Hollywood Does NASCAR: These 15 Celebrities Enjoyed Every Second of Their NASCAR Experience

Court-side seats at the Staples Center for a Lakers game. Luxury suite accommodations for the Super Bowl. Ringside seats at the MGM Grand for the heavyweight boxing bout of the year. Whenever you think of A-list celebrities attending sports events, these are probably the sorts of situations you envision.

NASCAR, a sport that has its origins in bootlegging and is defined by its high-speed and rowdy atmosphere, isn't necessarily something you'd associate with the same folks who spend most of their time dressed to the nines on red carpets. But, as it turns out, there are a boatload of big-time actors and actresses out there who appreciate a good old fashioned NASCAR race. Here, we'll look at 15 celebrities who have attended NASCAR events over the years and loved every second of it.

Celebrities at NASCAR Events Over the Years

Adam Sandler at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in 2015

When Adam Sandler was growing up in Manchester, New Hampshire, he used to watch NASCAR with his dad and brother. Sadly, Sandler's father passed away in 2003, but when the famous comedian got to serve as the 25th anniversary grand marshal for the NASCAR Cup Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway back in 2015, he really took the time to appreciate the moment.

"I know my dad would be baffled that I'm getting this honor, and I'll be thinking of him when I'm saying those words," Sandler said before the New Hampshire race. What an awesome experience for a lifelong NASCAR fan!

Arnold Schwarzenegger at Sonoma Raceway in 2015

The Terminator star and former California governor was the honorary pace car driver for the Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway in 2015. Schwarzenegger got to drive a 2016 Toyota Mirai, which is a hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicle that emits only water from its exhaust. During his time as governor, Arnie established California's Hydrogen Highway, which was the country's first network of hydrogen fueling stations.

"It will be an honor to lead these fantastic athletes and champions around the raceway, and on top of it, I get to drive a car that is both powerful and green," Schwarzenegger said in a pre-race statement. He missed a big opportunity to say "I'll be back," but then again, I'm not too sure he's been to another NASCAR race since.

Ben Affleck at Daytona International Speedway in 2004

Back when he was with Jennifer Lopez (the first time), Ben Affleck got the chance to visit Daytona International Speedway for the 2004 Daytona 500. That was the year that Dale Earnhardt Jr. won his first Daytona 500, so Affleck clearly picked a solid time to attend the "Great American Race." That's also a pretty slick jacket he's wearing. I wonder if those things are still for sale. Asking for a friend...

Brendan Fraser at Texas Motor Speedway in 2019

Even though he's an Indianapolis, Indiana native (we wonder if he's ever been to an Indy 500), Brendan Fraser sported a massive cowboy hat at Texas Motor Speedway when he served as the honorary pace car driver for the 2019 O'Reilly Auto Parts 500.

Charlize Theron at Daytona International Speedway in 2018

Charlize Theron got the chance to wave the green flag at the 2018 Daytona 500. One of her favorite moments from that day? Getting to see Danica Patrick for her last official NASCAR race.

"There was this really nice announcement made for Danica Patrick because it was her last NASCAR race, and I was just like, 'Ahhh, oh my god! I want the woman to win,'" Theron recalled during an episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live! "I'm like trying to be all sweet, and she totally saw me, but she was just like very (focused look). It wasn't me. I think she was keeping it for intimidation reasons for the other drivers."

Apparently Danica was really in the zone that day at Daytona.

Daniel Craig at Charlotte Motor Speedway in 2021

In 2017, Daniel Craig starred in the heist/comedy movie Logan Lucky, playing a character who attempts to rob Charlotte Motor Speedway. Four years later, when he visited Charlotte to serve as honorary starter for the Bank of America Roval 400, he was dressed more like James Bond (No Time to Die had come out that year), but most NASCAR fans were pretty quick on connecting the dots on the Logan Lucky connection.

David Spade at Atlanta Motor Speedway in 2006

David Spade may not seem like a big NASCAR guy, but when you play a character like Joe Dirt, you're pretty much guaranteed to get the NASCAR hookup. While his attendance at the 2006 Golden Corral 500 at Atlanta was more of a promotional appearance (The Benchwarmers had just come out), Spade got his first hands-on NASCAR experience when he served as the grand marshal for the 2015 Coke Zero 400.

James Caan at Daytona International Speedway in 2006

James Caan's connection with NASCAR goes way back, as the late actor starred in the 1965 movie Redline 7000, which featured actual racing footage. Caan attended several NASCAR races over the years, including the 2006 Daytona 500, where he served as grand marshal and watched the race from Jamie McMurray's pit box.

Kevin Costner at Daytona International Speedway in 2008

Kevin Costner, pictured here with Martin Truex Jr., attended the 2008 Coke Zero 400. The Yellowstone star didn't just make an appearance, but he also performed a concert in the Spirit Fan Zone at Daytona International Speedway with his band Modern West. He'd treat NASCAR fans to another Modern West show the following year during the All-Star Race at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina.

Mark Wahlberg at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in 2007

Mark Wahlberg has been somewhat of a fixture in the NASCAR world for some time now (Dale Earnhardt Jr. got to meet him during an episode of Wahlburgers a few years back), but one of his first NASCAR appearances was as the grand marshal of the 2007 UAW Daimler Chrysler 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Kasey Kahne, seen in the above picture shaking Wahlberg's hand during driver introductions, was probably pretty star-struck after meeting the Hollywood A-lister.

Matthew McConaughey at Daytona International Speedway in 2005

Matthew McConaughey, who looks to be giving his best act-out of a stock car driving around the track in the above photo, was the grand marshal for the 2005 Daytona 500. Sixteen years later, his starting command at the 2021 EchoPark Automotive Texas Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas in Texas (the first-ever Cup race at COTA), was probably one of the most hilarious "start your engines" command of all time.

"Alright, alright, alright. Yes, sir, yes, ma'am, this you already know: That's three green lights — one, two, three in a row. You know, you're ready, you know you want to go. Good thing the rubber is already on the road. Drivers, start your engines!"

That's just classic McConaughey right there.

Nicolas Cage at Daytona International Speedway in 2007

Speaking of starting commands, Nicolas Cage had that distinct honor at the 2007 Daytona 500. He was a little more subdued in his approach (I think fans probably would've appreciated a Nic Cage freakout type command), but his badass Man in Black look definitely made up for his lack of enthusiasm on the mic.

Ryan Reynolds at Pocono Raceway in 2009

Ryan Reynolds was the grand marshal for the 2009 Pocono 500. The Deadpool star got to spend a little bit of time with seven-time Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson, who considering his California roots, has gotten to hang out with plenty of celebrities over the years.

Tom Cruise at Daytona International Speedway in 2009

Ever since he made Days of Thunder back in 1990, Tom Cruise has probably been the most famous NASCAR fan of the past 30 or so years. He's good friends with Jeff Gordon, and even surprised him with a heartfelt speech at the 2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup Awards Ceremony. In any case, it's no surprise that NASCAR rolls out the checkered carpet for him whenever he's in town.

Cruise's appearance at the 2009 Daytona 500, during which he drove the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro pace car to start the race, was an important one, as it marked the first Daytona 500 without the Petty family and the first without Dale Jarrett since Days of Thunder hit theaters 19 years prior.

Will Ferrell at Talladega Superspeedway in 2006

Will Ferrell's classic comedy Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby was released in 2006, so it only makes sense that he ended up promoting the film at the Aaron's 499 at the Talladega Superspeedway that year. The Cup race ended up getting postponed to the following Monday due to a rain delay, but at least Will seemed to be having a good time at the track.

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