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Actor Danny McBride named honorary pace car driver for Coca-Cola 600

JHby:Jonathan Howard•05/20/23•

Jondean25

Danny McBride
(Photo by Ray Tamarra/GC Images)

Next week’s NASCAR Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway is going to be a huge event. Danny McBride is driving the pace car! The comedian, actor, and screenwriter has gone from that one guy in that one movie to becoming an HBO mainstay. Between Eastbound & Down, Vice Principals, and The Righteous Gemstones – McBride has done a lot for the premium TV network.

There are about a hundred quotes and moments from various movies that you can think of when you think of Danny McBride. However, the actor is now going to add to his resume. NASCAR is bringing him in to be the honorary pace car driver.

He’s got the right mindset heading into the big week as well. There will be all kinds of NASCAR names, Hollywood stars, and other celebrities in attendance. So, what made McBride want to hop in the pace car at Charlotte?

“Fast cars and all the Coca-Cola a man can drink? How could I say no,” McBride said, via CMS. “I’m so honored and excited to be a part of the action.”

Sunday’s Coca-Cola 600 won’t just feature Danny McBride. The actor is going to be in a field of honored guests. That includes some past drivers from the Coca-Cola Racing Family.

Drivers Jeff Burton, Dale Jarrett, Bobby Labonte, and Kyle Petty will all make their way to the race. Those drivers along with some executives from Coca-Cola will be the Grand Marshals for the event.

Danny McBride isn’t new to NASCAR

NASCAR fans are no strangers to Danny McBride. The actor had a persona that he put together back in 2017. It was part of a Mtn Dew promo with Dale Earnhardt Jr. In that promo, McBride put together his race car driving persona of Dewey Ryder.

Ryder came in and told Dale Jr. that he was going to replace him as the driver of the No. 88. Of course, a lot of shenanigans and jokes ensued. While Ryder didn’t get his chance at NASCAR history, McBride will get to at least drive the pace car next week.

I’m not sure if we’re going to see the return of Dewey Ryder this weekend, but I’m sure that Dale Jr. is happy he doesn’t have to compete with him anymore.

Danny McBride is coming to NASCAR and he’s actually going to drive a car this time. It won’t be a race car, but hey, it is more than most of us get to do in our lifetimes.