24 Daytona 500 winners to serve as grand marshals

Daytona International Speedway officials announced Wednesday that the 24 living Daytona 500 winners will serve as Grand Marshals of the race and give the command to start engines for the 50th running of the 500.

Drivers on hand throughout the weekend and who will say, "Gentlemen, start your engines," will be Bobby Allison (1978, 1982, 1988 Daytona 500 winner), Mario Andretti (1967), Buddy Baker (1980), Geoff Bodine (1986), Ward Burton (2002), Derrike Cope (1990), Dale Earnhardt Jr. (2004), Bill Elliott (1985, 1987), A.J. Foyt (1972), Jeff Gordon (1997, 1999, 2005), Pete Hamilton (1970), Kevin Harvick (2007), Ernie Irvan (1991), Dale Jarrett (1993, 1996, 2000), Jimmie Johnson (2006), Junior Johnson (1960), Fred Lorenzen (1965), Sterling Marlin (1994, 1995), Marvin Panch (1961), David Pearson (1976), Richard Petty (1964, 1966, 1971, 1973, 1974, 1979, 1981), Darrell Waltrip (1989), Michael Waltrip (2001, 2003) and Cale Yarborough (1968, 1977, 1983, 1984).

"It's only fitting that these champions take part in the most exciting prelude to the most anticipated event in racing history," track president Robin Braig said in a news release. "We're honored to have these living legends on site to help celebrate this momentous occasion."