MIAMI- Adding to the aura of Ford Championship Weekend, Homestead-Miami Speedway has named actor Josh Dallas as Grand Marshal for the Ford EcoBoost 400 on Sunday, November 18. Dallas will recite the most famous words in all of motorsports, “Drivers, start your engines!” just before the green flag waves for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series championship race.
Dallas, who was born in Louisville, Kentucky, emerged on the scene in 2011 when he played the role of Frandal in the movie “Thor.” Following his success as Frandal, Dallas landed a lead role in ABC’s hit television series, “Once Upon a Time.” Dallas starred in the series from 2011-2017 as Prince Charming/David Nolan and appeared in a guest role during the series’ final season in 2018. Currently, Dallas can be seen starring as Ben Stone in NBC’s new fall show, “Manifest,” which debuted in September to over 10 million viewers.
“I’ve been going to races since I was a kid and I’m thrilled to be a part of NASCAR’s Championship race at Homestead Miami Speedway,” said Josh Dallas. “I look forward to witnessing history being made at the Ford Ecoboost 400! ‘Ya gotta wanna!’”
“Ford Championship Weekend has always had many entertaining aspects that surround all three of our championship races,” said Homestead-Miami Speedway President Matthew Becherer. “Adding Josh to our start-studded list of Ford EcoBoost 400 pre-race dignitaries further enhances our Sunday ceremonies, and helps build even more excitement around the MENCS championship before the green flag ever waves.”
Tickets for 2018 Ford Championship Weekend, which consists of the Ford EcoBoost 200 (NASCAR Camping World Truck series championship race), Ford EcoBoost 300 (NASCAR XFINITY series championship race) and Ford EcoBoost 400 (Monster Energy NASCAR Cup series championship race), are now available and can be purchased by calling (866) 409-RACE (7223) or visiting www.HomesteadMiamiSpeedway.com.
About Homestead-Miami Speedway
Homestead-Miami Speedway has been open since 1995 following an initiative to spur economic recovery in the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew. The Speedway, which was founded by Miami businessman, racing enthusiast and philanthropist Ralph Sanchez, is a 650-acre facility that features a 1.5-mile oval and 2.21-mile road course. The Speedway hosts on-track events nearly 300 days per year and generates more than $301 million annually for the region. In 2017, NASCAR crowned champions in all three of its national series at Homestead-Miami Speedway during Ford Championship Weekend for the 16th consecutive year (2002-17). Champions crowned at Homestead-Miami Speedway in 2017 were Martin Truex Jr. (Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series), William Byron (NASCAR XFINITY Series) and Christopher Bell (NASCAR Camping World Truck Series). 2018 Ford Championship Weekend will be held November 16-18.
