DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Surprises minutes before the start of a race typically aren’t welcome for NASCAR Executive Vice President and Chief Racing Development Officer Steve O’Donnell. Friday night at Daytona International Speedway was a welcome exception.
O’Donnell got to embrace the role of “dad” as the NASCAR Xfinity Series race neared the green flag, thanks to the addition of a surprise national anthem singer — his daughter Shannon Rose O’Donnell, a talented musician.
You can see O’Donnell’s demeanor in the press box change immediately as the track public announcer calls out her name.
https://twitter.com/NASCAR_Xfinity/status/1015389117885054980
Shannon O’Donnell then delivered a stirring anthem rendition on Independence Day weekend, drawing praise on the grid and on social media.
Steve O’Donnell’s Twitter followers are familiar with her talents, given that her dad can’t help but brag on her.
Shannon O’Donnell, who recently graduated high school, will attend Belmont University this fall.
https://twitter.com/odsteve/status/1015380771090128909
https://twitter.com/odsteve/status/1015381573825425408
https://twitter.com/ChipWile/status/1015382203382018048
https://twitter.com/ClintBowyer/status/1015379803170639872
https://twitter.com/NASCAR_Xfinity/status/1015389592525123586
The moment no doubt was made all the more special with Steve O’Donnell’s “son-in-law” Noah Gragson chiming in as well.
https://twitter.com/NoahGragson/status/1015378437337427968