Native Kansan comes home
KANSAS CITY, Kan. (Sept. 17, 2012) – As the championship battle heats up at the newly reconfigured Kansas Speedway, actor-comedian Rob Riggle, has decided to join in on the action and has been named Grand Marshal for the Hollywood Casino 400, the sixth race in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. Riggle recently hosted the 20th annual ESPY Awards on ESPN, which is also airing the Hollywood Casino 400 live from Kansas Speedway on Oct. 21 at 1 PM CT.
“I am so honored to be the Grand Marshal for the Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway! I love NASCAR racing and I love going home to Kansas City,” said Riggle, a native of Overland Park, Kan. and a University of Kansas graduate. “I’m not 100% sure what my responsibilities are as Grand Marshal? Do I get my own race car?”
“I’m excited to have Rob at Kansas Speedway and be the Grand Marshal for the Hollywood Casino 400 and to be a part of the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup,” said Kansas Speedway President Patrick Warren. “To be able to have Rob come to his home track and be a part of our championship weekend means a lot to me and our fans.”
Riggle was recently added to the “FOX NFL Sunday” pre-game studio show this season, taking over the role of the show’s in-house comedian. He served as a Correspondent on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and he has also appeared in several movies, including: this year’s box-office hits Dr. Suess’ The Lorax and 21 Jump Street as well as The Hangover, The Other Guys and Step Brothers. Riggle was a regular on Saturday Night Live (2004-2005) and has appeared in several television shows, including Arrested Development, The Office, Adult Swim’s NTSF:SD:SUV, Wilfred and 30 Rock. He has also appeared on numerous talk shows, including Jimmy Kimmel Live, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Conan and The Late Show with Jimmy Fallon.
Earlier this year, Riggle also took part in the Drive4COPD Pro-Am Celebrity Racing Challenge at Auto Club Speedway to help raise awareness for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Tickets for the Oct. 21 Hollywood Casino 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race, the Oct. 20 Kansas Lottery 300 NASCAR Nationwide Series race and the Oct. 19 Kansas Lottery 98.9 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards race are on sale now by calling 866.460.RACE (7223) or visiting www.kansasspeedway.com. Every season ticket comes with a Track Pass that provides you with access to the infield for the pre-race concert, driver introductions and much more!
Parking is always free at Kansas Speedway and fans can bring in one 14x14x14-inch soft-sided cooler with their favorite food and beverages.
Fans can follow Kansas Speedway on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kansasspeedway or follow us on Twitter (@kansasspeedway). Join the conversation about the Hollywood Casino 400 on Twitter by using the hashtag #HC400.
