By Mike Haag, Raceday San Antonio
AUSTIN, Texas – University of Texas football coach Steve Sarkisian has been named the honorary starter for Sunday’s EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix NASCAR Cup Series race at Circuit of The Americas (COTA). Sarkisian, who led the Longhorns to the College Football Playoff semifinals last season, will wave the green flag to kick off the fourth annual EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix.
“It’s such an honor to wave the green flag and kick off the EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix here in the great city of Austin!” Sarkisian said. “I can’t wait to get to the track for what is sure to be an exciting race for both the drivers and the fans. Like we say around here, ‘All Gas, No Brakes! Hook ‘em!’”
Sarkisian’s tenure at UT has seen a resurgence in the football program’s national prominence, with the Longhorns securing a Big 12 championship and their first-ever College Football Playoff appearance under his leadership. With a record of 25-14 at Texas and a wealth of experience in both college and NFL coaching, Sarkisian brings a winning spirit to the NASCAR event.
Joining Sarkisian in the lineup of distinguished guests are actors Giancarlo Esposito and Skeet Ulrich, who will serve as the Grand Marshal and Honorary Pace Car Driver respectively. Esposito, known for his roles in “Breaking Bad” and “Better Call Saul,” will command the drivers to start their engines, while Ulrich, famed for his work in “Riverdale,” will lead the field to the green flag.
Adding to the star-studded lineup is Los Angeles Chargers placekicker Cameron Dicker, who will provide the invocation for the race. Dicker, nicknamed “Dicker the Kicker,” brings his Texas roots and NFL success to the event, embodying the spirit of athleticism and community.
In addition to the EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix, Saturday’s Focused Health 250 NASCAR Xfinity Series race will feature country music star Cody Jinks as the Grand Marshal. With a new album on the horizon and accolades including Music Row’s Independent Artist of the Year, Jinks adds a touch of musical flair to the racing excitement.
Dignitary lineup for the EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix NASCAR Cup Series race:
Grand Marshal: Award-winning actor Giancarlo Esposito from AMC’s hit series “Breaking Bad” and “Better Call Saul” and highly anticipated “Parish.”
Honorary Starter: University of Texas football coach Steve Sarkisian.
Honorary Pace Car Driver: Actor Skeet Ulrich, known for his roles in the CW television series “Riverdale,” movie “Scream” and upcoming AMC/AMC+ series “Parish.”
Honorary Race Officials: EchoPark Automotive President Jeff Dyke, Chief Operating Officer Tim Keen, Chief Marketing Officer Dino Bernacchi.
Official Welcome: Speedway Motorsports President and CEO Marcus Smith.
Driver Introductions: DJ Cassandra.
National Anthem: San Antonio police officer Rebecca Vermeulen.
Arrival of American Flag: Re/Max Skydive Team.
Presentation of Colors: Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services Honor Guard.
Invocation: Los Angeles Chargers placekicker Cameron Dicker.
Dignitary lineup for the Focused Health 250 NASCAR Xfinity Series race:
Grand Marshal: Country music star and Fort Worth, Texas native Cody Jinks.
Honorary Starter: Focused Health PR Manager and Navy veteran Rebecca Walters.
National Anthem: Christian recording artist Payton Keller.
Arrival of American Flag: Re/Max Skydive Team.
Color Guard: Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services Honor Guard.
Invocation: Meg Weatherman, wife of NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Kyle Weatherman.
Victory Lane Trophy Presenters: Focused Health co-founders Shawn Hold and Larry Cassar.
Dignitary lineup for the XPEL 225 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race:
Grand Marshal: XPEL Senior Director of Sales Chris Hardy.
Honorary Starter: XPEL customer with Texas Tint Mitch Genova.
God Bless America: Christian recording artist Payton Keller.
Presentation of the Colors: Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services Honor Guard.
Invocation: NASCAR Cup Series driver Michael McDowell.
Victory Lane Trophy Presenter: XPEL customer and owner of Sun Stoppers Mike Burke.
