Football legend Joe Namath to be Grand Marshal for Barber IndyCar race
Namath played college football under legendary coach Paul "Bear" Bryant at the University of Alabama from 1962 until 1964, where he led the team to a national championship in 1964. He then went on to play for the New York Jets, leading the team to a win over the Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III, among many other division championships. He finished his career playing for the Los Angeles Rams. Nicknamed “Broadway Joe" and “Joe Willie," he was inducted into the Professional Football Hall of Fame in 1985.
"We are honored to have another well-respected athlete as our grand marshal," stated Gene Hallman, President of ZOOM Motorsports, the exclusive event promoter of the Barber Motorsports Park. "His presence will add to the fun-filled weekend, and what a great opportunity for fans to get up-close with a true legend."
Namath's duties as grand marshal of the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama include announcing the widely recognized pre-race command, “Gentlemen, start your engines!" to kick-off Sunday’s race. Broadcast live on NBC Sports Network, Namath will be waving the green flag to start the race for some of the biggest stars of INDYCAR including Will Power, Helio Castroneves, Marco Andretti, Juan Pablo Montoya and more.
"
I am excited to be a part of this world-class event," stated Namath. "I’m really looking forward to meeting the fans at the race, and finally seeing this motorsports park that I have heard so much about."
Namath’s participation in the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama will benefit the Arthritis Foundation of Alabama. Details of fundraising efforts surrounding the race weekend will be announced at a later date.
Tickets for the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama start at just $15 and kids 12 and under are admitted free with a ticketed adult, courtesy of Alabama Power.