Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth Named Coca-Cola 600 Grand Marshal at Charlotte

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, a decorated Army National Guard veteran with deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Guantanamo Bay, has been named grand marshal for NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600 race at Charlotte Motor Speedway during Memorial Day weekend. Hegseth will join military representatives from the U.S. Army, Navy, and Marine Corps to fire the engines and deliver the State of Freedom address, continuing NASCAR's tradition of honoring the military during this patriotic event. His appointment follows last year’s appearance by then-President Donald Trump, reinforcing the sport’s connection to the military and its patriotic spirit. While many view Hegseth’s role as a fitting tribute to service members, some liberal NASCAR fans expressed criticism on social media, opposing the involvement of a Trump administration official. Hegseth has expressed pride in participating in the event, highlighting its significance as a tribute to those who serve and sacrifice for American freedoms. Tickets remain available for the race, which is NASCAR’s longest and considered its toughest test of man and machine.