{"id":23465,"date":"2019-02-17T12:02:11","date_gmt":"2019-02-17T18:02:11","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/?p=23465"},"modified":"2019-02-17T15:16:10","modified_gmt":"2019-02-17T21:16:10","slug":"entertaining-sights-at-the-daytona-500","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/2019\/02\/17\/entertaining-sights-at-the-daytona-500\/","title":{"rendered":"Entertaining Sights at the Daytona 500"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><em>Courtesy of Daytona International Speedway Media Relations<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Race Day is always a star studded event.&nbsp; The opening race of the 2019 season will not disappoint.&nbsp; Unlike other sports, the first race is the biggest stage of the season.&nbsp; Here are some entertaining things to look for.<\/p>\n<h3>Jake Owen Does the Pre-Race Show<\/h3>\n<p><strong>DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Jan. 30, 2019)<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 Multi-platinum selling singer\/songwriter Jake Owen will perform the DAYTONA 500 Pre-Race Show prior to the 61st running of \u201cThe Great American Race\u201d on Sunday, Feb. 17 (FOX, FOX Deportes, MRN Radio and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio) at Daytona International Speedway.<\/p>\n<p>A native Floridian, Owen is no stranger to Daytona Beach, having featured the \u201cWorld\u2019s Most Famous Beach\u201d in the video and hit song \u201cBeachin\u2019\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFans will be able to see one of the hottest names in country music perform on stage prior to \u2018The Great American Race,\u2019\u201d said Chip Wile, president of Daytona International Speedway. \u201cJake is going to deliver an unforgettable experience to our fans prior to another thrilling edition of the DAYTONA 500.\u201d<\/p>\n<audio class=\"wp-audio-shortcode\" id=\"audio-23465-1\" preload=\"none\" style=\"width: 100%;\" controls=\"controls\"><source type=\"audio\/mpeg\" src=\"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/DIS_MENCS_Owen_021719.mp3?_=1\" \/><a href=\"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/DIS_MENCS_Owen_021719.mp3\">http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/DIS_MENCS_Owen_021719.mp3<\/a><\/audio>\n<p><span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/VwgCBRj3dn4?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/p>\n<h3>82nd Airborne Division Chorus Will Perform the National Anthem<\/h3>\n<p><strong>DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (February 8, 2019)<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>\u2013&nbsp;<\/strong>The 82nd Airborne Division\u2019s \u201cAll-American\u201d Chorus, based out of Fort Bragg, N.C., will sing the National Anthem prior to the 61st annual DAYTONA 500, the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race scheduled for Feb. 17 at Daytona International Speedway (TV \u2013 FOX; Radio \u2013 MRN Radio, SiriusXM).<\/p>\n<p>Hailing from Fort Bragg, North Carolina, the All-American Chorus has been serving as musical ambassadors for the 82nd Airborne Division for over 55 years. They previously sung the National Anthem for the 2016 DAYTONA 500.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Zk-zbEmldvE?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3>JJ Watt Will Serve as Grand Marshall<\/h3>\n<p><strong>DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Feb. 11, 2019)<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt will become the first NFL player to give the command to start engines at the DAYTONA 500 when he serves as Grand Marshal for the 61st running of \u201cThe Great American Race\u201d on Sunday at Daytona International Speedway (TV \u2013 FOX, FOX Deportes; Radio \u2013 MRN, Sirius XM).<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI am honored to have the opportunity to serve as Grand Marshal for this year\u2019s \u2018Great American Race,\u2019 \u201d Watt sad. \u201cThe DAYTONA 500 is a truly iconic event with a rich history and I am very much looking forward to taking in the action up close and personal this year.\u201d<\/p>\n<audio class=\"wp-audio-shortcode\" id=\"audio-23465-2\" preload=\"none\" style=\"width: 100%;\" controls=\"controls\"><source type=\"audio\/mpeg\" src=\"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/DIS_MENCS_Watt_021719.mp3?_=2\" \/><a href=\"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/DIS_MENCS_Watt_021719.mp3\">http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/DIS_MENCS_Watt_021719.mp3<\/a><\/audio>\n<p><span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/f6XjjQRIboc?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Julian Edelman Will Be the Honorary Starter<\/h3>\n<p><strong>DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Feb. 14, 2019) \u2013<\/strong>New England Patriots wide receiver and Super Bowl LIII MVP Julian Edelman has been named the Honorary Starter for the 61st annual DAYTONA 500 on Feb. 17 at Daytona International Speedway. Edelman will wave the green flag for \u201cThe Great American Race,\u201d the season-opening event for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series (TV \u2013 FOX, FOX Deportes; Radio \u2013 MRN, Sirius XM).<\/p>\n<p>Edelman, a three-time Super Bowl champion, is fresh off of a MVP performance with the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LIII, where he had a total of 10 catches for 141 yards.