DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — Miranda Lambert delivered a high-energy pre-race concert Sunday ahead of the 68th running of the Daytona 500, performing for a crowd of more than 100,000 fans at Daytona International Speedway.

The three-time Grammy Award winner took the stage before the green flag, setting the tone for NASCAR’s most prestigious event with a performance that blended country hits and fan favorites.

Country Music Star Miranda Lambert Performs Live Ahead of the 2026 Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News

Star Power on NASCAR’s Biggest Stage

Speedway President Frank Kelleher said Lambert’s presence elevated the atmosphere surrounding the race.

“To have this level of talent with an artist such as Miranda Lambert performing our pre-race concert adds an incredible amount of energy for the 68th running of the DAYTONA 500,” Kelleher said.

The pre-race concert has become a signature part of the Daytona 500 experience, drawing major national recording artists each year.

Country Music Star Miranda Lambert Performs Live Ahead of the 2026 Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News

Continuing a Tradition of Big-Name Performers

Lambert joins a lineup of recent headliners who have performed at the annual event, including Pitbull in 2024, Dierks Bentley in 2023 and Florida Georgia Line in 2016.

The performances add entertainment value to a race weekend already known for its pageantry, celebrity appearances and patriotic tributes.

Country Music Star Miranda Lambert Performs Live Ahead of the 2026 Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Photo by J Willie David, III / Florida National News

A Crowd of More Than 100,000

With grandstands packed and the infield buzzing, Lambert’s concert energized fans before drivers took to the 2.5-mile superspeedway for “The Great American Race.”

The Daytona 500 remains NASCAR’s premier event, combining elite competition with large-scale entertainment — and Lambert’s performance underscored the spectacle that defines race day in Daytona Beach.

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN ARTS & CULTURE) – Orlando Community Arts, Inc. proudly presents “Clare and the Chocolate Nutcracker,” an original adaptation of the classic Nutcracker story written by Beverly Page, published author and executive producer. This vibrant holiday production brings the magic of the season to life while celebrating the cultural diversity that defines Central Florida.

Audiences are invited to join Clare on a magical journey through her enchanting dream, traveling alongside the Chocolate Nutcracker and the Sugar Plum Fairy around the world — from Africa and Asia to the Caribbean, India, and beyond — before reaching the dazzling Kingdom of Toys.

Described as soulful, bold, colorful, exciting, lively, and delightful, “Clare and the Chocolate Nutcracker” offers an unforgettable holiday experience for the entire family — filled with music, dance, and cultural storytelling that capture the heart of the season.

About Steglich Ross and Associates

Steglich Ross and Associates, based in Apopka, Florida, are premier experts in crafting and executing large-scale events that elevate brands and inspire audiences. The firm specializes in festival planning, marketing strategy, brand development, and creative web design, offering personalized solutions that help clients connect with their communities in meaningful ways.