Kenan Thompson, ‘SNL’ star gives command at NASCAR race in Atlanta

During his time there, he visited race fans, attended the pre-race driver’s meeting and gave the driver’s command as part of his grand marshal duties.

HAMPTON, GA - FEBRUARY 25: American actor and comedian Kenan Thompson gives the command to start engines prior to the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway on February 25, 2018 in Hampton, Georgia. (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk/Getty Images)
Kenan Thompson
HAMPTON, GA – FEBRUARY 25: American actor and comedian Kenan Thompson gives the command to start engines prior to the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway on February 25, 2018 in Hampton, Georgia. (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk/Getty Images)

If you can remember, some time ago, I went to Cipriani’s in New York City to cover Cristian Rivera Foundation Celebrity Fundraising Gala where Kenan Thompson attended. That night, about three other women in the media and myself had the opportunity to do a group interview with the comedian. Now, he’s working with NASCAR. Over the weekend, Thompson returned to the Peach State—his hometown—to serve as the grand marshal for the Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at the Atlanta Motor Speedway.

HAMPTON, GA – FEBRUARY 25: American actor and comedian Kenan Thompson gives the command to start engines prior to the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway on February 25, 2018 in Hampton, Georgia. (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk/Getty Images)

During his time there, he visited race fans, attended the pre-race driver’s meeting and gave the driver’s command as part of his grand marshal duties. In a statement ahead of the event, he referred to the position as “a great honour.”

Thompson is the longest-running cast member of ‘Saturday Night Live’, as he returned for the 15th season. Check out an interview with a local television station during the NASCAR event below.


Written by Richardine Bartee

Her unprejudiced love for people, the arts, and business have taken her this far. Join Richardine on her journey as she writes history into existence, one article at a time. Richardine is a member of the Recording Academy/GRAMMYs, and a GRAMMY U Mentor. She is the North American Press Agent and US Business Manager for Oxlade; Follow her on Instagram and Twitter.

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