Sonny Dykes, family give engine command to kick off NASCAR Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway

With the NASCAR Cup Series in The Lone Star State on Sunday, TCU head football coach Sonny Dykes decided to pay a visit to Texas Motor Speedway to take in all the action.

Dykes and his family delivered the most famous words in motorsports ahead of the AutoTrader EchoPark Automotive 400.

“It’s an honor to represent TCU as the Grand Marshal for the Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 400,” Dykes said earlier this week. “I’m a NASCAR fan and this great opportunity is made even more special by it taking place at Texas Motor Speedway. TMS is such a historic venue and important part of the Fort Worth community. My family and I are very much looking forward to the race and the excitement that always comes with attending a NASCAR event.”

Dykes, who previously had tenures as head coach at Louisiana Tech (2010-12), Cal (2013-16) and SMU (2017-21), has been at the helm of the Horned Frogs for two seasons. He led TCU to a 13-2 record in 2022 and a College Football Playoff National Championship Game appearance. TCU followed up that successful season with a 5-7 campaign in 2023.

“Coach Dykes is a NASCAR fan and that will make it even more special to provide an extraordinary experience for him and his family at Texas Motor Speedway for the Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 400,” Texas Motor Speedway Executive Vice President and General Manager Mark Faber said. “The Dykes name is renowned in Texas football, and Sonny continues to add to that legacy, especially with his recent accomplishments in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex.”