The adrenaline was palpable at the Pennzoil 400 race, held at the iconic Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Adding a touch of Hollywood glamour to the thrilling event was none other than the legendary Morgan Freeman. Known for his memorable roles in blockbuster movies such as Shawshank Redemption, Unforgiven, and Seven, Freeman’s presence reminded many of his character ‘God’ from Bruce Almighty!
But the star-studded event was not limited to Freeman’s appearance. The weekend was packed with action, from intriguing interviews to exceptional teamwork on the track, providing a delightful experience for both drivers and fans alike.
Before the Cup Series drivers took on the 1.5-mile oval racetrack, the audience was treated to a series of captivating events. Freeman, who had previously participated in a race during his 60th birthday at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, made an awe-inspiring entry as the Grand Marshal of the event. His favorite racer, it would seem, was Bubba Wallace, to whom he gifted a cap bearing the bold red 23, sparking a lively conversation about Freeman’s days in the Air Force. Wallace later shared this moment on Instagram, humorously noting, “Apparently God is a 23 fan.”
The event was further amplified by the presence of the renowned Backstreet Boys. Legendary NASCAR veteran Michael Waltrip, reporting for FOX, enjoyed a spirited jam session with the band and racer John Hunter Nemechek. This entertaining interaction was even acknowledged by seven-time Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson, who declared, “This is the content I’m here for.”
Adding to the list of celebrities was Canadian professional wrestler Chelsea Cardona, better known as Chelsea Green, the reigning and inaugural WWE Women’s United States Champion. NASCAR celebrated her presence by posting a picture of the WWE star with the caption, “The Champ is in the house.”
As the pre-race festivities concluded with a breathtaking show by the US Air Force’s Thunderbirds, the attention then turned to the race itself.
The Pennzoil 400, which began with Freeman’s call, saw top ten positions being held by Michael McDowell, Joey Logano, and a host of Ford drivers. However, the race was not without its fair share of drama. Shane van Gisbergen, for instance, caused the third caution of the race due to a blown right front tire on his No. 88 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet.
Further down the line, Christopher Bell, a three-peat winner and No. 20 Toyota driver, made a deliberate pit stop at the wrong stall to fix a loose tire, a move that saved him from a harsher penalty. The race was also marked by a crash involving Cody Ware and a bizarre pit road incident where Carson Hocevar bumped into Ty Gibbs’ No. 54 Toyota.
Despite the various hiccups and nine caution periods, Josh Berry emerged as the triumphant winner, giving Ford their first win of the season. It was indeed a surprise that Berry, rather than the likes of 3x Cup Champion Joey Logano, 2023 Cup Champion Ryan Blaney, and 2020 Xfinity Champion Austin Cindric, was the one to kickstart Ford’s success in 2025!
As we gear up for the next week, these unforgettable moments from the Pennzoil 400 race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway will be etched in our memories. What was your favorite moment from the race? Share your thoughts in the comments!