Harper among stars in attendance for Daytona 500
A collection of past and present MLB players, including newly minted Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr., were on hand Sunday in Florida for one of the most anticipated events on the sports calendar: the 2016 running of the Daytona 500 at the Daytona International Speedway.
Last week, Griffey, who, along with catcher Mike Piazza, was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in January, was named the honorary starter for the "Great American Race," which will see defending champion Joey Logano attempt to become the driver since 1994-95 to win back-to-back races.
Veteran driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. had the fastest lap during the final practice, while pole-sitter and rookie Chase Elliott raced to the fastest 10-lap average this week.
Several athletes and celebrities were in attendance for the big race, among them are MLB star Carlos Gonazlez, NL MVP Bryce Harper, and the WWE's John Cena.
Pre-race family time with @juanpagalavis and @CarGoMedia5 #DAYTONA500 pic.twitter.com/lj5WqRYgsZ
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) February 21, 2016
Im probably gonna get in trouble for this but @Bharper3407 is gonna come check out the race. #DAYTONA500 pic.twitter.com/Cyjsjs2pEB
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) February 21, 2016
.@Mariners #24 great Ken Griffey, Jr. is here at #Daytona500
— XFINITY Racing (@XFINITYRacing) February 21, 2016
An omen for #24 of @chaseelliott? pic.twitter.com/daAYWZQRWa
Driving glasses? @JohnCena getting his driver face on. #DAYTONA500 pic.twitter.com/GXJ2DbRaz5
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) February 21, 2016