Legendary driver Darrell Waltrip, a member of the NASCAR Hall of Fame, has been named Grand Marshal of the Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series weekend at Sonoma Raceway, June 21-23. The event marks the series 25th annual event in Sonoma. Waltrip will be honored on Friday, June 21, of race weekend at the Childrens Champions Grand Marshals Banquet at beautiful Cline Cellars in Sonoma. The gala is a fundraiser for the Sonoma Chapter of Speedway Childrens Charities. He will also take part in pre-race activities on Sunday, June 23, and participate in the official command of, ‘Gentlemen, Start Your Engines.” Waltrip, who currently serves as the lead analyst for NASCAR on FOX, is a three-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion with 84 Cup Series victories, tying him for third with Bobby Allison on all-time list. He is the winner of the 1989 Daytona 500 and the only five-time winner of the Coca-Cola 600 (1978, 79, 85, 88 and 89) at Charlotte Motor Speedway. ‘I am honored to have my name associated with Sonoma Raceway’ said Waltrip, who was inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2005. ‘Ive always loved road racing both as an active driver and as a broadcaster. Sonoma is such an historic race track that when we got to go there with stock cars 25 years ago, it was magical. Its a great race track in the beautiful Northern California wine country.” ‘Darrell is not only one of the greatest drivers in the history of our sport, but also one of the most popular personalities. Hell be a terrific addition as we celebrate the 25th running of NASCAR in Sonoma’ said Steve Page, president and general manager of Sonoma Raceway. ‘Hes been a welcome guest in Americas living rooms during the NASCAR broadcasts and we will be honored to have him as our guest and Grand Marshal in June.” Great ticket options are still available for the 25th Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series weekend in Sonoma, including the Silver Celebration Special, which includes a $25 savings and limited-edition die-cast car. Visit www.racesonoma.com/nascar or call 800-870-RACE for details.(Sonoma)(4-19-2013) News from April 18, 2013
