Cassie Donegan, who was crowned Miss America 2026, will take the stage at Daytona International Speedway this Saturday to deliver the national anthem before the Coke Zero Sugar 400, the season‑ending NASCAR Cup Series race.
The performance comes just months after she sang the anthem at the Daytona Duels in February, a showing that has already endeared her to the sport’s fan base.
A Night of Tradition and Speed
The race itself is more than a competition; it is the culmination of a year‑long battle on the 2.5‑mile high‑banked track, with a full house of spectators expected to fill the grandstands under the night lights.
Frank Kelleher, President of Daytona International Speedway, said the return of Donegan is a highlight of the year’s biggest night, underscoring the growing partnership between the speedway and the Miss America organization.
The collaboration, first announced in September 2025, ties the pageant’s cultural brand to NASCAR’s premier event, blending pageantry with high‑octane racing in a way that resonates with a diverse audience.
Fans can expect a seamless transition from the anthem’s soaring notes to the roar of engines, a moment that reflects the intersection of tradition and sport that defines modern American entertainment.