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Some of Nascar’s biggest stars were among the high profiled celebrities at Fanatics party Friday in New York.
Big Apple is not exactly an Arnested for Auto Racing – especially when most of the highest crowds appeared for Derek Jeter, Eli Manning and other New York legends throughout the weekend.
However, three of the sport’s biggest stars were flabbergasted by the reactions they got from some of the fans present.
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From left to right, William Byron, Denny Hamilin and Kyle Larson. (Getty Images)
“I didn’t really know, honestly what I was coming to. So getting people to recognize me here is pretty cool,” Kyle Larson told Pakinomist Digital at the event.
The Nascar Cup leader William Byron added that he was “surprised” by all the love he got at the Javits Center in Manhattan.
“I’m surprised, man. There were quite a few 24 fans here in the crowd. It’s pretty cool, man. We’re down on the road this weekend at Pocono, looking forward to it, and it’s fun to be out here and see cool people.”
William Byron celebrates in Victory Lane after winning the NASCAR Daytona 500 Auto Race at Daytona International Speedway Sunday 16 February 2025 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
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Denny Hamlin competes in Fanatics Games, where fans go up against pro athletes, including Tom Brady, to win $ 1 million. Maybe his audience is a little different, given that he goes up against Brady, Rob Gronkowski and other stars.
At least, however, he does not take it for granted that he is recognized throughout the event.
“It’s been overwhelming. Just all the different booths that bring other sports together, it’s just amazing to see. And to have the opportunity to size me with other athletes,” Hamlin said. “We don’t have a huge presence in this area, but still you see a lot of nascar -Racing shirts, and when you get autograph requests, it’s like, ok they recognize you, even in this area.”
Other celebrities present on Friday included Caleb Williams, Bryce Young, CJ Stroud, Logan Paul, Michael Strahan, Travis Scott and Livvy Dunne.
Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin, Left, and Travis Scott attend Fanatics party NYC 2025 at Javits Center on June 20, 2025 in New York City. (John Nacion/Getty Images to Fanatics)
LeBron James, Victor Wembanyana and several others made their rounds for the rest of the weekend.
