There’s something special about the moment a NASCAR race roars to life, and it all starts with the Grand Marshal. Whether it’s a legendary driver, a Hollywood celebrity, or a hometown hero, the Grand Marshal’s iconic “Start your engines!” sets the tone for one of racing’s most exciting days. Over the years, NASCAR has picked some big names to give the start command and fire up the crowd at the Coca-Cola 600, one of the sport’s crown jewel events. And this year is no exception.

This year’s choice has everyone talking. And it’s not just for his own accomplishments, but for his famous family ties. So, who’s stepping up as Grand Marshal for the 2025 Coca-Cola 600? And what’s his surprising connection to President Donald Trump? Let’s dive in.

The Grand Marshal for the Coca-Cola 600 Memorial Day race

The 2025 Coca-Cola 600 is shaping up to be more than just another crown jewel on the NASCAR calendar. Held annually on Memorial Day weekend, it’s the longest race in NASCAR, testing drivers over a grueling 600 miles. This year’s edition, set for May 25 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, promises an unforgettable mix of high-speed action and patriotic emotion that fans won’t want to miss.

Over the years, the Coca-Cola 600 has seen its fair share of iconic Grand Marshals. In 2023, NASCAR legends like Dale Jarrett, Bobby Labonte, Jeff Burton, and Kyle Petty united to command drivers to start their engines. The year before that, comedy legend Jay Leno and musician Kevin Eubanks brought Hollywood flair to Charlotte. The tradition always balances racing heritage with star-studded moments.

This year, though, NASCAR’s surprise pick is already turning heads. Pete Hegseth, the U.S. Secretary of Defense, will serve as Grand Marshal for the 2025 Coca-Cola 600. As the principal defense policy maker, he oversees the Department of Defense and is an advisor to President Donald Trump. Hegseth won’t be standing alone. Alongside him will be high-ranking members of the U.S. Army, Navy, and Marine Corps. It’s a fitting choice for Memorial Day weekend and the patriotic spirit of the race.

Hegseth is no stranger to military culture. Sworn in as Secretary of Defense in January, he is a former Army National Guard officer with deployments in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Guantanamo Bay. He’s also a familiar face from his years as a FOX News contributor. Hegseth expressed his excitement, saying, “An incredible race honoring America’s heroes on a sacred weekend. Can’t wait — see you there! 🇺🇸”

Hegseth’s connection with NASCAR runs deep. He recalls visiting the Memorial Day race event a couple of years ago. “I’ll never forget attending in 2022—the overwhelming sense of patriotism, the unity of the crowd, and the deep respect shown to our men and women in uniform.” And now, Hegseth being in the spotlight himself, it feels like a full-circle moment—honoring the troops from center stage at a race that once moved him from the stands.

In addition to the iconic “Start your engines” line, Hegseth will also deliver the annual State of Freedom address. This surely adds another patriotic moment to the pre-race ceremonies. With the Secretary of Defense and military leaders leading the command, the 2025 Coca-Cola 600 will once again blend NASCAR’s high-octane action with a heartfelt salute to America’s heroes. As fans pack the stands and millions tune in, this year’s Grand Marshal lineup promises to make the start of NASCAR’s longest race especially memorable and meaningful.

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The Coca-Cola 600 and its Memorial Day legacy

Since its inaugural running in 1960, the event at Charlotte Motor Speedway has been much more than a test of speed and endurance. It has grown into one of the sport’s most powerful tributes to the United States military, honoring both active service members and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

The race’s timing is no accident. Held on the eve of Memorial Day, the Coca-Cola 600 has always served as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by the armed forces. Each year, pre-race ceremonies feature stirring tributes. We are talking military flyovers, the playing of “Taps,” and moments of silence that unite the crowd in gratitude and remembrance. Fans and drivers alike pause to reflect before the engines roar to life.

Some of the most iconic moments in the race’s history have come from these patriotic gestures. In recent years, NASCAR has made it a tradition to replace drivers’ names on windshields with the names of fallen service members. This “600 Miles of Remembrance” program brings the stories of sacrifice to the forefront, making each lap a living tribute. In 2009, when rain forced the race to run on Memorial Day itself, the emotional impact was even greater. The entire NASCAR community paused to reflect on the meaning of the holiday.

The “State of Freedom” address has become a staple of the pre-race program, reinforcing the event’s role as a national moment of unity. This year, that tradition continues with U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. As engines fire and the green flag waves, the Coca-Cola 600 stands as a living tribute to America’s heroes. It’s a celebration of freedom, a showcase of NASCAR’s deep ties to the military, and a reminder of the values that unite fans and the nation every Memorial Day weekend.