Should have known we could count on Clay Campbell at Martinsville Speedway to carry on in the manner of his late grandfather, Clay Earles and do it the RIGHT WAY at Martinsville.
After all the hokum of Daytona and Phoenix, how refreshing to see some genuinely great choices for Grand Marshal and Honorary Starter positions.
Thank you Clay. They should be so blessed to have a few folk in Daytona with your knowledge and backbone.
Sinise Named Grand Marshal, Kerns Honorary Starter
3/6/2012
Wounded war veteran Marine Cpl. Josh J.B. Kerns, 22, of Patrick County (left) is seen with actor and military activist Gary Sinise on Feb. 9 at Martinsville Speedway. (Bulletin photo by Mike Wray)
Award-winning actor Gary Sinise.
With only 27 days until the headache-inducing, short-track Goodys Fast Relief 500 race at Martinsville Speedway, Goodys announced today that award-winning actor Gary Sinise will serve as the grand marshal; while local hero and wounded veteran Marine Cpl. Josh J.B. Kerns will wave the green flag to start the 500-lap event on April 1.
Sinise, currently starring on CBS CSI:NY, launched the Gary Sinise Foundation in 2011, a non-profit organization that honors defenders, veterans, first responders, their families and those in need by creating and supporting unique programs designed to entertain, educate, inspire, strengthen and build communities. For more information, go to www.GarySiniseFoundation.org .
Recently, the Gary Sinise Foundation and The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation (named after a fallen firefighter on 9/11), announced a partnership to build Kerns a smart home in his hometown of Ararat, Va., as part of the Building For America's Bravest Program. Throughout the Goody's Fast Relief 500 weekend, efforts will be underway to raise funds and awareness, including a concert with Sinise's Lt. Dan Band at Martinsville High School on March 31. To make donations to Building For America's Bravest Program, you can go to http://www.garysinisefoundation.org/help_us/donate or https://tunneltotowersfoundation.org/donate_now.aspx .
The Goodys Fast Relief 500 will be Sinises first time reciting the most famous words in racingGentlemen, Start Your Engines.
The Goodys Fast Relief 500 weekend is going to be an unforgettable weekend, bringing together the best racing in the world with an amazing effort to help J.B., said Sinise. I am so grateful to Goodys, Martinsville Speedway and the community for allowing us to be a part of this weekend.
Kerns, a long-time fan of racing, will serve as the Goodys Fast Relief 500 honorary starter. He was injured in Afghanistan in April 2011 when an IED exploded, costing him both legs and his right arm. Since that explosion, Kerns has endured tremendous pain, having undergone extensive surgeries and strenuous daily physical and occupational therapy in Bethesda, Md.
When I was growing up I remember sitting down with my family on the weekends and watching the NASCAR races, said Kerns. And now, its awesome to think that I am going to be the one waving the flag thats going to start the race.
Goodys and BC Powders are known for providing fast relief for tough pain, said Joseph Juliano, brand director for Goodys and BC Powders. Being on the front line, in terms of helping those in need and serving our country in combat, Gary and J.B. demonstrate that painful moments can come unexpectedly. We hope the roles were giving them for our race become a source of relief and joy in some small way. We salute the commitment and service of both men and look forward to a fantastic Goodys Fast Relief 500.
Tickets to the Goodys Fast Relief 500 at Martinsville Speedway are on sale. For more information, call 877.722.3849 or visit www.martinsvillespeedway.com . For more information about Goodys Headache Powder, visit www.goodyspowder.com .
--
"Any Day is Good for Stock Car Racing"
updated by @dave-fulton: 12/05/16 04:04:08PM
