WWE Hall of Famer Grand Marshal NASCAR Coke Zero Sugar 400
WWE Legend and Basketball star to Headline Daytona 500 Weekend
A Crossover of Champions
Daytona International Speedway is set to host a unique pairing of athletic and entertainment icons this weekend, August 22-23, as part of the Coke Zero Sugar 400 festivities.WWE Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio will serve as the grand marshal, while LSU Tigers women’s basketball star and musician Flau’jae johnson will wave the green flag to start the NASCAR Cup Series regular season finale on Saturday.
Rey Mysterio: From the Ring to the raceway
Rey Mysterio, a name synonymous with high-flying wrestling and captivating performances, brings a legacy of athletic prowess to Daytona. Inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, Mysterio’s career spans decades, marked by numerous championships including the WWE Championship, two World Heavyweight Championships, and multiple titles across various divisions. He began his professional wrestling journey at just 14 years old and played a pivotal role in popularizing cruiserweight wrestling in the United States, starting with his work in World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in 1996.
“The coke Zero Sugar 400 at DAYTONA is one of the most thrilling races in motorsports, and I’m honored to be grand marshal,” Mysterio stated. “The energy at the track, the passion of the fans, and the legacy of DAYTONA make this race weekend absolutely electric-standing trackside in the heart of the action is an experiance of a lifetime.”
Flau’jae Johnson: A Multi-Talented force
Flau’jae Johnson embodies the modern athlete, excelling in both basketball and music. A rising star with the LSU Tigers women’s basketball team, Johnson was instrumental in their 2023 national championship run, earning SEC Freshman of the Year honors that same year. Her accolades include being named to the SEC All-Freshman team (2023), Second-team All-SEC (2024), and most recently, First-team All-SEC in 2025. This summer, she represented Team USA at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AmeriCup, securing a gold medal.
Beyond the court, Johnson is a signed musician with Roc Nation, having already released three albums – 4 My Fans, Best of Both Worlds, and Flau & B – and cultivated a dedicated fanbase of over 4 million followers known as “The Lauk.” Her achievements have garnered recognition, including a spot on the 2024 forbes 30 Under 30 list and inclusion on Billboard’s Sports & Music Power Players list.
“Getting to wave the green flag at the Coke Zero Sugar 400 is such an honour,” Johnson said. “I’m hyped to be part of something this legendary and bring my energy to the track.This is going to be a moment to remember!”
Race Weekend Schedule
The Coke Zero Sugar 400 weekend kicks off on Friday, August 22nd, with the Wawa 250 Powered by Coca-Cola for the NASCAR Xfinity Series. Saturday’s main event, the Coke Zero Sugar 400, will be the final race of the regular season for the NASCAR Cup Series, determining the final playoff contenders.
Exclusive pre-race ticket packages are available, offering reserved seating, access to the Hard Rock Bet Fanzone, and pre-race access to a concert featuring Gretchen Wilson.
