Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg announced on Thursday, March 5th that NFL star Vincent Jackson will be the grand marshal for the event. The event is scheduled for March 29th on the streets of St. Petersburg, Florida.
“We are delighted to have Vincent join us as the grand marshal for the race,” sKevin Savoree, co-owner, president and COO of Green Savoree Racing Promotions, organizers of the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, said. “The grand marshal role at any race is an important but exciting part of the spectacle and festivities during the event weekend. We’re looking forward to welcoming Vincent and the Buccaneers organization to the track.”
Jackson is a three-time winner of the Pro Bowl and is the current wide receiver of the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Since joining Tampa in 2012, he has recorded three straight seasons with more than 1,000 yards receiving and scored 17 touchdowns. He was named the team’s Man of the Year the past two years, and was named one of the two leagues finalists for the NFL’s prestigious Salute to Service Award presented by USAA last season.
“I’m honored to have the opportunity to serve as grand marshal for the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg,” Jackson said. “I have the utmost respect for all of the drivers, crew members and teams that will be competing at the event, and can’t wait to join them on the track. It’s a great chance to showcase not only the city of St. Petersburg, but the entire Bay Area on a national stage, and I am excited to help represent Tampa Bay as the Verizon IndyCar Series kicks off its season.”