Daytona International Speedway announced today that Bart Simpson has been named the honorary starter for the DAYTONA 500. The beloved prankster of the iconic FOX animated sitcom The Simpsons is set to wave the green flag ahead of the show’s 800th episode.
“It’s an honor to have Bart Simpson, an American icon of pop culture, serve as our honorary starter for the 68th running of the DAYTONA 500,” said Frank Kelleher, President of Daytona International Speedway. “Bart’s historic run of pranks and mischief on FOX for over 30 years has provided laughs for all ages. There’s no doubt that he’s going to have an absolute blast waving the green flag for The Great American Race.”
In the 800th episode, “Irrational Treasure,” Marge’s crusade to get the family dog in better shape leads to her entering Santa’s Little Helper in canine agility competitions and a trip to the National Dog Show in Philadelphia. There, Marge and Homer suddenly find themselves — and the dog — mixed up in a historical conspiracy adventure worthy of a “National Treasure” movie.
The Guest Voice Cast for the episode includes Quinta Brunson, Noah Wylie, Katherine LaNasa, Taylor Dearden, Questlove, Kevin Bacon and Boyz II Men.
Then, on the season finale episode, “Homer? A Cracker Bro?,” Homer strikes up an unlikely friendship with Kirk Van Houten, which leads to them launching a hugely successful business venture together – a “crumbless” cracker that sweeps the nation. But when Kirk’s darkest secrets are revealed, Homer has to choose between his family and his fortune… and may just end up going in jail.
The all-new “Irrational Treasure” and “Homer? A Cracker Bro?” Episodes of The Simpsons air Sunday, Feb. 15 (8:00-9:02 PM ET/PT) after the DAYTONA 500 on FOX and next day on Hulu.
Though grandstand tickets and camping are sold out for Sunday’s marquee event, limited upgrades and premium packages are still available. Fans can also catch plenty of the action during the multi-day racing and entertainment extravaganza that is Speedweeks Presented by AdventHealth.
The competition begins on Wednesday, Feb. 11, with DAYTONA 500 Qualifying presented by Busch Light, setting the front row for The Great American Race. Qualifying also sets the field for a pair of head-to-head battles in the America 250 Florida Duel At DAYTONA on Thursday, Feb. 12, where drivers fight for their starting position in the 68th running of the DAYTONA 500.
The intensity increases on Friday, Feb. 13 as the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series season-opening Fresh From Florida 250 takes the green flag under the lights of the famed track. Then on Saturday, Feb. 14, fans can enjoy a jam-packed day of on-track action with the kickoff to the ARCA Menards Series season with the General Tire 200 followed by the United Rentals 300 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race.
On Sunday, three-time GRAMMY-award winning country music star Miranda Lambert will kick things off as the pre-race performer before the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds soar above The World Center of Racing. Following the famed flyover, the nicest man in stand-up comedy, Nate Bargatze, will command the drivers to start their engines. Finally, acclaimed actor Kurt Russell will lead the field to the green flag that Bart Simpson will wave to officially start the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season.
For ticket information on the DAYTONA 500, as well as all Speedweeks Presented by AdventHealth events, log onto www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or call 1-800-PITSHOP.
— Daytona International Speedway —