American actor and Daytona 500 Grand Marshal Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson during driver introductions before the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson kicks off the Daytona 500

By Clark Dalton | Last updated 2/19/24

Many celebrities have served as the Daytona 500's grand marshall. This year, however, it featured one of the biggest stars in the world, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.

Johnson — whose films have grossed over $5 billion worldwide, per Business Insider — stayed even though the race was postponed Sunday due to heavy rainfall at Daytona International Speedway. It didn't dampen his spirits, as he started the race with the enthusiasm and energy he's known for.

The biggest race gets the biggest command! @TheRock fires the engines for the #DAYTONA500! pic.twitter.com/XKrYfA3s8y
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) February 19, 2024

The 51-year-old was ecstatic about the opportunity. He told Chris Vinel of the Daytona Beach-Journal he couldn't sleep on Saturday night, so he went to the gym to work off the jitters.

The wrestler and actor has recently jumped into more sports business ventures. He owns a stake in the United Football League, which starts on March 30. He also recently joined the board of directors of the TKO Group, the parent company of the WWE and the UFC. Don't be surprised if he shows up at more sporting events to build connections.

He is a fan of Denny Hamlin of Joe Gibbs Racing. The 43-year-old is trying to capture his first NASCAR Cup Series championship and fourth Daytona 500 win.

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