Hollywood icon Brad Pitt has been named grand marshal for the NASCAR Bristol Bass Pro Shops Night Race, set for September 19 at the famed Bristol Motor Speedway. The high‑profile appointment brings together the worlds of cinema and motorsport as the event enters its third round of the Cup Series playoffs, promising a blend of speed, spectacle and community tribute.
Pitt’s connection to the region runs deep; he grew up in Springfield, Missouri, the same hometown where Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris launched his outdoor retail empire in 1972. The two Missouri natives will share the spotlight, underscoring a partnership that bridges entertainment, conservation and the state’s proud heritage.
A Shared Missouri Heritage
The race itself will take place on the 0.533‑mile concrete oval that has become a hallmark of Bristol’s intense competition, with green‑flag action scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. Central Time. As the third of ten playoff contests, the night event carries added stakes for drivers vying for the championship lead.
Beyond the roar of engines, the evening is designed to honor veterans, first responders and other community heroes, themes that echo the survival and honor explored in Pitt’s latest film ‘Heart of the Beast.’ His earlier role in ‘A River Runs Through It’ also highlighted fly‑fishing and environmental stewardship, reinforcing the event’s focus on conservation.
Pitt’s participation not only adds star power but also reinforces the race’s mission to celebrate courage, loyalty and the shared values of Missouri’s outdoor tradition, making the night race a unique convergence of sport, cinema and community service.