<\/p>\n<p>Edelman set the record for most Super Bowl first-half receptions with seven and Super Bowl punt returns with eight. Edelman finished the recent NFL postseason with a total of 26 receptions for 388 yards, placing him second behind only Jerry Rice in all-time playoff receptions and receiving yards.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cJulian Edelman is an incredible addition to the list of pre-race dignitaries for the DAYTONA 500,\u201d Daytona International Speedway President Chip Wile said. \u201cWe\u2019re honored to have such a superb athlete, who recently won on NFL\u2019s biggest stage and was the Super Bowl MVP, wave the green flag for NASCAR\u2019s premier event.\u201d<\/p>\n<audio class=\"wp-audio-shortcode\" id=\"audio-23465-3\" preload=\"none\" style=\"width: 100%;\" controls=\"controls\"><source type=\"audio\/mpeg\" src=\"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/DIS_MENCS_Edelman_021719.mp3?_=3\" \/><a href=\"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/DIS_MENCS_Edelman_021719.mp3\">http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/DIS_MENCS_Edelman_021719.mp3<\/a><\/audio>\n<p><span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/IeeiA2mAYD8?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/p>\n<h3>USAF Thunderbirds Will Perform Flyover<\/h3>\n<p>On Thursday prior to the Gander RV Duel 150-mile qualifying races, Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series drivers Daniel Suarez and Matt DiBenedetto and NASCAR President Steve Phelps flew with the world-renowned United States Air Force Thunderbirds.<\/p>\n<p>In 2019, both Suarez and DiBenedetto are driving for new teams beginning with Sunday\u2019s 61st DAYTONA 500. Suarez will start from 23rd in the No. 41 Haas Automation Ford Mustang for Stewart-Haas Racing. DiBenedetto will roll off ninth in the No. 95 Procore Toyota Camry for Leavine Family Racing.<\/p>\n<p>The USAF Thunderbirds will perform the flyover for the DAYTONA 500 for the 10th year. The Thunderbirds flyover will feature six F-16 Fighting Falcons, the Air Force\u2019s premier multi-role fighter aircraft.<\/p>\n<audio class=\"wp-audio-shortcode\" id=\"audio-23465-4\" preload=\"none\" style=\"width: 100%;\" controls=\"controls\"><source type=\"audio\/mpeg\" src=\"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/DIS_MENCS_Thunderbirds_021719.mp3?_=4\" \/><a href=\"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/DIS_MENCS_Thunderbirds_021719.mp3\">http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/DIS_MENCS_Thunderbirds_021719.mp3<\/a><\/audio>\n<p><span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/PXdvBevsC9I?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Honorary pace truck driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. &#8211;&nbsp;<\/p>\n<audio class=\"wp-audio-shortcode\" id=\"audio-23465-5\" preload=\"none\" style=\"width: 100%;\" controls=\"controls\"><source type=\"audio\/mpeg\" src=\"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/MENCS_DIS1_EarnhardtJr_021719.mp3?_=5\" \/><a href=\"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/MENCS_DIS1_EarnhardtJr_021719.mp3\">http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/MENCS_DIS1_EarnhardtJr_021719.mp3<\/a><\/audio>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>1972 Daytona 500 champion A.J. Foyt &#8211;&nbsp;<\/p>\n<audio class=\"wp-audio-shortcode\" id=\"audio-23465-6\" preload=\"none\" style=\"width: 100%;\" controls=\"controls\"><source type=\"audio\/mpeg\" src=\"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/DIS_MENCS_Foyt_021719.mp3?_=6\" \/><a href=\"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/DIS_MENCS_Foyt_021719.mp3\">http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/DIS_MENCS_Foyt_021719.mp3<\/a><\/audio>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Courtesy of Daytona International Speedway Media Relations Race Day is always a star studded event.&nbsp; The opening race of the 2019 season will not disappoint.&nbsp; Unlike other sports, the first race is the biggest stage of the season.&nbsp; Here are some entertaining things to look for. Jake Owen Does the Pre-Race Show DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":23411,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[540],"tags":[691,42,287,687,688,689,692,690],"class_list":["post-23465","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-raceday","tag-82nd-airborne","tag-daytona-500","tag-daytona-international-speedway","tag-jake-owen","tag-jj-watt","tag-julian-edelman","tag-raceday-entertainment","tag-thunderbirds"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/359185-e1550357555391.jpg?fit=1184%2C1009&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p7hzTZ-66t","jetpack-related-posts":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23465","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23465"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23465\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":23481,"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23465\/revisions\/23481"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/23411"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23465"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23465"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23465"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}