DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Acclaimed comedian and actor Nate Bargatze will serve as the grand marshal on Sunday for the 68th running of the Daytona 500, Daytona International Speedway announced Tuesday.
Bargatze, known as “The Nicest Man in Stand-Up,” is a GRAMMY Award winner and the world’s No. 1 touring comedian in 2024 and 2025. He has also hosted Saturday Night Live twice. This spring, Bargatze will make his feature film debut in the family-friendly comedy “The Breadwinner,” which he created, co-wrote, produced, and stars in. The film, from TriStar Pictures, is set for theatrical release on May 29.
“The Breadwinner” follows Nate Wilcox, a stay-at-home dad who must manage his household after his wife lands a big business deal on “Shark Tank.” The film also stars Mandy Moore, Colin Jost, Zach Cherry, Martin Herlihy, Kate Berlant, Kumail Nanjiani, and Will Forte.
“There is nothing quite like the anticipation of the DAYTONA 500 — the roar, the energy, the sense that something special is about to happen,” Daytona International Speedway President Frank Kelleher said in a news release. “Nate Bargatze’s nationwide popularity, family-friendly humor, and authenticity embody that same spirit with a style that resonates with all. He’ll bring a memorable spark to the command, amplifying the emotion and excitement of one of the biggest moments in motorsports.”
Bargatze’s Netflix special “Your Friend, Nate Bargatze” is the most-watched stand-up special on Netflix in the past year. His “Big Dumb Eyes World Tour” set records for the biggest one-year gross by a comedy performer and broke more than 40 arena attendance records.
On race day, Bargatze will give the command to start engines for the race. He will also participate in a fan Q&A session at the Hard Rock Bet Fanzone that morning. Details will be posted on the Daytona International Speedway website.
For tickets to the Daytona 500, click here.