Dallas Cowboys standout and local football legend Jason Witten has been named the Honorary Starter for the Food City 500 on Sunday, March 16 at Bristol Motor Speedway.
The 6-foot-5, 266-pound Witten, a four-time Pro Bowl selection, is from Elizabethton, Tenn., just 15 minutes away from the World's Fastest Half Mile oval. And he's looking forward to taking part in the sold-out Food City 500.
"I'm really excited about it," said Witten. "It's great to be coming home and I really can't wait to get out to the Speedway. The races in Bristol have always been a big deal. Growing up there, there was no way you didn't know just how huge those races were. For me to be able to go back there and be asked to wave the green flag for the Food City 500...that means a lot. It's truly a tremendous honor."
The 25-year-old Witten was a standout at Elizabethton High School and was the USA Today Player of the Year in Tennessee in 2000 before signing with the University of Tennessee where he starred for three years before entering the draft after his junior year. In 2003 Witten was drafted in the third round by the Dallas Cowboys and became an instant star. One of the premier tight ends in the NFL, Witten finished the 2007 season with 96 catches and 1,145 yards, setting a new Cowboys' single-season record for receptions in a season.
Steve C. Smith, Food City CEO/President, is excited about having Witten wave the green flag on the Food City 500.
"Food City is a strong supporter of the communities we serve. We are especially honored to have such a wonderful native of our region representing our company for the Food City 500. Jason is a tremendous asset to his team and our area and I'm proud to have him as our guest," said Smith.
The Food City 500 takes gets under way at 2 p.m. on March 16. Qualifying for both the Food City 500 Spring Cup event and the Sharpie MINI 300 Nationwide Series race will take place on Friday, March 14. The Sharpie MINI 300 revs up at 2:30 on Saturday, March 15.
Tickets are available for Pole Day ($15) and for the Sharpie MINI 300 (starting at $45) and may be purchased at www.bristoltix.com or by calling the BMS ticket office at 423.989.6900.
