SONOMA, Calif. (June 21, 2008) -- Great food and the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series will come together Sunday when Food Network star Guy Fieri serves as the grand marshal for the Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Infineon Raceway.
Fieri, a resident of nearby Santa Rosa in the North Bay, rocketed to stardom on the Food Network after winning the title on the hit show, “The Next Food Network Star.”
He has since hosted three popular programs, including “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” and “Guy’s Big Bite.” Fieri is also a huge NASCAR Sprint Cup Series fan, having attended Infineon Raceway's annual event for years.
“I could not be more excited and honored to be chosen as the grand marshal of the Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Infineon Raceway in beautiful Sonoma County,” Fieri said. “I am a huge fan of racing, and a true believer that Sonoma County is an epicenter of great food and wine, so you put the two together and you have a great recipe for an off-the-hook weekend.”
Fieri has been honored throughout the race weekend, most notably at the Children’s Champions Grand Marshal’s Banquet Friday night at the beautiful Cline Cellars in Sonoma. All proceeds from the banquet benefit Speedway Children’s Charities, the charitable arm of Infineon Raceway.
Fieri will attend the NASCAR drivers' meeting Sunday, take center stage during driver introductions and join the Northern California Toyota Dealers in giving the command, “Gentlemen, Start Your Engines.”
Fieri, who began his culinary career at age 10, selling pretzels out of a mobile cart, owns four restaurants in Northern California, with a fifth due to open later this year. His first restaurant, Johnny Garlic’s, offers big, bold flavors, while his second, Tex Wasabi’s, is a fusion restaurant featuring everything from BBQ to sushi. All are located in Northern California.
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06-21-2008, 11:22 PM
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