Wood Brothers Racing family named honorary starter for the DAYTONA 500
Yesterday at 04:02 PM
Daytona International Speedway announced today that the family behind the iconic Wood Brothers Racing team has been named the honorary starter for the DAYTONA 500 this Sunday. Celebrating their 75th anniversary this season, they‘ll wave the green flag for the 67th running of The Great American Race.
"It‘s truly a special year for Wood Brothers Racing as they celebrate 75 years of racing in NASCAR and it‘s our privilege to recognize their contributions to the sport by naming them as the honorary starters for the DAYTONA 500," said Frank Kelleher, President of Daytona International Speedway. "Wood Brothers Racing has an incredible legacy in our sport and at Daytona International Speedway over their famed history. We look forward to celebrating them throughout the weekend and can‘t wait to see them wave the green flag for The Great American Race on Sunday."
Eddie Wood, Len Wood, Jon Wood, Keven Wood and Jordan Wood Hicks will all participate in the honorary starter duties, with Eddie dropping the green flag as the field charges through the trioval to start the race. The moment will be especially poignant for the family, as 15 years ago the late Glenn Wood waved the green flag for the 52nd running of The Great American Race — with his sons Eddie and Len alongside him on the starters stand.
Wood Brothers Racing, founded in 1950, is the oldest active team in NASCAR while being one of the winningest organizations in league history. The Wood family‘s connection to Daytona goes all the way back to Glenn Wood racing on the beach. The Wood Brothers have run more points-paying races (138) at Daytona than any other track they‘ve raced. Wood Brothers Racing has a historic 16 wins at Daytona, more than any other track.
The team currently has 100 career wins in the NASCAR Cup Series, including five DAYTONA 500 victories, which puts them eighth on the all-time wins list. The Wood Brothers won their first DAYTONA 500 in 1963 with Tiny Lund and their fifth with Trevor Bayne in 2011.
Harrison Burton drove the famed No. 21 car to Victory Lane in the Coke Zero Sugar 400 last August for their milestone 100th win.
As the Wood Brothers celebrate their 75th anniversary season, there will be special paint schemes, merchandise, digital content and more to honor their accomplishments.
“Kicking off our 75th year in NASCAR this way is truly an honor—something beyond words," said Jon Wood, president, Wood Brothers Racing. "For much of those 75 years, my dad (Eddie) and Len have been in the background, never seeking recognition or credit—that‘s just who they are. This is an experience few get to have, and I‘m so grateful they‘re being recognized for their contributions and dedication. You won‘t find two better men, and they deserve every moment of this.”
Prior to the Wood Brothers waving the green flag, Technical Sgt. Adrienne Kling and the Singing Sergeants of the United States Air Force Band, Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington D.C. will perform the National Anthem.
Kling, a native of Cleveland, Ohio, began her career in the United States Air Force Band in September 2018. She has been featured in many operatic and musical theater roles including Madame Herz in “Der Schauspieldirektor,” the Queen of the Night in “The Magic Flute,” Hodel in “Fiddler on the Roof” and Rapunzel in “Into the Woods.” Kling has also performed with Opera Columbus, Kentucky Opera Chorus and as a soloist with the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra for their Broadway Sing-Along.
The Great American Music Collective will join the pre-race festivities on Sunday prior to the DAYTONA 500 with an exclusive musical performance. Music director Chris Stiles has assembled an extraordinary lineup of GRAMMY® Award-winning musicians to create the Great American Music Collective.
Stiles has curated a dynamic 15-minute track that spans multiple genres, blending familiar tunes with fresh, live interpretations. Acting as both DJ and conductor, Chris will lead the performance from the stage, layering live instrumental elements over his custom-designed instrumental tracks to create an immersive audio experience. The ensemble includes saxophonist Kat Rodriguez, known for her tours with Beyoncé, and percussionist Marcos Lopez, a regular performer with Mark Anthony. Eight other accomplished artists will join Rodriguez and Lopez for an unforgettable performance.
Rick Allen will introduce the NASCAR Cup Series drivers for the DAYTONA 500 during pre-race festivities on Sunday. Allen served as the lead race announcer for NBC Sports‘ NASCAR race coverage over the past decade. Allen has also been a member of the voting panel for the NASCAR Hall of Fame since its inception in 2010. Away from motorsports, Allen has called upon his past successes and knowledge as a 3-time All-American Decathlete to lend his lead broadcasting talents to USA Track and Field Indoor and Outdoor Championships, the Millrose Games, the Boston Marathon, and the World Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field Championships on NBC Sports.
The season-opening races for all three NASCAR national series as well as the ARCA Menards Series kick off on Friday, Feb. 14, starting with the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Fresh From Florida 250. Saturday, Feb. 15, will feature an action-packed double-header with the ARCA Menards Series Ride the 'Dente 200 Presented by Chili‘s followed by the NASCAR Xfinity Series United Rentals 300.
Then Sunday, Feb. 16, directly following GRAMMY® Award Winning Artist Pitbull‘s pre-race show, the USAF Thunderbirds will perform their flyover, preparing both fans and drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series for an intense battle in the 67th running of the DAYTONA 500.
For more information regarding the DAYTONA 500 and Speedweeks Presented by AdventHealth, please visit www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com.
— NASCAR —
