Cassie Donegan, crowned Miss America 2026, amplified the excitement at Daytona International Speedway as she expressed her support for Denny Hamlin in this year’s Daytona 500, while also acknowledging her family’s deep admiration for the Jeff Gordon NASCAR legacy. On Thursday, she took center stage by performing the national anthem at the America 250 Florida Duel qualifying, celebrating NASCAR’s hallmark racing weekend.
At just 28, Donegan became a key figure in pre-race activities, channeling both her personal enthusiasm for motorsport and her roots in a family of enthusiastic NASCAR followers. Growing up in a household passionate about Jeff Gordon, a four-time Cup Series champion and NASCAR Hall of Famer, Donegan said her own love for racing was shaped by Gordon’s impact, which extended to millions of fans and set new standards for the sport.
Jeff Gordon and Denny Hamlin share the distinction of earning three Daytona 500 titles each. Yet, with Gordon now retired, Hamlin remains a leading contender, determined to secure another victory at the season’s flagship event. Donegan reflected on her journey to the Daytona stage, sharing that her performance represented a “full circle” moment and highlighted her family’s longstanding relationship with NASCAR, stating that their passion for racing has been passed down over generations.
Denny Hamlin Reflects on a Decade of Change at Daytona 500
As anticipation grew for the 2026 Daytona 500, Denny Hamlin spoke candidly with FOX Sports about how the race has transformed over the past ten years and the lasting prestige associated with “The Great American Race.” Hamlin, a leading Joe Gibbs Racing driver, earned a dramatic win in 2016, marking the closest finish in the history of the Daytona 500.
“The prestige of it. What’s made it special to me is how we won it. Just having the two closest finishes in that race’s history. Also, 10 years ago, when we won it, the racing was so different. You could really make a lot of moves and whatnot. So just the art and the chess of it back then and how you made your moves, and it’s just different now,” Denny Hamlin told Fox Sports.
Looking ahead to this Sunday’s race, Hamlin will start from the 22nd position at Daytona International Speedway, eager to chase his fourth Daytona 500 victory. The much-anticipated race will start at 2:13 pm ET and will be broadcast on FOX, drawing nationwide attention.
The Inspiring Influence of Jeff Gordon on NASCAR’s Current Stars
The story of Cassie Donegan’s allegiance to Jeff Gordon highlights the enduring influence of legendary champions on new generations of drivers and fans. As Donegan supports Denny Hamlin at this year’s headline race, her recognition of the Jeff Gordon NASCAR legacy underlines the sport’s tradition of celebrating its historic figures while embracing its future. With multiple champions, dramatic finishes, and a growing fanbase, events like the Daytona 500 continue to capture the enthusiasm that icons such as Gordon brought to the sport.
This year’s race not only promises intense competition and possible new records but also shows how the passion for racing connects personalities across generations, from pageant winners to Hall of Fame drivers. With significant names like Cassie Donegan, Jeff Gordon, and Denny Hamlin coming together at Daytona, NASCAR’s legacy remains vibrant and influential both on and off the track.
.@MissAmerica Cassie Donegan here at the #Daytona500
The Virginia native says she’s rooting for Denny, but grew up in a “Jeff Gordon household” pic.twitter.com/xEcLzh8lOP
— Alan Cavanna (@AlanCavanna) February 15, 2026
