Slayer’s Tom Araya to Serve as Grand Marshal at NASCAR’s Würth 400
Tom Araya, lead vocalist and bassist of Slayer, will take on an unexpected role on May 3, 2026: Grand Marshal of the Würth 400 presented by Liqui Moly, a NASCAR Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, Texas. Araya will give the iconic command for drivers to start their engines as the speedway marks its 30th anniversary season.
The musician kept it short: “Slayer, NASCAR — reign in speed!”. Araya has fronted Slayer for more than four decades since the band’s formation in 1980, building one of heavy metal’s most uncompromising legacies. The group has sold over 20 million albums worldwide, released 11 studio records and earned two Grammy Awards. Reign in Blood remains a benchmark of the genre and cemented Slayer’s place in the “Big Four” of thrash metal alongside Metallica, Megadeth and Anthrax.
Joining Araya in a ceremonial role is Dallas Mavericks star Cooper Flagg, the 2026 NBA Rookie of the Year, who will serve as Honorary Pace Car Driver — leading the NASCAR Cup Series field to the green flag in a 2026 Chevrolet Corvette.
The race is set for May 3 at 2:30 p.m. CT, broadcast on FS1 with radio coverage on PRN and SiriusXM.
