Brad Pitt named grand marshal for Bristol Night Race
Here is a wild crossover for you: Brad Pitt is heading to The Last Great Colosseum. The Academy Award-winning actor and producer will take on the role of Grand Marshal alongside Johnny Morris for the upcoming Bass Pro Shops Night Race. This puts one of Hollywood's most famous faces right in the middle of one of NASCAR's most iconic nights.
The appearance is set for Saturday, Sept. 19 at . Pitt will take part in the famous pre-race ceremonies and deliver the command to fire engines before the NASCAR Cup Series machines roar to life under the lights. It marks the third race of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series Chase.
There is a neat connection here, too, as both Pitt and Morris share roots in Springfield, Missouri, where Morris founded Bass Pro Shops back in 1972. Pitt's visit also lines up with the upcoming Sept. 25 theatrical release of his new Paramount Pictures film, Heart of the Beast. Directed by David Ayer, the intense adventure thriller features Pitt as Special Forces officer James Belmont alongside a cast that includes J.K. Simmons and Anna Lambe.
On the track, the stakes are massive. The 500-lap Bass Pro Shops Night Race serves as the third event in NASCAR's 10-race Chase for the Cup Series championship. Every single position and point carries immense weight on this road to the title.
Bristol Motor Speedway delivers an intense atmosphere unlike anywhere else. The 0.533-mile concrete oval features steep high banks, close-quarters racing, and a thunderous roar under the lights that magnifies the pressure on every championship contender. Jerry Caldwell, president and general manager of Bristol Motor Speedway, noted that having Pitt join them makes a special night even bigger at the storied crown jewel event. The action begins at 7:30 p.m. ET.
