HAMPTON, Ga. – Every race weekend is filled with celebrity appearances.  The Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway is no exception.  Following last week’s Daytona 500, race fans are ready to be wowed by racing and star power.  With a Southern flair and Georgia flavor, fans will be thrilled with the line up.

The pre-race concert features Chris Janson, a critically acclaimed writer and singer.  One of his latest hits is his single “Drunk Girl,” but you may recognize him for his very popular song is “Buy Me a Boat.”  

Janson is excited about playing at the Fold of Honor QuikTrip 500.  “We are big NASCAR fans at our house,” said Janson.  “My son and father-in-law can’t wait for this day!  We look forward to coming to Georgia.  Racing and country music together make for the perfect day!”

The grand marshal for the Fold of Honor QuikTrip 500 will be Atlanta native Kenan Thompson.  Thompson is the longest serving Saturday Night Live cast member.  He has performed in several movies and is one of the leading comedy sketch actors today.  

Thompson will visit with race fans, attend the pre-race drivers’ meeting and give the drivers’ command as part of his grand marshal duties.

“Atlanta Motor Speedway is my home track, and being grand marshal at the Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 is a great honor,” said Thompson.  “I’ll make my city proud.”

Here Thompson discusses his work on SNL:

The national anthem will be performed by the Grammy-nominated Southern Gospel quartet Ernie Haase & Signature Sound.  These guys are a favorite in Atlanta and back for their fourth performance at the Fold of Honor QuikTrip 500.  

The quartet has been performing around the world since its formation in 2003, and they are looking forward to participating in Sunday’s race festivities.  “We are humbled and honored to be able to stand and sing our nation’s anthem once again at Atlanta Motor Speedway,” said Haase.  “This will be the fourth time for Signature Sound to be part of the Fold of Honor QuikTrip 500, and we do not take that for granted.  We are excited to sing for all of the amazing fans of NASCAR.  They are the most exciting people to sing to.”

Another iconic performance this weekend will be the singing of “Georgia on my Mind” by Tarra Layne.  Layne is a singer/songwriter who rose to stardom when she landed on Season 11 of NBC’s The Voice in 2016.  

“I have been wishing to perform at a NASCAR event for a very long time,” said Layne.  “I am honored to sing a legendary song from one of my all-time favorite artists for Georgia’s NASCAR fans.  It’s going to be a memorable moment for all in attendance singing along.”

Information for this story courtesy of Atlanta Motor Speedway Public Relations.