsports,” says Frank Kelleher, Speedway president.
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Yes, Nate Bargatze is also promoting a movie
As was the case the past two years — with Mackie and 2024 Grand Marshal Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson — there’s an upcoming movie connected to Bargatze’s high-profile Daytona role. His first feature film role is scheduled to debut in May.
“The Breadwinner” was co-written and produced by Bargatze, and will co-star Mandy Moore.
When is the 2026 Daytona 500?
Coverage of the 2026 Daytona 500 is set to start at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 15 — the weekend after the Super Bowl — from Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. The green flag will drop closer to 3 p.m.
Where to watch Daytona 500 2026
The 2026 Daytona 500 will be broadcast on Fox. Streaming options include Fubo, which offers a free trial for new subscribers.
NASCAR schedule for Daytona Speedweek
USA TODAY Florida Network reporter Dan Rorabaugh contributed.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Daytona 500 Grand Marshal 2026: Nate Bargatze first comedian in role
Reporting by Ken Willis, Daytona Beach News-Journal / The Daytona Beach News-Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
