Brad Pitt will serve as a grand marshal alongside Johnny Morris for the NASCAR BristolBass Pro Shops Night Race on Sept. 19. Morris is the founder of Bass Pro.
The Academy Award-winning actor and producer's new Paramount Pictures film "Heart of the Beast" opens in theaters on Sept. 25. Pitt will take part in Bristol’s pre-race ceremonies
and help give the command to fire engines for the third race of the NASCAR Chase.The appearance also brings together a distinctive Missouri connection. Pitt grew up in Springfield, Missouri − the same city where Morris founded Bass Pro Shops in 1972.
In "Heart of the Beast" Pitt stars as Special Forces officer James
Belmont, who survives a plane crash with his combat dog, Odin, only to find the pair stranded deep in the Alaskan wilderness and forced into a brutal fight for survival.
The film’s themes of courage, loyalty and survival provide a connection, Morris said, to a Bass Pro Shops Night Race weekend that traditionally uses one of NASCAR’s biggest stages to honor members of the United States military, veterans, first responders and community heroes.
“It’s pretty special to welcome our fellow Springfield, Missouri, native to Bristol for the Bass Pro Shops Night Race,” Morris said. “So many people still remember Brad’s role in "A River Runs Through it", a film that helped inspire a deeper appreciation for fly-fishing and the importance of conserving the rivers and wild places that make those experiences possible. This race is one of the most exciting nights in sports, and we’re proud to have Brad join us as we salute conservation and honor the brave veterans, first responders and the men and women who serve our country and communities.”
On the track, the stakes will be intense. The 500-lap Bass Pro Shops Night Race is the third race in NASCAR’s 10-race playoff for the Cup Series championship. Bristol features an 0.533-mile concrete oval with steep high banks and close-quarters racing.
“There’s nothing quite like the Bass Pro Shops Night Race under the lights at Bristol, and having Brad Pitt join us makes an already special night even bigger,” said Jerry Caldwell, president and general manager of Bristol Motor Speedway. “We’re excited to welcome Brad to The Last Great Colosseum where he can experience the unmatched energy of one of NASCAR’s most-storied crown jewel events.”
Bass Pro Shops Night Race begins at 6:30 p.m. CT. Tickets are avaialble BristolMotorSpeedway.com.
Reach Mike Organ at 615-259-8021 or on X @MikeOrganWriter.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Brad Pitt to serve as a grand marshal for the NASCAR Bristol Night Race
