NASCAR and GOVX, the online shopping platform exclusively for current and former military, first responders, emergency medical professionals, and other government personnel announced today the official dignitaries for the upcoming NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series GOVX 200, scheduled for Saturday, March 7th at the historic Phoenix Raceway in Avondale, Arizona.
Serving as the Grand Marshal for this year’s GOVX 200 will be 8-time Pro Bowl and 2-time First Team All-Pro safety Budda Baker of the hometown Arizona Cardinals. Having the honor of saying the most famous words in motorsports, Baker will be on hand to give the command in person before the 5:00PM MST start time.
Dr. Katherine Steele, Ed.D, Chief Executive Officer of the Pat Tillman Foundation, has been named the Honorary Starter for the race. A 2014 Tillman Scholar herself, Dr. Steele will be tasked with waving the green flag ahead of the day’s action.
“We are incredibly honored to welcome Budda Baker and Dr. Katherine Steele as our dignitaries for the GOVX 200 at Phoenix Raceway,” said Alan Cole, GOVX CEO. “Budda is a Cardinals legend who brings an unmatched level of intensity and pride to the Arizona secondary, while Dr. Steele’s work with the Pat Tillman Foundation stands as a powerful tribute to the service and sacrifice of our military members and their families.”
The NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series GOVX 200 marks the second consecutive year GOVX has had the distinction of operating as a Title Sponsor, following last season’s inaugural race. As part of an official multi-year partnership, GOVX also serves as the Presenting Sponsor and Official Verification Partner of the NASCAR Miltix program, offering discounted race tickets of up to 50% off to NASCAR-owned tracks nationwide, including Phoenix Raceway. Eligible service members will be able to access this benefit through both NASCAR.com and GOVX.com.
— Phoenix Raceway —