Comedian Nate Bargatze to Serve as Daytona 500 Grand Marshal

Bargatze will give the iconic "Drivers, start your engines!" command before the big race.

Feb. 15, 2026 at 8:23pm

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Comedian Nate Bargatze has been selected as the grand marshal for the 2026 Daytona 500 NASCAR race. In this role, Bargatze will give the famous starting command "Drivers, start your engines!" just minutes before the 41 Cup Series cars take to the track.

Why it matters

Serving as grand marshal for the iconic Daytona 500 is considered a high honor in the world of NASCAR. Bargatze's selection highlights his growing popularity and crossover appeal beyond just the comedy world.

The details

Bargatze, a rising stand-up comedy star, will have the privilege of delivering the most famous words in motorsports just before the start of the Daytona 500. As grand marshal, he will also participate in other pre-race festivities and ceremonies.

  • The 2026 Daytona 500 is scheduled for Sunday, February 16, 2026.

The players

Nate Bargatze

An American stand-up comedian known for his laidback, conversational comedy style.

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What they’re saying

“I'm honored to be the grand marshal for the Daytona 500. As a longtime NASCAR fan, I can't wait to be a part of this iconic event and give the command for the drivers to start their engines.”

— Nate Bargatze

The takeaway

Bargatze's selection as Daytona 500 grand marshal is a testament to his growing mainstream popularity and the continued crossover appeal of comedians into the world of sports and entertainment.