Former NASCAR Cup champion Ned Jarrett will be the honorary starter for Sunday's Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway, waving the green flag for what will be his son Dale's final points race.
Jarrett, named to NASCAR's 50 Greatest Drivers list, replaces Dallas Cowboys Pro Bowl tight end Jason Witten. Witten was scheduled to serve as honorary starter but due to family obligations was unable to attend the race.
A two-time champion in 1961 and 1965 Jarrett, who competed in NASCAR's top series from 1953-1966, finished his career with 50 career victories, which ties him with Junior Johnson at 10th on the all-time win list. Ned and Dale Jarrett are one of only three father-son combinations to have won at Bristol Motor Speedway. Bobby and Davey Allison and Dale Earnhardt and Dale Earnhardt Jr. are the others.
The elder Jarrett is thrilled at the prospect of waving the green flag at Bristol Motor Speedway on Dale's final points race.
"I'm very pleased to have been asked to be the honorary starter for the Food City 500," he said. "And to be asked to do it for Dale's last race makes it even more special. Bristol has been a memorable place for both Dale and I, especially since we've both won here and I'm very honored to be able to be in the flag stand for his last points race."
Steven C. Smith, Food City CEO/President, is excited about having Jarrett wave the green flag on the Food City 500.
"What Ned Jarrett and his family have meant to NASCAR is immeasurable," Smith said. "We are delighted to have both he and his son Dale participate in the Food City 500 and I know the fans share our excitement."
The Food City 500 gets under way at 2 p.m. on Sunday with qualifying set for 3:40 p.m. Friday. The Sharpie MINI 300 takes place Saturday, March 15 with qualifying slated for 9:40 a.m. that day.
Tickets are available for Pole Day ($15) and for the Sharpie MINI 300 (starting at $45) and may be purchased at http://www.bristoltix.com/ or by calling the BMS ticket office at (423) 989-6900.
