FONTANA, Calif. — Auto Club Speedway will have a gold-medal flare for the final race on its 2-mile oval. Today, the track named three-time Olympic gold medalist and California native Misty May-Treanor the honorary starter for the Pala Casino 400 on Sunday, Feb. 26.
The beach volleyball champion will wave the green flag ahead of the highly-anticipated NASCAR Cup Series follow-up to the DAYTONA 500.
“We’re thrilled to have Misty as our honorary starter at Auto Club,” said Dave Allen, President of Auto Club Speedway. “She’s an incredible athlete and a sporting legend of the highest degree – the perfect fit for this historic last race on the 2-mile oval.”
Throughout her career, May-Treanor amassed more than 100 championships and competed in four Olympic games, her first in Sydney in 2000; however, it wasn’t until the 2004 Athens games she won her first Olympic gold alongside teammate Kerri Walsh-Jennings. From there, the pair went on to win another gold medal in the 2008 games and again in 2012, becoming the most successful duo in the history of women’s beach volleyball with 112 consecutive wins – a record that still stands today.
In addition to being a decorated Olympian, May-Treanor also holds the title of NASCAR Co-Grand Marshal. She, alongside other sporting legends gave the command before the inaugural Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum in 2022. Now, she’s back at another NASCAR event, adding a new accomplishment to her impressive resume – honorary starter for the Pala Casino 400.
“I’m honored to be part of the final race on Auto Club Speedway’s 2-mile oval,” said May-Treanor. “I can’t wait to feel the adrenaline in the air that always accompanies NASCAR racing.”
The NASCAR weekend at Auto Club Speedway marks the historic continuation of NASCAR’s 75thanniversary. The action begins on Saturday, Feb. 25 with the NASCAR Xfinity Series’ Production Alliance Group 300, then continues on Sunday with the NASCAR Cup Series’ Pala Casino 400.
Tickets for the final NASCAR Cup Series weekend on Auto Club Speedway’s 2-mile oval are on sale now. Fans are encouraged to visit www.autoclubspeedway.com for the latest ticket information.
Source: NASCAR