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Bill Murray’s a Chicago legend, as much a part of the city’s soul as deep-dish pizza and Wrigley Field. The Ghostbusters and Groundhog Day star carries the Windy City’s sports passion in his bones, cheering hard for the Cubs and soaking up the electric vibe of his hometown. That love for competition connected him to NASCAR during the 2023 Chicago Street Race, the Cup Series’ first-ever dive into downtown street racing.
Murray didn’t have a formal role, but his Chicago sports cred added a local spark to the event, tying Hollywood flair to the roar of stock cars weaving through Grant Park. Fast-forward to September 7 and Murray’s back in the NASCAR spotlight, this time as the Grand Marshal for the Enjoy Illinois 300 at World Wide Technology Raceway, just across the river from St. Louis.
As Grand Marshal, Murray brought his signature charm, belting out the iconic “Drivers, start your engines!” to kick off the playoff race. But the real buzz came on pit road before the green flag, where he was spotted chatting with Denny Hamlin, the Joe Gibbs Racing star who’d just snagged his second straight playoff pole.
Murray, all smiles, apologized to Hamlin for skipping his annual golf tournament, a heartfelt moment that showed the bond between the comedy icon and the racing veteran. It’s the kind of personal touch that makes NASCAR more than just a sport; it’s a community where even Hollywood royalty and playoff contenders can share a laugh.
— Skid (@WhoisSkid) September 7, 2025
As the 2025 playoffs charge through Gateway, Murray’s pit-road moment with Hamlin stole the show, blending star power with the raw intensity of a playoff race.
The post Bill Murray Caught Apologizing to Denny Hamlin on Pit Road for Rejecting Lucrative Offer appeared first on EssentiallySports.
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