Daytona International Speedway President Frank Kelleher has gone for a wild ride at a very different venue. He has taken on the Chili Bowl.
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FloRacing posted a video during Chili Bowl Nationals week showing Kelleher taking in the sights and sounds of one of the biggest weeks in all of motorsports. However, he did not simply show up as an observer. He put on a Sunoco firesuit.
"I'm in a firesuit because I'm about to jump in this two-seater," the Daytona president told FloRacing's Matthew Dillner. "This is my very first time at the Chili Bowl Nationals, the 40th running of it, and I am really getting the VIP treatment to experience what this place is all about."
😀 @DAYTONA President @frank_kelleher was smiling from ear-to-ear after ripping laps in the #ChiliBowl two-seater. #Daytona500 pic.twitter.com/0U53ctl4dw
— FloRacing (@FloRacing) January 14, 2026
Once Kelleher finished his interview, he hopped in the passenger seat of the dirt midget, and he held onto a useless steering wheel while ripping around the track. He rode shotgun for several laps while sliding up by the wall and down on the berm.
Kelleher hopped out of the two-seater and could not stop himself from smiling. He raved about the experience and talked about what it would be like being on the track at the same time as dozens of other competitors.
The Daytona president is one of multiple people involved with NASCAR who have been out to different events while promoting the upcoming Daytona 500, which kicks off the 2026 Cup Series season on Feb. 15.
RFK Racing's Ryan Preece took on Mecum Auctions and Monster Jam while Front Row Motorsports' Todd Gilliland spent time with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Kelleher just had the fastest promotion opportunity.
Of course, this year's Daytona 500 is a significant event. It marks the start of a season without win and you're in. The driver who wins the crown jewel race won't automatically lock into the postseason, but they will add a prestigious event to their resume.
Additionally, the Daytona 500 marks the first season with The Chase since 2013. This year, 16 drivers will lock into The Chase and then they will spend 10 races battling for the title. They won't have to deal with eliminations or playoff points. They will just go race.
