KANSAS CITY, Kan. (Oct. 4, 2011) – With the championship races in three series headed to Kansas Speedway Oct. 7 – 9, some local champions – retired Kansas City Chief Ed Budde, retired Kansas City Royal Greg Pryor and retired New York Islander Ken Morrow – are also making their way to Kansas Speedway, along with Major General Lee Tafanelli.
Budde, who will serve as the Grand Marshal for the Kansas Lottery 98.9, was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in 1963 from Michigan State and would go on to anchor the Chiefs offensive line for two championship teams. Budde helped protect Kansas City Chiefs legend Len Dawson which helped him be elected to six AFL All-Star games and the first two Pro Bowl games. Budde is a member of the All-Time AFL team and was inducted into the Chiefs Hall of Fame in 1983.
Pryor, who will be the Honorary Starter for the Kansas Lottery 98.9, was an infielder for the 1985 Kansas City Royals World Series team and would retire a year later as a Kansas City Royal. Pryor played for the Royals, Chicago White Sox and Texas Rangers throughout his career.
Morrow, who will be the Grand Marshal for the Kansas Lottery 300, was a defenseman for what is arguably the most famous USA Olympic hockey moment when the team won the gold medal at the 1980 games in what is referred to as “the miracle on ice.” He was also an integral part of the New York Islanders first Stanley Cup win in 1980, which made him the first player to win an Olympic gold medal and a Stanley Cup in one season. In addition, Morrow was an integral member of the Islanders Stanley Cup teams from 1981-83 and retired in 1989. Morrow was elected to the US Hockey Hall of Fame in 1995.
Major General Tafanelli has been named the Honorary Starter for the Kansas Lottery 300. The Maj. General is the Adjutant General or Kansas and the director of Homeland Security for the state of Kansas. In his role, he provides command and control for more than 7,700 soldiers and airmen in the Kansas Army and Air National Guard. The Maj. General joined the Kansas Army National Guard in 1980 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Corps of Engineers through Pittsburg State (KS) University’s ROTC in 1982.
Remaining 2011 events at Kansas Speedway include the Hollywood Casino 400 on Oct. 9, the Kansas Lottery 300 on Oct. 8 and the Kansas Lottery 98.9 on Oct. 7 and tickets for all events are on sale now by calling 866.460.RACE (7223) or by logging onto www.kansasspeedway.com. Parking is always free at Kansas Speedway and fans can bring in one 14x14x14-inch soft-sided cooler with their favorite food and beverages.
