Anthony Mackie has been confirmed as the Grand Marshal for the 2025 Daytona 500, a role that lines up perfectly with the lead-up to the release of his new movie, Captain America: Brave New World.
Starting Wednesday, the Daytona 500 aims to capture an extensive audience as one of the most legendary races of the year. Now, Mackie joins the likes of prior Grand Marshals like Tom Cruise, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, and Pitbull.
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The Daytona 500 has long been recognized as ‘The Great American Race’ since its start in 1959. Over the years, it has attained iconic status due to its unique place in motorsports culture. The event is no stranger to a Hollywood connection either, regularly drawing appearances from high-profile stars.
“We’re excited to have Anthony’s energy and presence at the Daytona 500,” said Frank Kelleher, the President of Daytona International Speedway via a press release. Kelleher continued:
“Especially with Captain America: Brave New World set to release the same weekend. Having him deliver the most famous words in motorsports before the green flag waves will make for a truly unforgettable moment.”
The MCU movie featuring Mackie as Sam Wilson, a successor to the Captain America mantle, continues the story that started with The First Avenger, released in 2011, which featured Chris Evans as the mighty hero.
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With a 36-race season ahead, this is an important part of the season where momentum can be found for the lucky driver that finishes first. But it all starts on Wednesday when each driver will complete single-lap qualifying.
The fastest ten drivers will continue on another racing lap, and finally, the front row of the starting grid will be defined by the fastest qualifying speed. These two vehicles will stay at the front, but the rest will take part in Duel races, where the rest of the grid will be finalized.
Of course, at the end of this qualifying period, some drivers will have to go home.
The Daytona 500 grips over 100,000 spectators at the track and countless more watching on TV. Last year boasted 6 million viewers, but this was likely lower than it should have been due to it being pushed back to Monday instead of Sunday due to poor weather.
There’s a slight risk of rain later this week, so drivers will have to be on their best behavior as the season begins.
For the latest NASCAR news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
When and how to watch the NASCAR Daytona 500
Wednesday, February 12
10.05 a.m. ET: NASCAR Cup Series – Practice 1
Follow live on FS1, MRN, or SiriusXM.
8.15 p.m. ET: NASCAR Cup Series – Qualifying
Follow live on FS1, MRN, or SiriusXM.
Thursday, February 13
4.05 p.m. ET: ARCA Menards Series – Practice
5.05 p.m. ET: NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series – Practice
Follow live on FS1.
7 p.m. ET: NASCAR Cup Series – Duel 1 at Daytona
Follow live on FS1, MRN, or SiriusXM.
8.45 p.m. ET: Nascar Cup Series – Duel 2 at Daytona
Follow live on FS1, MRN, or SiriusXM.
Friday, February 14
1.30 p.m. ET: ARCA Menards Series – Qualifying
3 p.m. ET: NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series – Qualifying
Follow live on FS1.
4.35 p.m. ET: NASCAR Xfinity Series – Practice
Follow live on CW.
5.35 p.m. ET: NASCAR Cup Series – Practice 2
Follow live on FS1, MRN, or SiriusXM.
7.30 p.m. ET: NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series – Fresh From Florida 250
Follow live on FS1, MRN, or SiriusXM.
Saturday, February 15
10 a.m. ET: NASCAR Xfinity Series – Qualifying
Follow live on CW.
12 p.m. ET: ARCA Menards Series – Daytona ARCA 200
Follow live on FOX, MRN, or SiriusXM.
3.05 p.m. ET: NASCAR Cup Series – Practice 3
Follow live on FS2, MRN, or SiriusXM.
5 p.m. ET: NASCAR Xfinity Series – United Rentals 300
Follow live on CW, MRN, or SiriusXM.
Sunday, February 16
2.30 p.m. ET: NASCAR Cup Series – Daytona 500
Follow live on FOX, MRN, or SiriusXM.
The post Marvel Star Confirmed for Daytona 500 Role Ahead of Captain America Release appeared first on Newsweek.
