Morgan Freeman’s Hidden NASCAR Past: How He Took the Wheel Before His Grand Marshal Debut

Last weekend’s Las Vegas Motor Speedway NASCAR race was electric. Being the fifth race of the NASCAR Cup Series, it was action-packed and had a touch of Hollywood, with Oscar winner Morgan Freeman joining the event as Grand Marshal.

Freeman was right at home with that legendary voice, that effortless cool.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to be chosen as the grand marshal for this NASCAR race. It’s a true honor to be part of such an incredible tradition,” he said.

But readers might be surprised to discover this wasn’t Freeman’s first turn at the wheel, so to speak.

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A NASCAR Race to Remember

The 2025 Pennzoil 400 was a doozy. Josh Berry won his first-ever Cup Series race — and the first ever at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Daniel Suárez and Ryan Preece finished second and third. Michael McDowell was on the pole with a 28.883 seconds lap time and 186.961 mph.

Early season hot shoe Christopher Bell, who had three wins in four races, was challenged by Kyle Larson and William Byron. With 267 laps of racing, it was as intense as ever.

But back to Morgan Freeman!

Morgan Freeman’s Need for Speed

Freeman didn’t just show up for the party — he has a real connection to racing. Midway through the event he dropped a little-known fact about his own NASCAR experience:

“I had an opportunity, for my 60th birthday, I got a three-day schooling at Lowe’s Raceway. So, you know, I know a little bit about it.”

That “schooling” was at what’s now Charlotte Motor Speedway, so Freeman had a head start on the track life before his NASCAR Grand Marshall debut.

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We don’t know if 60-year-old men should be behind the wheel of a NASCAR beast, but we imagine it was the most fun he’s had in awhile!

Morgan Freeman’s presence at the Pennzoil 400 was more than just a celebrity cameo — it was the perfect blend of film and fuel. His deep passion for motorsports brought together into the sport both racing and movie fans.

With all the fast action and Freeman’s star power, the 2025 Pennzoil 400 will be a race to remember — one where NASCAR met Hollywood and both won.

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