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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Michelle R. Martinelli

Matthew McConaughey delivered NASCAR’s ‘start your engines’ command like only he could

Matthew McConaughey served as the Grand Marshal for the NASCAR Cup Series first ever race at Circuit of The Americas on Sunday, and it was a perfectly quintessential Matthew McConaughey moment.

Sunday’s EchoPark Automotive Texas Grand Prix is a big race for the sport at COTA, the Austin road course which is known for hosting Formula 1’s United States Grand Prix. So it was fitting that the actor, Texas native and diehard Longhorns fan gave the command for drivers to start their engines — even if he did it virtually.

Of course, McConaughey opened with his catchphrase, “Alright, alright, alright,” before reciting a few poetic lines about NASCAR taking on the 3.41-mile long course, 20-turn course.

The Oscar-winning actor said:

“Alright, alright, alright. Yes, sir, yes, ma’am, this you already know: That’s three green lights — one, two, three in a row. You know, you’re ready, you know you want to go. Good thing the rubber is already on the road. Drivers, start your engines!”

This artistic command was actually the second time McConaughey’s been a Grand Marshal for NASCAR. He also gave the command at the 2005 Daytona 500.

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