NASCAR driver shocked by fanfare at NYC-based Fanatics Fest
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some NASCAR’s biggest star He was one of the famous celebrities at Fanatics Fest on Friday in New York.
The Big Apple is not a breeding ground for auto racing. Especially when most of the loudest crowds jumped out for Derek Jeter. Eli Manning Other New York legends throughout the weekend.
However, three of the sport’s biggest stars were surprised by the reactions they received from some of the fans present.
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From left: William Byron, Denny Hamillin and Kyle Larson. (Getty Images)
“To be honest, I really didn’t know what I was coming to, so it’s pretty cool to have me recognize here,” Kyle Larson told Fox News Digital at the event.
NASCAR Cup leader William Byron added that he was “surprised” by all the love he gained at the Javits Center in Manhattan.
“I’m surprised. Man. There were quite a few 24 fans in the crowd. It’s pretty cool. We’re heading down the road at Pocono this weekend. We’re looking forward to it.
William Byron will celebrate in the victory lane after winning the NASCAR Daytona 500 Auto Race at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida on Sunday, February 16th, 2025. (AP Photo/John Rouse)
Denny Hamlin is competing in a fan game where fans are playing professional athletes, including Tom Brady, to win $1 million. His crowd may be a little different considering he plays against Brady, Rob Gronkowski and other stars.
But at least, he doesn’t take it for granted that he is recognized throughout the event.
“It was overwhelming. It’s great to see all the different booths, just bringing together other sports, and then there’s the opportunity to size yourself up with other athletes,” Hamlin said. “There’s no big presence in this area, but you still see a lot of NASCAR racing shirts. Once you receive an autograph request, you’ll recognize you in this area too.”
Other celebrities attended Friday include Caleb Williams, Blythe Young, CJ Stroud, Logan Paul, Michael Strahan, Travis Scott and Livivy Dunn.
Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin on the left, and Travis Scott on the left, attended the Fanatics Fest NYC 2025, held at Javits Center on June 20, 2025 in New York City. (John Nation/Getty Images for Francs)
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LeBron JamesVictor Wenbagnana and many others went round for the rest of the weekend.
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