In the aftermath of devastating storms across western North Carolina and surrounding states, helicopter pilots took to the skies to deliver vital aid to some of the hardest hit areas, many of which were otherwise cutoff from help. Ten of those brave pilots will take part in Sunday’s flyover before the seventh running of the Bank of America ROVAL™ 400 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. In addition, retired NASCAR driver and pilot Greg Biffle, who himself made several flights to deliver aid, will serve as Honorary Starter and wave the green flag to start the pivotal NASCAR Cup Series Playoff showdown.
“As we prepare for Sunday’s Bank of America ROVAL™ 400, we do so with all of those impacted by recent storms still in our thoughts,” said Charlotte Motor Speedway President and General Manager Greg Walter. “The outpouring of support for those in need across western North Carolina following Hurricane Helene was swift and widespread. Among those who immediately sprang to action were these pilots, many of whom have ties to NASCAR. It is a privilege to be able to recognize and honor them.”
Additional dignitaries for the weekend include:
Dignitaries for Saturday’s Drive for the Cure 250:
- Grand Marshals: Blue Cross employees Michelle Adams (seven-year survivor), Jackie Baker (two-year survivor) and Candice Beasley (four-month survivor)
- Honorary Starter: Alexandria Shelton-Brabham, Blue Cross NC employee and six-year Breast Cancer survivor
- Presentation of Colors: York Comprehensive High School NJROTC
- Invocation: Billy Mauldin, President and Senior Chaplain at Motor Racing Outreach
- National Anthem: Logen Belmont, Charlotte Motor Speedway contest winner
Dignitaries for Sunday’s Bank of America ROVAL™ 400:
- Grand Marshals: Ricky Rudd & Carl Edwards, NASCAR Hall of Fame inductees
- Honorary Starter: Greg Biffle, retired NASCAR Cup Series driver and helicopter pilot in western North Carolina hurricane relief efforts
- Presentation of Colors: Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office Color Guard
- Invocation: Kyle Petty, retired NASCAR driver and race analyst
- National Anthem: Josh Sanders, Country music artist, NBC's "The Voice" Season 25 first runner-up
TICKETS:
To purchase Drive for the Cure 250 and Bank of America ROVAL™ 400 race tickets, fans can shop online at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com or call 1-800-455-FANS (3267). Kids 12 and under get in all weekend for just $10. Tickets also include access to any of three full days of fan-friendly fun, including driver appearances, fan zone programming and a pre-race concert on Sunday with country star Tim Dugger and the Eli Young Band.
MORE INFO:
Fans can connect with Charlotte Motor Speedway and get the latest news by following on Twitter and Instagram, becoming a Facebook fan or downloading the Charlotte Motor Speedway mobile app.
