Jason Priestley is swapping the soundstage for the speedway. Las Vegas Motor Speedway has named the actor grand marshal for the Focused Health 302 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Chase Race on Saturday, October 3, where he’ll join fans for pre-race festivities before giving the command to start engines ahead of the 4:30 p.m. green flag.
The announcement comes from Las Vegas Motor Speedway, which confirmed Priestley will take part in Saturday’s festivities at the track before sending drivers off. The Focused Health 302 is part of the NASCAR playoff push, and it sets the stage for the South Point 400, a NASCAR Cup Series race that follows the next day, Sunday, October 4, at the same speedway, according to the track. Tickets for both the Focused Health 302 and the South Point 400 are available at LVMS.com.
For most people, Priestley is still Brandon Walsh, the earnest heartthrob who anchored Beverly Hills, 90210 for a decade — a role that landed him two Golden Globe nominations, FOX5 Las Vegas reports. He didn’t just act in the show, either — Priestley directed 15 episodes and worked as an executive producer through the series’ conclusion in 2000, per the same speedway announcement.
A Racing Résumé Beyond Hollywood
What makes Priestley an unusual choice for grand marshal isn’t his TV fame — it’s that he’s actually raced. He competed in the SCCA Pro Rally Series before transitioning to circuit racing, including a stint in IMSA GTS competition, the speedway noted. He’s also lent his voice to open-wheel racing, providing commentary and driver interviews for ABC’s IndyCar telecasts and holding an ownership stake in IndyCar racing through the FAZZT Race Team.
Speedway senior vice president and general manager Patrick Lindsey praised that dual background in announcing the pick. “His passion for motorsports and his incredible career in television and film make him a natural fit,” Lindsey said, according to the track’s statement, adding that Priestley is well suited to help kick off the Focused Health 302.
Priestley Calls the Honor 'Real'
Priestley himself sounded genuinely pleased about the invitation. “Being asked to serve as Grand Marshal for the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway is a real honor,” he said, per the speedway’s release.
His entertainment career hasn’t slowed down since his 90210 days, either. FOX5 Las Vegas notes his credits include Wild Cards, Börje, All There Is, and Mort Sur La Piste. He also stars in the CW series Private Eyes West Coast, which is scheduled to premiere Monday, October 5, at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT — just two days after he waves the field off in Las Vegas.
