Posted on 07/02/2003 6:16:29 PM PDT by NormsRevenge
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- NASCAR race fans attending this weekend's NASCAR and Grand-American Road Racing Series events at Daytona International Speedway -- or even those watching on television -- had better keep their eyes open.
There's no telling whom they might see, or who might decide to show up at the "World Center of Racing."
It seems that Winston Cup racing has become a magnet for celebrities of all manner, and Daytona is one of its brightest beacons. Thus, speedway president Robin Braig never knows who's going to show up at his office, or drop a quick call.
"You know, it's kind of neat when you're running an event of this kind, of this magnitude," Braig said. "You'll get a lot of phone calls from all kinds of people.
"They not only want to be seen, and to promote their record label, or album or their latest movie, but they want to come to the race, as well, and we try to accommodate them all.
"I think that's part of the (fans') experience, when you come to a major sporting event like the Pepsi 400 or the Daytona 500. You want to see the superstars and it's kind of nice to see them (celebrities) wanting to come around."
During Speedweeks 2003 at the speedway in February, a diverse lineup that included world heavyweight champion boxer Evander Holyfield, former NBA player Artis Gilmore, woman's tennis standout Serena Williams, actor John Travolta, skateboarder Tony Hawk, comedian Wayne Brady and pop diva Mariah Carey.
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The hits will keep on coming at the Pepsi 400, when NFL Super Bowl champion defensive lineman and Florida native Warren Sapp; supermodel Angie Everhart, who has appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated, Glamour and Time magazines; and RCA recording artist, Sara Evans are part of the festivities.
Sapp and Everhart will add "Grand Marshal" to their list of distinguished accomplishments when they give the command to fire engines to the 43-car field of Winston Cup drivers and lead the field to the green flag, respectively, on Saturday at the Pepsi 400.
Evans, whose single "Born to Fly" propelled her to the top of the Country Music Charts and garnered rave reviews in Rolling Stone and the Los Angeles Times, will perform a pre-race concert on the speedway's frontstretch and will also sing the National Anthem prior to the Pepsi 400 before a national television audience and tens of thousands of race fans.
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"Having Warren, Angie and Sara as part of our exciting weekend at the World Center of Racing proves once again Daytona and Pepsi are committed to putting on a spectacular show," Daytona International Speedway president Robin Braig said. "We are thrilled to have them on site to help us celebrate our 45th annual event."
Sapp will give the command, "Gentlemen, start your engines" at the event that will be nationally televised in prime time by NBC Sports, while Everhart will get the race underway by leading the field from the Pontiac Grand Marshal car.
The Central Florida native, one of the most feared and intimidating figures in the NFL, has been the point man for arguably the league's most dominant defense over the past six seasons.
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He has been selected to six consecutive Pro Bowls, joining Lee Roy Selmon as the only Buccaneers linemen to earn repeat nominations to the game.
Everhart, whose lengthy and impressive resume includes supermodel as well as television and film roles, began her modeling career at the age of 16. In addition to her recurring role on the NBC action-drama "UC: Undercover," the versatile Everhart, who is fluent in French, was cast in the NBC TV miniseries "First To Die," which aired in February 2003.
Evans' current single "Backseat Of A Greyhound Bus," is currently at No. 18 on R&R and Billboard's Country Singles Chart and her new project, "Restless," is slated to hit stores Aug. 19.
On Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET, Evans will perform Born To Fly and participate in a question and answer session with guests inside the Daytona Club, a special fan hospitality area located behind the Winston Tower on the track's frontstretch.
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Evans will also perform a pre-race concert on the speedway's trioval at approximately 5:40 p.m. To get an up-close view of the concert fans can purchase Pre-Race Infield Passes for $50.
For more information on joining the Daytona Club, contact the Sales and Marketing Partnerships at (386) 947-6475.
As of midweek, Braig wasn't sure what calls he was going to take, or who was going to decide to come to the speedway for the Independence Day holiday event.
"You can be walking around and not know who you're going to run into," Braig said. "Last Speedweeks, Holyfield just showed up -- didn't call ahead, ask for tickets or anything.
"Darn it, we would have gotten him tickets, but you just never know (who'll show up)."
John Travolta served as grand marshal at this year's Daytona 500. Credit: Autostock
Everyone, Please have a Great 4th of July and be careful out there.
See ya all Saturday Night... They have an extended pre-race show starting at 3pm PT, 6 pm ET, NBC is starting their half of the braocast season. They will probably start the race at 430pm PT 730pm ET.
Hey do You think je$$e jacka$$hole$on will be around grubbing for more $$$ and coverage?
I have to work and will miss the FOX Crew but at least I will be able to watch on the "network" least preferred by most real Americans.
If We are not too busy at the store I will be on the thread.
Happy 4th to All and stay safe!
I'll be watching tapes of the race season Myself!
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