NASCAR driver Josh Berry recently revealed that he regrets not having pop superstar Taylor Swift sign his high school yearbook. Berry, who is set to make his Daytona 500 debut this Sunday, attended Henderson High in Tennessee a few years after Swift. Reflecting on his missed opportunity, Berry jokingly stated that he would have already sold the yearbook if he had Swift's signature.
Although Berry didn't personally know Swift, he recalled watching her perform in the school talent show and being impressed by her singing skills. He mentioned that talent shows can often be hit or miss, but Swift's performance stood out as 'pretty good.' While some may assume that Berry and Swift were friends, he clarified that this was not the case, although he did have friends who knew her.
In other news related to the Daytona 500, the race track has partnered with Hard Rock Digital to make its Hard Rock Bet app the official sportsbook at the venue. Hard Rock is the only sportsbook legally allowed to operate in Florida, and the fan zone has been renamed 'The Hard Rock Bet Fanzone.' Advertising for the app is prominently displayed throughout the area.
Joining other major sportsbooks like FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, and ESPN Bet, Hard Rock is currently offering various betting options for the Daytona 500. Fans can place bets on winning drivers and race teams, as well as on top drivers from different car manufacturers like Ford, Chevrolet, and Toyota.
Meanwhile, NASCAR continues to explore the potential of electric or hybrid vehicles and alternative fuels like hydrogen. In December, driver David Ragan had the opportunity to test NASCAR's electric prototype at Martinsville Speedway. Ragan described the experience of driving the electric vehicle (EV) as fast but without the noise and fuel consumption typical of traditional race cars. NASCAR is working closely with Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota to evaluate the viability of such alternative fuel options for future races.
Although no specific timeline has been provided for any changes to NASCAR's current Next Gen model, Ragan commended the organization for its forward-thinking approach. He believes that the transition to electric or hybrid vehicles is inevitable and appreciates NASCAR's willingness to learn and adapt.
There have also been recent driver lineup changes leading up to the Daytona 500. J.J. Yeley has been added to the lineup to drive the No. 44 Chevrolet for NY Racing Team. This comes after Greg Biffle announced that he would not be participating in the race due to unfulfilled contract obligations from 2022.
Additionally, Austin Cindric, the winner of the 2022 Daytona 500, is dedicating this year's race to the late open-wheel star Gil de Ferran. Cindric's father has worked for Team Penske, for which de Ferran drove during his successful career. Cindric will honor de Ferran's legacy by wearing a tribute helmet that showcases some of his notable achievements, including his closed-course speed record set at California Speedway in 2000.
As the anticipation builds for the Daytona 500, fans and drivers alike are eager to witness the excitement and competition that the prestigious race will bring. With unexpected storylines and notable tributes, this year's event promises to be a memorable one.
