NASCAR is all about wrapped up in their pre-race announcements. We have Kurt Russell in the pace car, Nate Bargatze as the Grand Marshal, and now we have a comedic Honorary Starter. No, it is not the legendary Kevin James, it is... Bart Simpson? The fictional character stirs fan opinion as he will have a makeshift "Start Your Engines" announcement.
Why is a fictional character doing this? Like most things, this is marketing above all. The Simpsons are celebrating their 800th episode. One of the longest-running shows of all time and a FOX staple, the show will pay homage to the fictional town of "Springfield."
Bart Simpson is Named Daytona 500 Honorary Starter
According to FOX Sports, this will not be Bart Simpson's voiceover; it will be the mascot itself. We are unsure how they'll announce it; it may be a pre-recorded voiceover with the mascot in person. Nonetheless, it is unique. Fans are more skeptical, but this is a part of marketing for the massive sporting event.
The history of starters has been a vast crowd of names. In 2025, Wood Brothers Racing called to start the engines. In 2024, it was DJ Khaled and Tiffany Haddish the year prior. Oftentimes, it has been a celebrity name. Sometimes that is marketing-based, and sometimes it is for notoriety, such as the case with DJ Khaled, marketing to a new audience.
Fans Question "Bart Simpson"
© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
NASCAR fans tend to be purists of the sport. They want racing names, and only racing names. Unfortunately for them, it is not that simple. For the sport to reach its pinnacle, it must make as much revenue of possible. This comes with promotions on the sports biggest stage. Here are some fan reactions on social media:
- "We live in a simulation"
- "This cannot be (expletive) real?," while Daytona's official account responds, "Yes, its real."
- "Should have got the weather guy from Family Guy"... that was funny.
Other fans do like it, stating:
- "Might as well get Lightning McQueen out there for the full experience."
- "Why not? This is cool."
The Simpsons is one of the most successful nightly shows of all time. They do not accomplish that by being hated. As a staple of America, fans seem to be relatively fine with an American classic on the big stage.