Fireworks weren’t the only thing lighting up this Fourth of July. Ahead of the 2025 Grant Park 165 in Chicago, several NASCAR Cup Series drivers stepped away from the track to mark the holiday in their own way. From bold messages and patriotic moments to special projects off the pavement, each gesture carried meaning. Some were lighthearted, others deeply personal. One driver even turned the day into something more lasting—and all just before a critical race weekend begins.
Key Highlights
Kyle Busch and Samantha Busch sang the national anthem “loud n proud” with their family.
Daniel Suárez delivered a bilingual Fourth of July greeting with a wink to Chicago.
Brad Keselowski honored the holiday through his Checkered Flag Foundation’s mission for veterans.
Hailie Deegan connected with fans via a one-day patriotic merchandise sale.
Standings before Chicago show Byron leading, Elliott close behind, and a tight playoff bubble forming.
Loud, Proud, and Patriotic—Drivers Celebrate Independence Day
As fireworks lit up the skies across the country, NASCAR’s biggest names took to social media to wish fans a happy Fourth of July. For many, the holiday was about more than just burgers and sparklers—it was a moment to connect with fans, family, and the values that NASCAR proudly represents.
Kyle Busch and his wife Samantha captured the energy of the day with a short but powerful message on Instagram:
“We sing the national anthem loud n proud in this family!! Happy 4th of July everyone.” – Kyle Busch and his wife
Daniel Suárez added a bilingual touch to his post, reflecting his Mexican-American fanbase and international reach:
“Happy 4th July to all my amigos out there!!! 🇺🇸 See you in Chicago! 😉🚀
Feliz 4 de Julio a todos mis amigos!!! 🇺🇸 Nos vemos en Chicago! 😉🚀” – Daniel Suárez
NASCAR Hall of Famer Richard Petty kept things simple with a quick “Happy July 4th!” while Kenny Wallace offered a more humorous take:
“This is a record for fireworks going off on July 4th 😁💯🕺🇺🇸” – Kenny Wallace
Meanwhile, Hailie Deegan turned the day into a brand opportunity:
“Happy 4th 🇺🇸 and to celebrate this Independence Day, I’m giving you guys 20% [off] my entire @shophailiedeegan store today only!! Promo code ‘HAPPY4TH’.” – Hailie Deegan
The official NASCAR Instagram joined in, posting:
“Time for family, fireworks and fast cars. Happy Fourth of July from your friends at NASCAR.” – NASCAR
Whether they were spending the day with family, marketing merch, or just soaking in the holiday vibes, the drivers made sure their fans knew they were right there celebrating with them.
Brad Keselowski’s Red, White & Blue Mission
While others posted photos and fun messages, Brad Keselowski made his statement through action. The 2012 Cup Series champion and current RFK Racing co-owner used his foundation to mark the day with purpose.
The Checkered Flag Foundation—founded by Keselowski—exists to “honor and support those who have sacrificed for our country.” On his Instagram story, Brad posted a patriotic message:
“Happy 4th of July” paired with a nod to the foundation’s ongoing commitment to veterans and first responders.
Keselowski’s combination of racing excellence and civic duty has been a cornerstone of his public identity, and this year’s Fourth of July was no different. The message? For Brad, honoring America isn’t just for one day—it’s part of the job.
Standings Snapshot—Where the Stars Line Up Before Chicago
As fireworks fade and the smell of barbecue gives way to the roar of engines, the focus now shifts to the streets of Chicago. The Cup Series standings heading into the Grant Park 165 set the stage for one of the season’s most unpredictable races.
Top Contenders:
William Byron leads the charge with elite consistency and a Daytona 500 win.
Kyle Larson remains a fierce competitor with multiple victories already under his belt.
Denny Hamlin and Christopher Bell each have three wins, keeping Joe Gibbs Racing in the spotlight.
Chase Elliott, despite not winning yet in 2025, sits comfortably in the top five due to relentless top-10 finishes.
Bubble Watch:
Austin Cindric’s Talladega win gives him security—for now.
Alex Bowman, Chris Buescher, and Kyle Busch are in a tight fight to stay playoff-eligible.
Bubba Wallace, Chase Briscoe, and Ryan Preece must step up to solidify their places.
As always, one unexpected win can shake up the entire playoff picture—and that makes Chicago even more important.
Chicago Beckons—A New Kind of Fireworks
The Grant Park 165 isn’t just another race—it’s a wild card. A downtown street course with tight corners and unforgiving barriers, it demands surgical precision and nerves of steel.
Street course specialist Shane van Gisbergen will return as a potential spoiler. His 2025 win in Mexico City reminded everyone of his threat level on non-ovals. Add in Tyler Reddick and AJ Allmendinger, and you’ve got a trio of road warriors ready to make life difficult for points leaders.
Drivers like Chase Elliott and Christopher Bell will also be ones to watch. If Elliott can finally break through for a win, especially on a track that rewards finesse, it could ignite a championship run in the back half of the season.
What These Messages Reveal About the Drivers
Beyond the cockpit and the fire suits, NASCAR drivers remain deeply connected to the culture and values of their fanbase. Some are goofballs (looking at you, Kenny Wallace), others are straight-shooters (like Richard Petty), and a few, like Keselowski, take every opportunity to make a meaningful impact.
The Fourth of July posts—whether heartfelt, humorous, or commercial—highlight the unique personalities that make up today’s garage. In a time when fan engagement matters more than ever, these gestures do more than trend online—they build trust and deepen loyalty.
News in Brief: How NASCAR’s Top Drivers Marked the Fourth of July
The Fourth of July offered a brief moment to breathe, reflect, and celebrate—before the chaos of the Chicago Street Course takes over. As drivers shared their messages of pride and patriotism, they also reminded fans why NASCAR remains uniquely American at its core.
Now, it’s back to business. With the playoffs looming and one of the most technical races of the year ahead, the fireworks aren’t over. They’re just getting started—this time, on the streets of the Windy City.
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