DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Comedian Bert Kreischer held his bottle high in the air and screamed a message to the avid fans that packed out the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach, Florida, the night before the Daytona 500.
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"Full Throttle, we'll see you back here next year, same f—-ing venue, even bigger. Let's go!" he yelled before taking part in a toast with thousands of fans, a large majority of whom wore merchandise for various NASCAR drivers and teams.
This toast served as only the midpoint of a busy night for Kreischer. He served as host and performer during the official Daytona 500 pre-race party, which he put on with help from NASCAR, Mando Whole Body Deodorant, and several other sponsors.
Kreischer performed an alternate, 22-minute version of his most famous story, "The Machine." He also worked to keep the crowd entertained between each act on the packed lineup.
This entailed hosting a broccoli pinata beatdown with the Jack Link's sasquatch and spraying shirtless fans with deodorant. The fan wearing the Ricky Stenhouse Jr. No. 47 hat did not win the pinata competition.
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Kreischer also asked an important question to the attendees of the Full Throttle Festival. "Wouldn't it be the greatest Cinderella story if Kyle Busch wins the Daytona 500?"
This drew mixed reactions from the fans. Some booed, some cheered, and others just continued sipping their drinks.
This party featured a wide assortment of beverage options, including Free Bird Spring Water, Por Osos Vodka, and selections from Sugarlands Distilling.
The venue also had multiple stock cars on display, curated food from BBQ pitmasters, and locations where fans could purchase tickets to the Welcome to Rockville festival at Daytona. (The pulled pork sandwich with mac and cheese did not disappoint).
The crowd also featured an interesting mix of race fans, comedy fans, and members of the racing industry.
Those keeping watch may have spotted Noah Gragson, Daniel Suarez, Michael McDowell, Stenhouse, Daniel Dye, Riley Herbst, and Travis Pastrana. Other figures from the industry wandered through the crowd, enjoying a night off before one of the busiest days in NASCAR.
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Of course, the fans flocked to the Ocean Center to see a mix of comedy and music, which they enjoyed. They first witnessed a DJ set from Cipha Sounds before taking in a set from veteran comic Chris Porter.
After that, it was time to dance and jump around. Although an unexpected appearance from golfer John Daly caught the attendees and even Kreischer by surprise.
The night continued with a wide-ranging set from country star Ernest, who performed a mix of originals and covers. This included two Toby Keith covers and one Hank Williams Jr. cover, the latter of which sparked a rowdy singalong.
The biggest stars of the night took the stage next. Florida natives Lynyrd Skynyrd played their biggest hits for the thousands of fans in attendance. They even had Pastrana and Kreischer jump on stage during "Sweet Home Alabama."
Going to a Daytona 500 event and seeing Lynyrd Skynyrd perform will never not be surreal. pic.twitter.com/AnsUMiOivE
— John Newby (@JohnNewby_) February 15, 2026
Diplo served as the nightcap of the event while using his Thomas Wesley act. He kept the crowd hyped until well after midnight and took them into Daytona 500 Sunday.
This set officially closed out a massive party, one that marked new territory for NASCAR and Kreischer's partnership. These two parties have worked together multiple times in the past, but 2026 greatly expanded the deal.
Judging by Kreischer's comments about the Full Throttle Festival returning in 2027, NASCAR fans are in line for an even wilder experience next season.
