Alabama’s own Clayne Crawford, celebrated for his role as Detective Martin Riggs in the hit FOX series “Lethal Weapon,” was selected to be the Honorary Pace Car driver for the highly anticipated GEICO 500 race at Talladega Superspeedway on Sunday, May 7, 2017. This exciting announcement brought together Hollywood star power and the thrill of NASCAR, highlighting the special connection between celebrity culture and the high-octane world of motorsports, particularly within the context of the 2017 Talladega Program Car activities.
Crawford, an Alabama native hailing from Clay, a town less than 50 miles from the legendary Talladega Superspeedway, brought a local flavor to the event. His participation as the honorary pace car driver for the GEICO 500 not only added to the pre-race excitement but also underscored the deep roots of NASCAR within the Southern United States. For fans attending the race and those following the 2017 Talladega program car events from afar, Crawford’s presence was a notable highlight, blending the worlds of entertainment and racing.
Image alt text: Actor Clayne Crawford, known for “Lethal Weapon”, smiles beside the 2017 Talladega program car, serving as honorary pace car driver for the GEICO 500.
“Lethal Weapon,” which premiered on FOX in September of 2016, quickly garnered popularity, leading to a swift renewal for a second season. The series, a modern reimagining of the classic 1987 film franchise, features Crawford as Riggs alongside Damon Wayans as Roger Murtaugh. Crawford’s character, a former Navy SEAL, relocates to Los Angeles and joins the LAPD to rebuild his life after a personal tragedy. He is partnered with Murtaugh, who is returning to active duty after recovering from a heart attack. Their initial contrasting personalities evolve into a strong bond of friendship and camaraderie.
Beyond “Lethal Weapon,” Crawford has built a respected acting career. He starred in the critically acclaimed series “Rectify,” which earned a Peabody Award in 2014. His performance in “Rectify” also earned him a nomination for Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series, showcasing his range and depth as an actor. He has also held recurring roles in popular television series such as “NCIS: New Orleans,” “Graceland,” and “Jericho,” with “Jericho” being recognized as the AFI’s TV Program of the Year in 2012. His television credits further include appearances in “The Glades,” “Justified,” and FOX’s “24,” demonstrating his consistent presence across diverse and successful shows.
In film, Crawford has appeared in the sci-fi thriller “Spectral,” where he played a member of a special ops team battling supernatural entities. He also took on the lead role in the indie-thriller “Tinker,” which featured his son, Colt. His filmography includes roles in notable movies such as “A Walk To Remember,” “A Love Song For Bobby Long,” “Swimfan,” “The Baytown Outlaws,” and the Sundance Film Festival selection “The Perfect Host” from 2010.
Despite his Hollywood success, Crawford maintains his roots in Alabama, living with his wife and three children on a farm with horses, cattle, and chickens. His family is actively involved in the Seed to Plate movement, promoting school gardens and educating children about food origins and healthy eating. This commitment to community and local values further resonated with his role as the honorary pace car driver at Talladega, an event deeply embedded in Southern culture and community spirit.
For fans eager to experience the excitement of Talladega Superspeedway and events like the 2017 Talladega program car activities, ticket information for future races and events can be found by contacting the Talladega Ticket Office at 855-518-RACE (7223) or visiting www.talladegasuperspeedway.com. Clayne Crawford’s participation as pace car driver added an extra layer of excitement to the 2017 GEICO 500, merging the worlds of entertainment and NASCAR for an unforgettable race weekend.
