SLAYER vocalist Tom Araya is trading the stage for the racetrack — he has been named Grand Marshal for the Wuerth 400 NASCAR race on May 3 at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth. Araya will deliver the iconic command for drivers to start their engines at the 2:30 p.m. CT event, broadcast on FS1.
The frontman expressed genuine enthusiasm: "Excited to be the Grand Marshal for the Wuerth 400. SLAYER, NASCAR reign in speed!" The statement perfectly encapsulates Araya's personality — metal and speed have always gone hand in hand, and few bands embody that spirit more than SLAYER.
Araya has helmed SLAYER since the band's formation in Huntington Park, California in 1981. Over four-plus decades, SLAYER became one of the most influential forces in heavy metal, selling over 20 million albums worldwide, earning two Grammy Awards, and accumulating a catalog of 11 studio albums loaded with multi-platinum and gold certifications.
After their farewell tour concluded, SLAYER have made select live appearances in 2026, including an upcoming performance at the inaugural Sick New World Texas festival at the very same Texas Motor Speedway in October. The band is also marking the 40th anniversary of a landmark album with special shows in Minnesota and California.
The Wuerth 400 also features 2026 NBA Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg as Honorary Pace Car Driver and 101-year-old Iwo Jima veteran Don Graves singing the national anthem.