Daytona International Speedway announced today that three-time Olympic Gold Medalist swimmer Bobby Finke has been named the honorary starter for the NASCAR Cup Series Coke Zero Sugar 400. Joining Finke in his dignitary duties is Olympic Track and Field and Cross-Country athlete Parker Valby, named an honorary event official, as well as golf influencer Paige Spiranac, who will also serve as an honorary event official and pace car rider.
“After a summer where sports captured the world‘s attention, we‘re honored to welcome U.S. Olympic Gold Medalist Bobby Finke and Olympic athlete Parker Valby to the World Center of Racing,” said Frank Kelleher, President of Daytona International Speedway. “The Florida natives put on a spectacular performance on the world‘s biggest stage, and we‘re honored to have them with us at one of the biggest venues in our sport.
“We‘re also thrilled to have Paige Spiranac, a mogul in the sports influencer industry, as an honorary event official and pace car rider. She has an undeniable energy that continually captures the attention of the golf community, and with our friends at LPGA just up the road from here, I‘m sure our fans are just as eager to welcome her to the Coke Zero Sugar 400 as we are.”
Bobby Finke was raised in Tampa, Fla. and attended the University of Florida where he swam for four years during his college tenure. He was a four-time All American at UF and was named SEC first team in 2019 and 2020 along with being an SEC Champion with the Gators in those two years, respectively. Finke, a Coca-Cola athlete, won two gold medals in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in the 800m freestyle and 1500m freestyle. Most recently, during the 2024 Paris Olympics, Finke continued his dominance becoming the only U.S. male swimmer to win an individual Gold medal in the 1500m freestyle, shattering the previous world record.
Parker Valby also attended the University of Florida where she was a 6-time NCAA Individual Champion and 6-time SEC Champion across multiple events including the 3000m, 5000m and 10,000m. Valby, who also grew up in Tampa, Fla., originally began her sports career as a competitive swimmer before making the switch to cross-country. She made her Olympic debut this summer in Paris against a competitive roster of athletes.
Paige Spiranac will join Finke and Valby as a dignitary for the Coke Zero Sugar 400. Spiranac is a renowned social media personality and influencer, model, golf instructor, and former professional golfer, recognized as the most influential media presence in golf. After playing golf at San Diego State University and briefly pursuing a professional career, Paige has emerged as a leading expert in the golf world and beyond. Through her captivating presence, creative brilliance, and timeless beauty, Spiranac has brought unprecedented attention to golf. She showcases her passion for the game through engaging content, innovative digital media initiatives, and strategic partnerships.
Fans can see all the incredible athletes and personalities alongside their favorite drivers in the upcoming NASCAR race weekend at Daytona International Speedway. The weekend kicks off with the NASCAR Xfinity Series Wawa 250 Powered by Coca Cola on Friday, Aug. 23.
Then, on Saturday, Aug. 24, just after a pre-race show from Lit that‘s guaranteed to rock, Finke, Valby and Spiranac will take to pit road just before the NASCAR Cup Series Coke Zero Sugar 400, where drivers will battle it out for one of the final Playoffs spots in the penultimate race of the 2024 NASCAR regular season.
For more details or to purchase tickets to the Coke Zero Sugar 400 race weekend, please visit www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com. Fans can also purchase an exclusive concert ticket package for the Coke Zero Sugar 400, which a reserved seat, admission to the Hard Rock Bet Fanzone, and premium concert stage front access. Fans can click here to purchase this exclusive ticket package.
— Daytona International Speedway —
