COCA-COLA 600 W.Va. Governor Serves As Grand Marshal For Big Race
Reported by: Kennie Bass
Videographer: Kennie Bass
Web Producer: Kennie Bass
Reported: May. 28, 2012 6:19 PM EDT
EYEWITNESS ONLINE WEBCAST VIDEO C L I C K T O P L A Y
Concord, NC
West Virginia's governor and first lady check out the happenings in the garage area at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Earl Ray Tomblin served as the Grand Marshal of the 53rd Annual Coca-Cola 600.
Tomblin's duties included meeting the drivers, among them the newest member of the Coca-Cola Racing Family, Danica Patrick. He also attended all of the pre-race festivities and took a pace lap around the track before they dropped the green flag.
Although he took a moment to chat with Jeff Gordon during driver introductions, Tomblin says his favorite drivers are members of the Coca-Cola Racing Family.
This is Tomblin's second time at the race, in 1997 he served as the honorary starter. Coca-Cola Consolidated Sr. Vice President Lauren Steele says pulling double duty at the Coca-Cola 600 is a rare event.
At the end of the long day, Tomblin had one more official duty. He handed the trophy to Coca-Cola 600 champion Casey Kahne.
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Kennie Bass
