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via Getty

via Getty

Grammy winning singer and Trackhouse Racing co-owner, Pitbull will not perform at the pre-race show ahead of the Daytona 500. After stepping down from his current commitment, he has agreed to be back for the concert back in 2025. Meanwhile, DJ Khaled, who assumed the role of honorary starter, will be backing out of his duties.

The announcement comes after the rescheduling of the Daytona 500 race owing to weather constraints. The Cup Series race has been pushed to Monday alongside the Xfinity Series race. It will be a double-header racing schedule for the fans to enjoy at Daytona International Speedway.

Pitbull addressed a media briefing, where Daytona International Speedway, President Frank Kelleher presented him with a unique gift and also confirmed his presence for the next year. “We had a lot of excitement for you to perform today and because of the weather, we could not do it. So I would like to formally ask you about your to perform the pre-race show next year for the 2025 Daytona 500.”

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In response to the proposal, Pitbull took off his shades and cap and shook hands in a formal agreement to be back at Daytona. “I’ll tell you what, you know I’m old school. No contract, no nothing, just handshake, eye to eye. I will be there.”

He went on to add, “Even if it’s raining, it don’t matter, we gonna bring the light regardless. So thank you for having me, I appreciate it, it was an honor and blessing to be here and I’m always excited to be part of NASCAR and Trackhouse family. So one way or another we’re going to make best of it.”

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Meanwhile, DJ Khaled, who also stepped down from his honorary duty as the starter for the Daytona 500, visited the race venue as well today. He even spoke about owning a NASCAR team in the future.

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DJ Khaled eyeing the prospect of owning a NASCAR team

The rapper was serving a dual role during the Daytona 500 race. Apart from his honorary duty as the flagger for the race, he was also the public face of Wendy’s new “Biggie Bag” campaign. However, the rapper won’t be available to flag off the race on Monday because of the schedule change. However, during a press briefing, he expressed his dream of owning a NASCAR team one day.

“Absolutely, I would love to be a team owner. Hopefully to have the best car one day. Shout out to Wendy’s for bringing me out here today just to see all the greats. Look at Michael Jordan, the beautiful things that he’s doing and all the other great owners, team owners. So one day, God willing, we will have the best car out there bringing home the trophy.”

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Just like how Daytona 500 played out in 2012, this year too the race has been pushed to the following day thanks to bad weather. And as a direct result, Pitbull and DJ Khaled lost their chance to carry out their Daytona 500 duties. However, Pitbull has assured NASCAR he will be back next year. Let’s hope the rain goes away and lets NASCAR have its day.

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