The fashion industry legend will give the command before riders tackle the road course at Daytona International Speedway


DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (March 4, 2024) – Daytona International Speedway announced today that supermodel and actor Tyson Beckford will serve as Grand Marshal ahead of the action-packed, high-speed DAYTONA 200 on Saturday, March 9.
Beckford will say some of the most famous words in motorsports, signaling for riders to fire up their engines as they prepare to battle it out on the vicious road course at The World Center of Racing.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome Tyson for one of our fastest and most electrifying events of Bike Week Presented by Monster Energy,” said Daytona International Speedway President Frank Kelleher. “I know his extensive experience and expertise in commanding a room is sure to come in handy when giving the call to fire up those motorcycle engines before the DAYTONA 200.”

Tyson Beckford’s impressive career began after being discovered in Washington Square Park in the early 90s. Shortly after, Beckford made waves as the front model for the esteemed Ralph Lauren brand in their Polo line of male sportswear. From then on, he became one of the most recognizable faces in the fashion industry.

Beckford was named “Man of the Year” in 1995 by the popular cable television music channel VH1 and was recognized as one of People magazine’s “50 Most Beautiful People in the World” that same year.

"Daytona International Speedway is the holy land of racing and those who race there are the Gods and Goddesses of their machines,” said Beckford. “I'm looking forward to getting to this iconic racetrack and watching them perform and being part of the MotoAmerica festivities."

Beckford has appeared in music videos for artists such as Britney Spears, Mariah Carey, Ludacris and The Notorious B.I.G. He’s walked the runway for several designer collections during New York, Milan and Paris fashion weeks throughout his career, and recently modeled for Beyonce’s IVY PARK clothing line.

In addition to his long list of personal and professional achievements, Tyson Beckford can now add Grand Marshal for the MotoAmerica DAYTONA 200 at the World Cetner of Racing to his resume.

“I know Tyson is a motorcyclist and MotoAmerica fan and he also enjoys doing track days," said MotoAmerica President Wayne Rainey. "I think it's pretty cool to have a Grand Marshall for the Daytona 200 who is a motorsports fan, and a motorcycle rider as well. All of us at MotoAmerica thank Tyson for attending our races at the speedway this year and we're sure he will enjoy it."

The DAYTONA 200 takes place on Saturday, March 9, during the final weekend of Bike Week Presented by Monster Energy. Beckford will say some of the most famous words in motorsports just before the race kicks off at 1:00 p.m. ET.