Liberty University’s Spirit of the Mountain Marching Band performs national anthem at NASCAR race in Martinsville

Liberty University’s Spirit of the Mountain Marching Band has traveled to football bowl games, but having the honor of playing the national anthem before Sunday’s Xfinity 500, the final Round of 8 NASCAR Cup Series playoff race at Martinsville Speedway, was as unique an opportunity and exciting a privilege as the 250-member band has experienced in recent years.

“I really enjoyed being able to go and play the national anthem for the different fans and drivers,” said Daniel Williams, vice president of the Spirit of the Mountain and a third-year drumline member studying in the School of Business. “It was super cool to be on national television and to broadcast Liberty and our wonderful band to the rest of the world. It was cool how big the crowd was, both here in person and also on TV.”

Spirit of the Mountain Administrator McKayla Hill said the idea for the marching band to play on such a grand stage was presented by Liberty Chancellor Jonathan Falwell.

“We immediately said, ‘Yes,’ even though we have a very busy schedule this season, because it’s just kind of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” she said. “Most of our students hadn’t experienced a NASCAR race in their life. Actually performing here was amazing. The atmosphere, the fans, they all really loved us in uniform presenting the national anthem. There were pyrotechnics and a flyover, and it was something we were proud to be a part of.”

It was extra thrilling to be on site to see Liberty-sponsored driver William Byron start on the pole and win Sunday’s race in dramatic fashion — crossing the finish line to take the checkered flag a split second ahead of Ryan Blaney and Hendrick Motorsports teammate Chase Elliott — to clinch his third consecutive trip to NASCAR’s Championship 4 set for next Sunday in Phoenix.

Liberty has served as the primary sponsor for the No. 24 Cup Series car in six races during the 2025 campaign.

“It was a very cool experience to stand on the track and watch all of the drivers walk by,” said Michelle Jurec, a sophomore pursuing an EdS in Special Education and second-year member of the color guard. “It was also really awesome to represent Liberty and to watch William (Byron) win.”

“It was a really great experience, definitely once-in-a-lifetime,” added Anna Letchworth, a junior studying psychology and third-year member of the color guard. “I had a great time representing Liberty. It was great to see everybody’s energy, watching the drivers, and it was awesome to see William Byron win.”

It was also appropriate for the band to be part of the NASCAR race this year considering its Fall 2025 halftime show, “Take to the Skies,” features the “Top Gun” movies’ anthem song along with Test Drive and Danger Zone, songs with racing themes.

Next weekend, the Spirit of the Mountain marching band will perform during the Homecoming Parade starting at 12:30 p.m. Saturday down University Boulevard, and will present its entire pregame and halftime shows at the Flames Football game against CUSA newcomer Delaware starting at 3:30 p.m. at Williams Stadium.

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