Gordon, Petty to serve as honorary Atlanta race officials
Quote selected text Published October 3rd, 2007 in NASCAR News
Atlanta Motor Speedway officials say Jeff Gordon will serve as grand marshal and Richard Petty as honorary starter for the track’s Oct. 28 Pep Boys 500 Nextel Cup race.
The race will mark the 15th anniversary of Gordon’s first Cup race and Petty’s final race. Gordon will give the command to start engines, with Petty waving the green flag to start the race.
“Looking back on that race in November 1992 at Atlanta Motor Speedway, it was a race that will always be a significant part of NASCAR history,” Petty said. “It was my last race, Jeff Gordon’s first race, and the championship battle came down to just a few points. I will never forget that day in Atlanta, and it is an honor to serve at the honorary starter in October.”
Gordon joked that saying, “Gentlemen, start your engines” may illicit an unusual fan response for him.
“For the first time, the entire crowd may actually cheer for something I did,” Gordon said.
- Petty named honorary starter of Daytona 500
- Giuliani to serve as honorary race official at Pepsi 400
- Eddie Van Halen serving as honorary official at Phoenix Nextel Cup race
- Nicorette increases sponsorship for the #24
- Firestone Auctioning Nashville Honorary Starter Position on eBay

hahaha–thats really neat.
And I love what Jeff said.
But I’ve always cheered for him :]
woo u go jeff
Gordon joked that saying, “Gentlemen, start your engines” may illicit an unusual fan response for him.
“For the first time, the entire crowd may actually cheer for something I did,” Gordon said.
Funny Jeff!
Way to go Jeff. I always cheer for only J. GOrdon. Is there anyone else on the track????
COOL!!!!!!!!!!!!
THAT WAS GREAT. CAN’T WAIT TILL NEXT WEEK!