NASCAR Cup Series

Jeff Gordon's children named grand marshals for spring Bristol race

Published Apr. 2, 2015 5:44 p.m. ET

Jared Turner

Bristol Motor Speedway announced Thursday that the children of four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon will serve as grand marshals for the Food City 500 on April 19.

Gordon's 7-year-old daughter, Ella, and 4-year-old-son, Leo, will give the command for drivers to start their engines for the 500-lap race at the track known as the "World's Fastest Half Mile."

The decision to name the Gordon children grand marshals was made to honor the Hendrick Motorsports driver, who announced in January that 2015 would be his last full season of Sprint Cup competition.

"Over the years, Jeff Gordon has been a true friend to Food City and our region," said Steven C. Smith, Food City's president and chief executive officer. "He has been a loyal supporter of Food City Family Race Night and raised countless dollars in support of our local food banks through his partnership with AARP's Drive to End Hunger.

"In appreciation for his many contributions to our company and our region, and to commemorate his final season competing for a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship, we couldn't think of more befitting grand marshals for our Food City 500 than Jeff's children."