With the Daytona 500 set to kick off, NASCAR has recruited a TV star to help get the race started.
Alan Ritchson, the star of the hit show Reacher, will serve as this year’s honorary Daytona 500 pace car driver. Ritchson is excited for the opportunity, and even joked about actually participate in the rest.
“It’s an honor to be named the honorary pace car driver for the Daytona 500,” he said. “I hope the drivers are feeling extra competitive this year because there’s no way I’m ditching after the first lap. My dream has always been to win the Daytona 500. This is my year.”
Ahead of Ritchson’s honorary role in the Daytona 500, here’s a breakdown of Ritchson’s acting career.
MORE: Watch NASCAR’s Daytona 500 race live with Fubo (free trial)
Who is Alan Ritchson?
Alan Ritchson is a famous actor who has appeared in a variety of popular TV shows and movies.
Ritchson has starred in several hit TV shows over the course of his career, but most recently has been the star of Reacher on Amazon Prime Video.
In 2005, Ritchson was cast as Aquaman in the CW show Smallville, as he appeared in four different episodes for the network series. Then, in 2010, Ritchson got his first main role as Thad Castle in the Spike series Blue Mountain State, which was a comedy about a college football team.
Over the years, Ritchson has had guest roles on a variety of TV shows, including 90210, New Girl, and CSI:Miami.
As for movies, Ritchson’s list of appearances includes Fast X, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and The Hunger Games.
How old is Alan Ritchson?
Alan Ritchson is 42 years-old, but he’s been an actor for around 20 years now. The veteran actor has had major parts of TV shows since 2005.
What is a NASCAR pace car?
The pace lap is the first lap before a race that allows the drivers to warm up for the actual race. During big events, an honorary guest typically leads the pace lap, similar to a first pitch in baseball or a puck drop in hockey.
Last year, Miss America Madison Marsh led the pace lap before the race.
