WWE's Rey Mysterio, LSU's Flau'jae Johnson to start engines, wave green flag at Summer Daytona race

NASCAR has announced the honorary starters for the final regular season race of the year at Daytona. WWE Hall of Famer wrestler Rey Mysterio will give the command to start engines, while LSU women’s basketball star Flau’jae Johnson will wave the green flag, FOX Sports’ Bob Pockrass reported.

Rey Mysterio, whose real name is Óscar Gutiérrez Rubio, is a 50-year-old wrestling star. He made his wrestling debut in Mexico in 1989 at 14 years old.

He then went on to entertain millions in the AAA, ECW, WCW and WWE. Mysterio famously sports a colorful mask, a signature part of his look and one that could undoubtedly make an appearance at Daytona.

Meanwhile, Flau’jae Johnson is a women’s basketball star and a rapper. She was named the 2022-23 SEC Freshman of the Year as LSU claimed its first national championship.

Following the departure of Angel Reese for the WNBA, Johnson became the face of the program. She helped LSU to an Elite Eight appearance as a sophomore in 2024 before injuries derailed the late part of her 2025 season.

Johnson is the daughter of Jason Johnson, a rapper who performed under the name Camoflauge. She is signed to Roc Nation and has previously appeared on The Rap Game and America’s Got Talent as a musical artist. So waving the green flag at Daytona should be no real pressure for her.

Kevin Harvick picks winner at Daytona

Kevin Harvick and the Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour crew are elated for the NASCAR Cup Series to head to Daytona International Speedway this weekend. The regular season will be closed out with a bang. 

Harvick has his eyes on a veteran wheelman in Florida: “I’m going to go with another guy that needs to get back to Victory Lane, Brad Keselowski,” he stated. That would mark his first win of the season, thrusting him into the playoff picture.

Moreover, Keselowski’s controversial drafting tactics make him a polarizing figure at tracks like Daytona. He’s a fascinating pick, and always a potential winner when the Cup Series rolls into the super-speedway, especially with the playoffs on the line.

On3’s Steve Samra also contributed to this report.