Morgan Freeman following in Donald Trump’s | Sports News

Legendary actor and movie producer, Morgan Freeman, has been chosen as grand marshal for the upcoming Pennzoil 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Sunday, March 16.

Freeman, 87, is the latest celebrity to be given the honor, following in the footsteps of U.S. President Donald Trump, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, and John Travolta among others.

Trump was grand marshal for the 2020 Daytona 500 and recently returned to watch the opening race of the 2025 NASCAR season, although not serving in the role. However, Freeman will be in Las Vegas to use his iconic voice ahead of the Pennzoil 400 Cup Series race.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to be chosen as the ranged marshal for the NASCAR race,” Freeman said.

“It’s a true honor to be part of such an incredible tradition, and I can’t wait to see the energy, passion and excitement that fills the track. Let’s rev up those engines and make this race unforgettable!”

Freeman has previously narrated NASCAR documentaries, and is passionate about motorsport. Back in 2006, during an interview with Sports Illustrated, Freeman revealed that he often spends his Sundays watching NASCAR.

“You’d find me sitting on the couch with the sound cranked,” Freeman said. “And I have surround sound.”

Freeman’s ex-wife gifted him a special three-day NASCAR weekend package, as the award-winning actor enjoys driving fast cars. “I’m not a car buff, but I love driving. And I love driving fast,” Freeman said at the time.

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“My wife, bless her heart, gave me a three-day NASCAR weekend. I went to Lowe’s Motor Speedway [near] Charlotte and had the most extraordinary time.”

For Freeman, NASCAR has always been a passion after he admitted to not being particularly athletic, but loved driving and has owned some elaborate cars throughout his life. “I am completely left-footed in organized sports,” Freeman said.

“Football? Not enough weight. Basketball? Not enough coordination. Baseball? Not enough strength. I’ve always been this bookish, thin, actor-type [laughs]. I’m in show business.”

Freeman will join a long line of high-profile figures when marshaling Sunday’s race. The Las Vegas weekend will begin on Thursday, March 13, with a parade down the famous strip.

On Friday, the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race will take place before the Xfinity Series race the following day. Freeman won’t be called upon until Sunday when announcing the Cup Series race, the premium NASCAR series.

Kyle Larson won the Pennzoil 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway last season, after leading for 181 of the 267 laps. It was the second time that Larson had won in Las Vegas, but NASCAR legend Jimmie Johnson holds the record after clinching four wins between 2005-10.