The Daytona 500 maybe the star race on the NASCAR schedule but it's the second stop of the season that brings more star power to the NASCAR garage. California Speedway, site of the Auto Club 500, is again delivering its share of Hollywood star sightings to its many fans. With "Tinsel Town" a short drive to the west of the two-mile speedway, it is normal to spot a celebrity or two mingling with the 43 competitors of the Sprint Cup Series prior to Sunday's race.
This year, actor and comedian Brad Garrett, star of the FOX comedy "Til Death," will serve as the Grand Marshal of the Auto Club 500. Garrett is best known for playing Robert on the hit series "Everybody Loves Raymond," a role for which he won three Emmy awards. Prior to Garrett giving the command to fire the engines, a well-know blues rock trio will attempt to get the fans fired up as Rock and Roll Hall of Famers ZZ Top are scheduled to perform a special concert at pre-race festivities.
Sunday's Sprint Cup race is usually the pinnacle of the weekend schedule at California Speedway, but this year it will be challenged by a historic event planned for Saturday, February 23rd.
For the first time, the Craftsman Truck Series and the Nationwide Series will compete in a NASCAR double header. Fans will have the opportunity to double their racing excitement for no extra charge with the green flag for Truck Series race scheduled to fall at 3 p.m. EST followed by the start of the Nationwide event at 7 p.m. EST. Between the two races, the Sprint Cup Series competitors will take to the track for their final practice prior to Sunday's race, giving spectators the opportunity to see their favorite stars from NASCAR's top three series in action.
The action does not end after the checkered flag falls on Saturday as those with paid admission to NASCAR's double header will be able to catch great music action with a performance by George Thorogood and the Destroyers in the California FanZone. Thorogood and the Destroyers are best known for their legendary rock tune, "Bad to the Bone."
FOX is scheduled to broadcast live television coverage of the Auto Club 500 beginning at 3:30 p.m. EST. The green flag is scheduled to fall at 4 p.m. EST
Auto Club 500 at California Speedway Quick Facts
Qualifying Record: Kyle Busch (188.425 mph, 38.248 seconds), February 25, 2005
Race Record: Jeff Gordon (155.012 mph, 3 hours, 13 minutes, 32 seconds), June 22, 1997
2007 Winner: Matt Kenseth
Total Purse: $6,144,605
