NASCAR Legend Ned Jarrett Named Brickyard 400 Grand Marshal
July 28, 2011 | By Paul Kelly
2011 NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee Ned Jarrett will serve as the grand marshal of the Brickyard 400 presented by Big Machine Records.com Sunday, July 31.
Jarrett won NASCAR Sprint Cup championships in 1961 and 1965 and 50 races during his illustrious career. He was named one of NASCAR’s “50 Greatest Drivers” in 1998.
In 1965, Jarrett earned 13 victories in 42 top-five finishes in 54 starts. He won the Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway by 14 laps, still the largest margin of victory in NASCAR Sprint Cup history.
“We’re honored to welcome Ned Jarrett as grand marshal for the Brickyard 400 presented by Big Machine Records.com,” said Jeff Belskus, Indianapolis Motor Speedway president and chief executive officer. “He’s one of the greatest drivers in NASCAR history, a great ambassador for the sport and a true gentleman.”
Besides his Hall of Fame driving talent, Jarrett also helped attract fans to NASCAR through his work as a television and radio broadcaster during three decades of substantial growth for the sport.
“It is a true honor to be selected as grand marshal for the Brickyard 400,” Jarrett said. “The history of Indianapolis Motor Speedway and its significance in auto racing makes this opportunity particularly special.”
Jarrett’s son Dale won the Brickyard 400 in 1996 and 1999 and also claimed the Sprint Cup championship in 1999.
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2011 Brickyard 400 tickets: Tickets are on sale for the 2011 Brickyard 400 on Sunday, July 31 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Race Day ticket prices start at just $30. Fans can buy tickets online at www.imstix.com, by calling the IMS ticket office at (317) 492-6700, or (800) 822-INDY outside the Indianapolis area, or by visiting the ticket office at the IMS Administration Building at the corner of Georgetown Road and 16th Street between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (ET) Monday-Friday.
Children 12 and under will receive free general admission to any IMS event in 2011 when accompanied by an adult general admission ticket holder.
Tickets for groups of 20 or more also are on sale. Contact the IMS Group Sales Department at (866) 221-8775 for more information.