Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden to serve as Grand Marshals

As part of their Joining Forces initiative, First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden will visit Homestead-Miami Speedway as it hosts the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup finale, the Ford 400, and join NASCAR in honoring America’s troops and military families. NASCAR, Mrs. Obama and Dr. Biden will recognize service members and military families from the local community at a special BBQ lunch prior to the race. Mrs. Obama and Dr. Biden will also invite a military family to join them as they serve as Grand Marshals for the championship race to lead the pre-race ceremony and offer the most famous words in racing: “Gentlemen, start your engines."

“We are honored that First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden will be joining us as we crown the 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion," said Homestead-Miami Speedway President Matthew Becherer. “Most importantly, we are pleased that they are both coming to Homestead-Miami Speedway to personally thank the men and women who sacrifice so much to ensure our freedom and allow us to enjoy events like Ford Championship Weekend."