Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen has been named grand marshal for the May 27 Coca-Cola 600 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series event at Lowe’s Motor Speedway.
Coca-Cola and speedway officials also announced that Senator and Republican presidential candidate John McCain will serve as the honorary starter, waving the green flag to send the 43 drivers on their 600-mile journey.
In his role as grand marshal, Bredesen will preside over pre-race ceremonies and give the command, “gentlemen, start your engines.”