It is considered as the most significant and prestigious race in the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR), the largest motorsport authority in US. I’m talking no less than the Daytona 500.
The much-anticipated Daytona 500 will be celebrating its 50 years of inception and is expected to be a hit with 24 of its living Champions including three-time winner Bobby Allison (1978, 1982, 1988), Pete Hamilton (1970), Junior Johnson (1960), two-time winner Sterling Marlin (1994,1995), and four-time winner Cale Yarborough (1968, 1977, 1983, 1984) to grace the event.
In a press release, Speedway President Robin Braig said that since this year’s Daytona 500 marks a big event in racing history, it would be an honor to celebrate the important occasion - the golden anniversary of “The Great American Race” with these “living legends.”
The 24 former Daytona champions will serve as Grand Marshals for this year’s Daytona 500 race which would be held on February 17 at the Daytona International Speedway. They will have the grand privilege to give the signal, “Gentlemen, start your engines.”
Also expected to highlight the occasion is former Daytona Champion and International Motor Sports Hall of Famer Junior Johnson who will drive a 2008 Corvette Z06 as a prelude to the historical event. Johnson claims to have 139 victories and six NASCAR top division championships. Thus, Chevrolet General Manager Ed Peper regards Johnson’s gesture as a of Chevrolet’s heritage and triumph in NASCAR.
Meanwhile, Daytona 500 seven-time champion Richard Petty will be the one to wave the green flag to officially open the race.