Before the engines roared at the Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway, the spotlight belonged to the smallest stars in NASCAR. The children of drivers and crew members stepped up to deliver a heart-melting rendition of the national anthem, a tradition that’s become one of the sport’s most cherished moments.

Organized by Motor Racing Outreach (MRO) since 1999, this kids’ choir brings together the sons and daughters of the NASCAR family to sing in front of 160,000 fans, stealing the show before the green flag even waves. It’s not just a performance, it’s a snapshot of the sport’s heart, where family and community shine as bright as the trophies.

For over two decades, MRO has made this moment a Bristol staple, coached by volunteers like Melanie Self who prep the kids to feel like rock stars. Self’s words ring true, “They are the stars and they know it.”

From kids of drivers like Chase Elliott and Harrison Burton to crew members’ families, the choir is a chance for the next generation to stand tall in the sport’s biggest arena. Parents, usually the ones under pressure, get to play proud spectators, watching their little ones command the coliseum-style bullring with courage and charm.

The anthem fits perfectly into Bristol’s pre-race pageantry alongside the invocation, colors, and flyover, but it carries a unique weight. It’s a reminder that NASCAR’s more than just racing; it’s a tight-knit world where family ties run deep.

MRO, founded in 1988 by Max Helton, has been the glue for that community, offering chapel services, counseling, and mentoring to keep drivers and crews grounded through the grind of a 36-race season. The kids’ choir is their crown jewel, a tradition that turns the high-octane chaos of Bristol into a heartfelt celebration of the future.

This year’s performance was no different, with the kids’ voices echoing through the Tennessee night, tugging at heartstrings and sparking a wave of fan love on X. From the raw emotion of the crowd singing along to the pride of seeing NASCAR’s youngest take center stage, the moment was pure magic.

Fans couldn’t get enough, flooding social media with praise for the adorable singers and the tradition that keeps Bristol’s soul alive, even as the sport races into a new era.

Fans gush over kids’ anthem magic

The kids’ national anthem at Bristol had fans on Instagram, melting, with reactions pouring in that captured the moment’s emotional punch. One fan took a playful jab, “Just go drive a Ford and apparently it will catch on fire for you.” While not tied to the anthem, the quip references recent Ford fire incidents, like Jeb Burton’s 2025 Xfinity blaze, adding a cheeky nod to NASCAR’s unpredictable side. It’s a stretch, but it shows how fans weave the sport’s chaos into even its sweetest moments.

The tradition’s legacy shone through, “The precious tradition continues! MRO and its’ wonderful ladies & gentlemen who mentor these children have done this for generations now. It never gets old: Always tugs on our heartstrings and makes us Proud to be Americans! These little ones also remind us what’s Best about our wonderful country: Our Future! Let’s do our Best for Them! GOD BLESS AMERICA & ITS PRECIOUS CHILDREN!”

Since 1999, MRO’s choir, featuring kids like Briscoe’s Brooks or Josh Berry’s daughter, has been a Bristol hallmark. Fans feel the pride and patriotism, with coverage calling it a symbol of NASCAR’s family values, uniting the garage and grandstands in a shared, teary-eyed moment.

The crowd’s role hit home, “Hearing the crowd sing with the kids had all the feels.” Reports describe fans joining in, turning the anthem into a community celebration. The 160,000-strong Bristol crowd, already hyped for the Night Race, amplified the kids’ voices, making it a spine-tingling moment that felt like family. It’s why NBC Sports calls it one of NASCAR’s most special pre-race rituals.

One fan gushed, “Best Anthem i have heard, very moving.” The kids’ raw, heartfelt delivery, backed by MRO’s mentorship, struck a chord. Coverage consistently praises the choir’s emotional weight, with its imperfections adding to the charm. It’s not about polish, it’s about heart, and fans felt every note.

A curious question popped up, “Did Lennix go chasing Chase or SVG ? why is she not there @samanthabusch.” The Lennix mention being that she really likes talking to Chase before race and recently she switched her crush to SVG and the anthem part is probably pertaining to the fact that  Lennix doesn’t have proper speech yet so she adorably butchers the anthem whenever the drivers and everyone are singing.