By Jason Powell, ProWrestling.net Editor (@prowrestlingnet)
The following press release was issued on Friday that includes the announcement of Paul “Big Show” Wight as the Grand Marshal of the NASCAR Cup Series FireKeepers Casino 400 on Saturday.
BROOKLYN, Mich. – The NASCAR Cup Series FireKeepers Casino 400 won’t be the only big show being featured at Michigan International Speedway this Saturday. Prior to the race – the first of two NASCAR Cup Series events being staged at MIS in as many days – WWE superstar “The Big Show” will serve as the virtual Grand Marshal. In that role he will recite the most famous words in motorsports, “Drivers, start your engines!”
Having started his wrestling career in 1994, Big Show – Paul Donald Wright II – has held multiple championship titles in his decorated career, including the WWE World Heavyweight World Championship and the WWE Intercontinental Championship. He has become a household name and one of the top athletes in sports entertainment.
“Having the Big Show as the Grand Marshal of the FireKeepers Casino 400 not only is an honor, but it also exhibits the stature of the race,” said Michigan International Speedway President Rick Brenner. “He has been a fan-favorite in the wrestling world for more than 25 years, and his many championships illustrates the success he has achieved during that time.”
In addition to his prowess in the ring, Big Show stars in his own Netflix family comedy, The Big Show Show, which is currently available on the streaming platform. A special crossover event of the series will premiere Monday, August 10 with familiar faces and surprise cameos. He has also appeared in feature films such as Jingle All the Way, The Waterboy and Star Trek Enterprise, as well as two USA Network’s comedy-dramas, Royal Pains and Psych, in addition to the action-drama Burn Notice. In 2010, he had his first lead role, in the comedy film Knucklehead, which was produced by WWE Studios.
The schedule for the NASCAR weekend at MIS will consist of the following:
Friday, Aug. 7 : NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series 6:00 pm (FS1)
Henry Ford Health System 200 (200 miles)
Saturday, Aug. 8: NASCAR Cup Series FireKeepers Casino 400 (312 miles) 4:00 pm (NBCSN)
Sunday, Aug. 9: ARCA Menards Series VizCom 200 (200 miles) 1:00 pm (MAVTV)
Sunday, Aug. 9: NASCAR Cup Series Consumers Energy 400 (312 miles) 4:30 pm (NBCSN)
Times are ET
About Michigan International Speedway
Nestled in the lush Irish Hills of Southeastern Michigan, Michigan International Speedway is NASCAR’s fastest racetrack. It has been the love of NASCAR racing and the thrill of a great time for race fans and drivers alike for more than 50 years.
Powell’s POV: One can only assume that there’s not a guy named “Paul Wright” claiming to be Big Show. Having never made a single typo (in this sentence… maybe), I can make that joke. I can’t imagine that celebrity pace car driver was an option for Big Show. Even if they somehow wedged him inside the car, it would sure take the jaws of life to get him out.
Grand Marshal means he gives the commands to start engines plus he wasn’t there