A variety of dignitaries and VIPs participated in pre-race ceremonies for the Bass Pro Shops Night Race, headlined by the owner of Bass Pro Shops, Johnny Morris, who served as the race’s Grand Marshal, alongside John Paul Morris, country singer Chris Janson, Jesse Janson and Bass Pro Shops Veteran Outfitters. The group gave the famous command for drivers to start their engines.
A 35-year veteran of Bass Pro Shops Outfitters, Carol Hafkemeyer, was named the race’s Honorary Starter. Hafkemeyer waived the green flag at the start of the 500-lap Bass Pro Shops Night Race.
The race’s National Anthem was once again performed by the Children’s Choir of Motor Racing Outreach, who have been performing the song at America’s Night Race since 1999.
The Invocation was provided by Rob Albright, announcer for the Performance Racing Network. Tonight’s broadcast was the last for Albright, who is retiring from his perch high atop the turns after 29 years of calling the action on the NASCAR Cup Series circuit.
The Presentation of Colors was performed by the Cherokee High School JROTC Color Guard and massive C-130 Hercules aircraft from the 189th Airlift Wing out of the Little Rock Air Force Base in Arkansas performed the ceremonial flyover.
Below is a list of all of the dignitaries and VIPs for tonight’s race:
Grand Marshals: Johnny Morris, John Paul Morris, Chris Janson, Jesse Janson and Bass Pro Shops Veteran Outfitters
Honorary Starter: Carol Hafkemeyer, Bass Pro Shops Outfitter for 35 years
Presentation of Colors: Cherokee High School JROTC Color Guard
Invocation: Rob Albright, Performance Racing Network
National Anthem: Children of Motor Racing Outreach
Fly-by: 1 C-130 Hercules from the 189th Airlift Wing, Little Rock, Arkansas Air Force Base
Special VIP: Brigadier General Christopher M Haar, Assistant Deputy Commandant, Combat Development and Integration
Some of the most memorable moments in NASCAR history have taken place during the Bass Pro Shops Night Race on the super-challenging .533-mile high-banked concrete oval. NASCAR’s best drivers will go doorhandle to doorhandle – NASCAR Playoff style – and only the strongest will survive 500 laps of mayhem and chaos on the iconic short track.
