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Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson delivers epic engine command at Daytona 500

Meby: Nick Geddes02/19/24NickGeddesNews

A little rain and a postponement from Sunday to Monday wasn’t going to stop Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson from giving the command at the 66th running of the Daytona 500.

Johnson stayed in Daytona Beach to say the four most famous words in motorsports moments before 40 drivers took to the track. And of course, it was epic, with some pro wrestling flare added to it.

“In the proud spirit of America and in the proud spirit of our great country, FINALLY, The Rock says, drivers, start your engines,” Johnson said.

And with that, the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season can officially commence.

Johnson, the famed actor and WWE star, was chosen to be the Grand Marshal for the 66th running of the Daytona 500, originally scheduled for 2:30 p.m. ET Sunday. With the rain showing no sign of letting up, NASCAR made the decision to postpone the race till Monday at 4:30 p.m.

Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson stays through race postponement to give Daytona 500 command

Many wondered if Johnson would remain in Daytona through the race postponement, especially given the busy nature of his schedule. He, in fact, did, though some other scheduled acts could not stay the extra day. Pitbull’s pre-race concert did not take place. He did, however, commit to doing the concert ahead of the 2025 Daytona 500. DJ Khaled, scheduled to wave the green flag, is also not in Daytona Beach on Monday.

Johnson, 51, arrived in Daytona Beach Saturday night and expressed his excitement to be part of the event in an Instagram post.

“Gettin’ into some midnight tequila trouble in Daytona Beach baby!! (actually, heading to the gym because I can’t sleep;) I’m pumped to pull Grand Marshall duties for tomorrow’s iconic DAYTONA 500 – a super cool honor for me and I can’t wait,” Johnson wrote. “Hoping our weather clears up for a safe track and awesome race for the boys. Completely SOLD OUT – 100,000+ STRONG! LFG!!!”