DAYTONA 500 CELEBRITIES: Famous fans include Matthew McConaughey, Keanu Reeves, Gronk and more

Cup Series season begins February 19th daytona 500 And in keeping with long-standing tradition, NASCAR is bringing in some big names to prepare for the biggest race of the season.

Since the 1967 season, NASCAR has featured special guests primarily in the Daytona 500 setup. Some of these dignitaries were politicians, while others included executives from various industries. As the years went on, NASCAR turned to stars from other sports, Hollywood, and the music industry.

With Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson assuming the role of grand marshal for this season's Daytona 500, it's time to look back at some of the big names who have served as dignitaries in past Crown Jewel races.

2024: The only high-ranking official announced so far is Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. He will become Grand Marshal.

2023: Actor Tiffany Haddish served as the honorary starter, and singer-songwriter Breland sang the national anthem. Actor and comedian Pete Davidson also entered the race.

2022: NFL Hall of Famer Charles Woodson served as grand marshal. Country singer Trace Adkins sang the national anthem.

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2021: Pitbull, a performer and co-owner of Trackhouse Racing, served as grand marshal. Professional wrestler Sasha Banks served as the honorary starter.

2020: President Donald Trump was the Grand Marshal. Dale Earnhardt Jr. was the honorary starter. Professional wrestler Sheamus served as the honorary pace car driver.

2019: Houston Texans defenseman JJ Watt served as grand marshal. New England Patriots receiver Julian Edelman was the honorary starter.

2018: Dale Earnhardt Jr. was the Grand Marshal. Charlize Theron served as the honorary starter.

2017: Owen Wilson was the Grand Marshal. NFL Hall of Famer LaDainian Tomlinson served as the honorary starter. Jordin Sparks sang the national anthem. Keanu Reeves and former NFL coaches Rex and Rob Ryan were also in attendance. NFL tight end Rob Gronkowski celebrated in victory lane with Kurt Busch after Busch won the Daytona 500.

2016: Actor Gerard Butler became Grand Marshal. MLB Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. served as the honorary starter.

2015: Vince Vaughn was the Grand Marshal. National Soccer Hall of Fame member Abby Wambach served as the honorary starter. Phillip Phillips sang the national anthem.

2014: Chris Evans was the grand marshal. Gary Sinise was the honorary starter. Aloe Blacc sang the national anthem.

2013: James Franco was the Grand Marshal. Retired linebacker Ray Lewis of the Baltimore Ravens was the honorary starter. Clay Cook sang the national anthem.

year 2012: Kate Upton and Jane Lynch were grand marshals. john cena (Sunday) and the Wood Brothers Family (Monday) were honorary starters. Train lead singer Patrick Monaghan sang the national anthem.

2011: Actors Josh Duhamel and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and director Michael Bay served as grand marshals and honorary starters. Martina McBride sang the national anthem.

2010: NASCAR Hall of Famer Junior Johnson served as grand marshal. Glenn and Leonard Wood were honorary starters. Harry Connick Jr. sang the national anthem.

2009: NASCAR Hall of Famer Bobby Allison served as the honorary starter. Gavin DeGraw sang the national anthem. DeGraw previously sang the national anthem at the 2006 Xfinity race at Daytona.

2008: Twenty-four living Daytona 500 champions were grand marshals. Hall of Famer Richard Petty served as the honorary starter. Trisha Yearwood sang the national anthem.

2007: Nicolas Cage served as grand marshal during the promotion of “Ghost Rider.” Country music duo Big & Rich sang the national anthem.

2006: James Caan was the Grand Marshal. Olympic snowboarders Hannah Teter and Gretchen Bleiler served as honorary starters. Fergie sang the national anthem.

Year 2005: Matthew McConaughey served as grand marshal in promoting “Sahara.” Ashton Kutcher was the honorary starter. Vanessa L. Williams sang the national anthem.

2004: President George W. Bush was the Grand Marshal. Whoopi Goldberg was the honorary starter. LeAnn Rimes sang the national anthem.

2003: John Travolta was the Grand Marshal. Mariah Carey sang the national anthem and served as an honorary starter.

2002: Angie Harmon was the honorary starter. Opera singer Dennis Graves sang the national anthem.

2001: NFL Hall of Famer Terry Bradshaw served as the honorary starter. Boy band O-Town sang the national anthem.

the year of 2000: Olympic champion track and field athlete Jackie Joyner-Kersee was the honorary starter. Trumpeter Jesse McGuire sang the national anthem.

1999: Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas became Grand Marshal. Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre was the honorary starter. Edwin McCain sang the national anthem.

1998: In 1998, Elliott Marino Racing co-owner and Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino served as the honorary starter. Kathy Mattia sang the national anthem.

1996: Engelbert Humperdinck sang the national anthem.

1995: Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly was the honorary starter. Diamond Rio sings the national anthem.

1994: Dallas Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman was the honorary starter. Canadian country music artist Michelle Wright performed the national anthem. Aichman competed in his NASCAR races multiple times during and after his NFL career.

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1990: The Osmonds sang the national anthem.

1987: Professional golfer John Mills served as the honorary starter. Country singer TG Shepard sang the national anthem.

1972: Actor and racer James Garner, owner of the American International Racing Team from 1967 to 1969, served as grand marshal.