Talladega Superspeedway announced today that Zac Brown, a three-time Grammy Award-winning artist and lead singer of Zac Brown Band, will be the grand marshal for the Jack Link’s 500. Joining him as the honorary starter are the CEO of Jack Link’s, Troy Link, and the founder of Lorissa’s Organics, Lorissa Link.
“Zac and his music have a way of bringing people together – and that same energy and passion that define his performances also define what Talladega Superspeedway is about,” said Josh Harris, Region President, Talladega Superspeedway and Darlington Raceway. “Whether it’s on stage or on the high banks, it’s all about unforgettable moments, and we can’t wait for Zac to help fire up the crowd and get this race started in true Talladega style.”
For over two decades, Zac Brown Band has cultivated genre-defining music with classics like “Free,” “Toes,” and “Chicken Fried,” and most recently with the release of their latest album, “Love & Fear.” The Atlanta, Georgia, native wears many hats as not only the magnetic frontman for Zac Brown Band, but also as an innovative entrepreneur with projects spanning beyond the entertainment industry to food, fashion and philanthropic efforts as well.
In 2011, Brown founded the Camp Southern Ground – a summer camp for neurodiverse children of all ages that experience social, emotional or financial challenges. There, the camp aims to provide extraordinary experiences that help build confidence and community. During the offseason, the site is used for post 9/11 veterans as an opportunity for healing while in the search for a purpose in civilian life. Last year, Brown was named the inaugural winner of the Veterans Voice Award for his commitment to the military community.
As the grand marshal, Brown’s iconic voice will usher the most famous words in the motorsports, getting the crowd ready for the Jack Link’s 500 at Talladega Superspeedway.
Serving as the honorary starter, Lorissa Link, will wave the green flag to start the race as field thunders through the trioval. She will be accompanied by Troy Link.
Troy, son of Jack Link’s founder, is the acting CEO of the Wisconsin-based snack company. For over 40 years, the family owned and operated company has passed along family recipes for the world to enjoy. Troy has spent almost 30 years with the company and is in his 14th as the CEO. Lorissa is the founder of Lorissa’s Organics, an allergen-free meat snack company offering the category’s only certified organic – and free from the top nine allergens – beef, chicken and turkey sticks.
The spring race weekend action at Talladega Superspeedway kicks off on Saturday, April 25, with a doubleheader. The ARCA Menards Series will hit the track in the Alabama Manufactured Housing 200 a 12:30 p.m. ET followed by the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Ag-Pro 300 at 4:00 p.m. ET. On Sunday, April 26, the NASCAR Cup Series stars will duke it out during the Jack Link’s 500 to close out the weekend at 3:00 p.m. ET.
For ticketing information and more details about upcoming events, including the Jack Link’s 500 race weekend, visit www.talladegasuperspeedway.com
— Talladega Superspeedway —