In a thrilling intersection of sports and entertainment, NASCAR is all set to accelerate the buzz around the impending Pennzoil 400 race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The event is gaining momentum after NASCAR announced a surprise guest—a WWE champion to steer the pace car, merging the worlds of professional wrestling and racing in an electrifying mashup.
Kyle Busch, a two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, is no rookie when it comes to winning titles. However, in 2019, he achieved an unexpected accolade. In a startling turn of events, he grappled his way to win the WWE 24/7 Championship, besting a WWE superstar in the ring. This unexpected crossover unfolded on an episode of Monday Night Raw, where Busch, along with Michael Waltrip, another racing icon, surprised WWE superstar R-Truth, the then holder of the 24/7 Championship. This title, unique in its own right, can be defended at any location, at any moment, as long as a referee is in attendance.
In a surprising twist, Waltrip revealed a referee’s jersey beneath his jacket, and Busch seized the opportunity to pin R-Truth down, claiming his first (and only) WWE title. This momentous event marked one of the many exciting crossovers between WWE and NASCAR. Over the years, several WWE personalities have infused their energetic personas into NASCAR events, a trend that continues into 2025.
In the upcoming Pennzoil 400, the reigning WWE Women’s United States Champion Chelsea Green has been appointed as the honorary pace car driver. Known for her dynamic presence and her “Hot Mess” persona, Green will command the Toyota Supra pace car, leading the pack at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
This isn’t the first instance of a WWE superstar playing a pivotal role at a NASCAR race. Wrestling icons like Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, The Undertaker, Charlotte Flair, and Sheamus, along with others, have all served as honorary officials, pace car drivers, or grand marshals at various races. Green’s participation now adds another riveting chapter to the WWE-NASCAR crossover legacy.
In addition to Green’s participation, NASCAR has also enlisted the ‘voice of god’ Morgan Freeman as the grand marshal for the Pennzoil 400. The Academy Award-winning actor, known for his narration in numerous iconic films and documentaries, will utter the most famous words in racing, “Drivers, start your engines!” before the race commences.
The involvement of Freeman, who has lent his voice to this year’s Daytona 500 commercial for Fox and has narrated several NASCAR-related documentaries, is just another example of how NASCAR is ramping up the anticipation for the upcoming race. The only question that remains is whether the weather will play along.
The current weather forecast for the Pennzoil 400 looks promising. Clear skies, mild temperatures, and minimal wind are predicted for Friday’s Truck Series race. The conditions for Saturday’s Xfinity Series race and Sunday’s race day look equally favorable. However, gusty winds could present a challenge for the drivers.
The last time NASCAR experienced extreme weather in Las Vegas was during the 2016 Kobalt 400 race, which was interrupted by a sandstorm. Nonetheless, barring any unforeseen circumstances, this year’s race is expected to be a smooth ride. With a dazzling lineup of star power and a compelling race ahead, the Las Vegas Motor Speedway is poised for an unforgettable event. Hold on to your seats, because this one promises to be a sizzler!