Goody’s 500 Should Have Rousing Start With New, Exciting Pre-Race Activities

MARTINSVILLE, Va. (October 20, 2013) – The pre-race activities for Sunday’s Goody’s® Headache Relief Shot® 500 Powered by Kroger will have a new fresh look and sound.Nationally-known announcer Michael Blair will bring his enthusiasm to the pre-race ceremonies while legendary rock and blues guitarist Gary Hoey will provide a special touch to driver introductions. The North Carolina State University Marching Band, with more than 325 members, will add to the prerace excitement as they play and march around the half-mile oval and perform the National Anthem.The pre-race festivities will be capped off by a flyover from the Warbirds, a group of post-World War II vintage aircraft.

“We believe this pre-race is going to be the most exciting one we have ever had,” said Martinsville Speedway President Clay Campbell. “This is going to be a pre-race our fans will enjoy and remember. It’s going to get the crowd really pumped up before the race.

Blair is widely recognized for his genuine enthusiasm and ability to inject energy and excitement into any crowd. He has worked with acts like Martina McBride, KC & The Sunshine Band, Kool and The Gang, and Earth, Wind & Fire. He has been the public address announcer for the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta Hawks and keeps race fans excited with his work in the display areas at many tracks.

Hoey, who has 18 albums to his credit and a No. 5 Billboard Rock hit with “Hocus Pocus” will be on stage for driver introductions, playing a different, famous guitar riff for each of the top-13 Chase drivers introduced.

The N.C. State Marching Band, known as “The Power Sound of the South” has played at events from the Rose Bowl to the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin, Ireland.

NASCAR legend Junior Johnson will get the on-track portion of the race in gear when he delivers the famous words in motorsports “drivers start your engines.” Amy Shirley, the star of reality television show “Lizard Lick,” will wave the green flag as honorary starter to get the race underway.

Tickets are still available for the Goody’s® Headache Relief Shot® 500 Powered by Kroger.

Advance tickets for the Kroger 200 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race on Saturday, Oct. 26 are just $30 and $35 the day of the event. Tickets for Pole Day, Friday, October 25 are $15. Youth 12 and under are admitted free on both October 25 and 26. To purchase tickets for the Goody’s® Headache Relief Shot® 500 Powered by Kroger weekend, call 877.RACE.TIX or visit www.martinsvillespeedway.com.