A powerful moment is coming to Bristol Motor Speedway. Two well-known sports names, Johnny Bench and Bob Kesling, are taking on a special role at the Food City 500. Their task will begin right before the green flag waves on April 13. What connects them to this race goes beyond sports. With one more key figure joining the action, the event is shaping into something big. What they bring to the track will soon be seen by all.
Key Highlights
- Johnny Bench and Bob Kesling are co-Grand Marshals for the Food City 500.
- They will command drivers to start their engines at the event.
- The event takes place on April 13 at 3 p.m. ET.
- Their participation highlights partnerships with Bristol Motor Speedway and University of Tennessee Athletics.
- Steve Early will wave the green flag as the Honorary Starter.
Announcement of Dignitaries for Food City 500
The announcement of dignitaries for the Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway has revealed an impressive lineup of esteemed individuals set to enhance the event’s prestige.
Bob Kesling, known as the Voice of the Vols, and Johnny Bench, renowned captain of the Big Red Machine, will serve as co-Grand Marshals. Their dual command for drivers to start their engines will mark the beginning of this iconic NASCAR Cup Series race on April 13 at 3 p.m. ET.
Steve Early, the Vol Network Vice President and General Manager, will take on the role of Honorary Starter. His task will be to wave the green flag, symbolizing the race’s commencement.
This collaboration, as noted by Food City CEO Steven C. Smith, merges longstanding partnerships with Bristol Motor Speedway and University of Tennessee Athletics, promising an exhilarating race weekend.
“Food City is proud to be the official supermarket of Bristol Motor Speedway and University of Tennessee Athletics, and we’re excited to bring those two long-time partnerships together for the upcoming race weekend.”
“We have an all-star lineup scheduled to kickoff Sunday’s Food City 500. Baseball Hall of Famer, Johnny Bench, and Bob Kesling, Voice of the Vols, will serve as our event co-Grand Marshals and Steve Early, VP/GM of the Vol Network will be our Honorary Starter.” – Steven C. Smith
Johnny Bench’s Career and Comments
Known as one of baseball’s all-time greats, Johnny Bench’s illustrious career is marked by extraordinary achievements and accolades. Bench is revered as the “greatest catcher in baseball history” by ESPN, and his legacy is cemented by leading the Cincinnati Reds to World Series victories in 1975 and 1976.
Bench’s stellar career includes 14 All-Star selections and 10 Gold Glove awards, along with membership in both the Reds Hall of Fame and Major League Baseball Hall of Fame. His team, dubbed “The Big Red Machine,” dominated the mid-1970s with six division titles, four National League pennants, and two World Series crowns.
Bench praised the excitement of Bristol, expressing honor in being part of the Food City event.
“The excitement of Bristol is like no other,”
“I have experienced the action and found myself mesmerized by the drivers and their ability to race on a track like no other. The crowd was on the edge of their seats and the thrills were nonstop. Food City, I’m honored to be a part of it.” – Johnny Bench
Bob Kesling’s Career and Comments
Bob Kesling’s distinguished career in sports broadcasting spans over a quarter of a century, during which he became a familiar voice to fans of the Tennessee Volunteers. His tenure as the “Voice of the Vols” on radio and television reached over 60 stations through the Vol Radio Network, showcasing his expertise in play-by-play commentary.
Kesling also hosted several notable shows, including “Vol Calls” and “Big Orange Hotline,” further cementing his role as a key figure in Tennessee sports.
“It is a great honor to be selected as co-grand marshal for the prestigious Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway.”
“It is truly one of the most iconic annual sporting events in our state. As a lifelong Cincinnati Reds fan, it is equally special to share this special honor with Hall of Famer Johnny Bench. Food City is a fantastic community supporter and has been an equally great partner with the University of Tennessee during my career.” – Bob Kesling
- Versatile Roles: He was the host for both “The Josh Heupel Show” and “The Rick Barnes Show” on the Vol Television Network.
- Historic Moments: Kesling called women’s basketball games for the Lady Vols from 1978-1999, witnessing six NCAA National Championships.
- Early Start: His career began as a spotter for John Ward on Vol radio broadcasts in 1976.
Kesling expressed his honor in being selected as co-grand marshal for the Food City 500, alongside Johnny Bench.
Steve Early’s Role and Reaction
In conjunction with Bob Kesling’s involvement, Steve Early plays an essential role in the operations of the Vol Network as vice president and general manager, a position he has held since February 2004. His responsibilities encompass overseeing corporate marketing, partnerships, and broadcasts for University of Tennessee Athletics.
Early’s nearly 30-year relationship with Food City highlights his tactical insight in fostering enduring partnerships, such as the recent naming rights of the “Food Center Center.” Born and raised in east Tennessee, Early’s connection to the region is both personal and professional.
Early’s enthusiasm for his honorary starter role at the Food City 500 is palpable. He expressed profound excitement, stating, “There’s really no way to put into words how exciting it is…a dream come true.”
“I haven’t been able to put it out of my mind since the call came. To get to be part of a race of this magnitude and a venue this iconic is beyond special. This event has amazing tradition and uniqueness, so it is truly a dream come true. Sunday can’t get here fast enough!” – Steve Early
Race Weekend Schedule and NASCAR Fan Activities
The upcoming race weekend at Bristol Motor Speedway promises an exhilarating lineup of events that are sure to captivate motorsport enthusiasts and casual fans likewise.
Commencing on Friday, April 11, the WEATHER GUARD Truck Race will light up the night with a 250-lap spectacle in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, broadcast on FS1 and PRN Radio.
The excitement continues on Saturday, April 12, with the SciAps 300 NASCAR Xfinity Series race, airing at 5 p.m. on The CW and PRN Radio.
The weekend culminates on Sunday, April 13, with the historic Food City 500 NASCAR Cup Series race at 3 p.m.
- Entertainment: Colossus TV, the world’s largest center-hung video screen, guarantees unmatched viewing experiences.
- Fan Zone: Concerts and interactive sessions at the Food City Fan Zone Stage.
- Amenities: Premium VIP experiences, tailgating, and on-site camping improve the weekend.
News in Brief: Bristol Motor Speedway Grand Marshals
The collaboration of Johnny Bench and Bob Kesling promises to add a dynamic flair to the Food City 500 at Bristol. Their involvement emphasizes the event’s significance and improves fan engagement. Steve Early’s coordination guarantees smooth proceedings, while the weekend schedule offers diverse activities for attendees. This partnership highlights the race’s tradition of blending sports legends with thrilling motorsport action, assuring a memorable experience for all participants and spectators. The event continues to be a cornerstone of the racing calendar.
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