Comedian Nate Bargatze Named Grand Marshal for 2026 Daytona 500

Bargatze's lifelong passion for NASCAR to be celebrated at prestigious race event.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Acclaimed comedian Nate Bargatze, a lifelong NASCAR fan, will serve as the Grand Marshal for the 68th Daytona 500 race in 2026. The announcement highlights Bargatze's deep connection to the sport, which developed during his youth in Nashville, Tennessee, and has remained a constant throughout his successful comedy career.

Why it matters

Bargatze's appointment as Grand Marshal represents a unique intersection of entertainment and motorsports, potentially helping to broaden NASCAR's appeal to new audiences. His participation is expected to add an extra layer of energy and excitement to the prestigious Daytona 500 event.

The details

Growing up in Nashville, racing was a familiar aspect of Nate Bargatze's upbringing, and his passion for NASCAR truly blossomed during his late teens. Despite his busy comedy career, Bargatze has maintained a strong fascination with the speed, strategy, and individual risks of stock car racing, with a particular affinity for the Bristol Motor Speedway in Tennessee.

  • Nate Bargatze will serve as the Grand Marshal for the 68th Daytona 500 on February 15, 2026.
  • Bargatze is scheduled to engage with fans during a Q&A session at the Hard Rock Bet Zone on the morning of race day.

The players

Nate Bargatze

An acclaimed comedian and lifelong NASCAR fan who will serve as the Grand Marshal for the 2026 Daytona 500.

Frank Keller

The President of Daytona International Speedway, who praised Bargatze's involvement and the impact he will have on the event.

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What they’re saying

“Then you start doing comedy, get busy, and it's a mix of like how you do everything with sports. But I've always been a NASCAR fan.”

— Nate Bargatze, Comedian

“I love it when someone just kind of goes out on their own and just sees if it works out, or they just get crushed and go back.”

— Nate Bargatze, Comedian

“He'll bring a memorable spark to the command, amplifying the emotion and excitement of one of the biggest moments in motorsports.”

— Frank Keller, President, Daytona International Speedway

“I think it's everybody's dream just to be able to tell them to start their engines. It's fun to, you know, get them fired up. You kind of get that the Daytona 500, obviously, is such a big race. It's my favorite race of the year. And so to be the Grand Marshall is a true honor.”

— Nate Bargatze, Comedian

What’s next

Bargatze will engage with fans during a Q&A session at the Hard Rock Bet Zone on the morning of race day, promising an interactive experience for attendees.

The takeaway

Nate Bargatze's appointment as Grand Marshal for the 2026 Daytona 500 represents a unique cultural crossover, connecting the entertainment world and the passionate NASCAR community. His deep-rooted fandom and public stature may help broaden the sport's appeal to diverse audiences, enhancing the event's energy and visibility for fans nationwide.