Legendary actor and comedian Bill Murray delivered the most famous words in motorsports at World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison, Illinois, on Sunday. “Drivers, start your engines,” he shouted, rendering his duty as the Grand Marshal for the Enjoy Illinois 300.
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Murray handled his ceremonial duties, gave the iconic command, and also took the Midway Stage at 2 p.m. on race day with his blues-rock group, Bill Murray & His Blood Brothers. The Confluence Music Festival added to the spectacle at the race track.
Country stars Jon Pardi, Ella Langley, and former St. Louis Cardinals pitcher-turned-musician Adam Wainwright performed at the venue. Needless to say, Grand Marshal Murray was the central figure in all of it. However, it appears Noah Gragson had no clue who the Hollywood icon was, prompting Bubba Wallace to poke fun at the Front Row Motorsports driver on X.
But when Wallace realized Gragson didn’t recognize Murray, the No. 23 driver posted on X, “A lot of y’all love @NoahGragson, but homeboy had no idea who Bill F&$$k’n Murray was as he shook his hand… unacceptable.”
Fans were left in disbelief that Gragson was unaware of such a big household name. “This isn’t just some actor brought in for the network to plug a new show/movie; this is a comedy/film/TV icon. Like, how does someone not know who Bill Murray is?” Wrote a fan.
Another chimed in, “Haha, welcome to the world of oldies!” while a third wondered aloud, “Noah has never watched Ghostbusters or Caddy Shack?” A fan cut deep, saying, “I could see it if he was 19 or something, but at 27, there are certain people you should just know.“
A lot of yall love @NoahGragson, but homeboy had no idea who Bill F&$$k’n Murray was as he shook his hand… unacceptable
— Bubba Wallace (@BubbaWallace) September 7, 2025
Murray not only greeted the NASCAR field but shook hands with every driver, including Gragson. He even drew laughs from the NASCAR drivers with a tongue-in-cheek reference to America’s political climate and the growing speculation that President Donald Trump could send National Guard troops to Chicago.
And with Gragson blanking on Murray’s identity before their handshake in the meeting room, Wallace wasted no time calling him out online. By now, even Murray himself may have caught wind that Gragson didn’t know who he was.
Wallace will continue his playoff run from fourth in the standings with a 50-point cushion. Gragson had missed the postseason cut.
