Popular worship leader Chris Tomlin will serve as the honorary starter and America’s Pastor Max Lucado has been named the grand marshal for the Food City Dirt Race at Bristol Motor Speedway.
Lucado will give the command to fire engines prior to the 7 p.m. start of the NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday, April 17. Before Lucado’s command, former Rascal Flatts lead singer Gary LeVox will perform the National Anthem.
The invocation will be provided once again by Mike Rife, pastor of the Vansant (Va.) Church of Christ. Rife has given the invocation for this race for more than two decades.
As honorary starter, Grammy-award winner Tomlin will wave the green flag from high above in the front stretch flag stand as the 40 drivers mash the gas at the start of the race on the temporary half-mile dirt track.
For tickets, visit www.bristolmotorspeedway.com or call the BMS Ticket Office at 866-415-4158.
Betsi James is special events manager for Food City’s Knoxville and Chattanooga divisions.