NASCAR officials announced exciting news Thursday that Winston Cup Champion Rusty Wallace will be dropping the checkered flag and be the grand marshal in Sunday’s race at Watkins Glen, NY.
“All the drivers in the field on Sunday have a common goal – to become one of the best in the sport, just like Rusty Wallace,” said Watkins Glen International president Michael Printup. “We are honored that Rusty, who has twice conquered The Glen, will be serving as our grand marshal. And we know how much it will mean to the fans to see this legendary driver introduced on stage Sunday afternoon.”
Between 1980 and 2005, Wallace won 55 races and finished in the top 10 an impressive 349 times, including being the first NASCAR driver to win at Watkins Glen twice. Wallace was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame back in 2013.
NASCAR fans across the board are very excited about Wallace’s return to the track. Since retiring after 25 years in the sport, he’s been in the broadcast booth.
CONGRATULATIONS to brother @RustyWallace on being the GRAND MARSHALL at @WGI ..
My favorite memory of Rusty‘s many wins at the Glen is when he had a half a lap lead and had to pit for gas on the last lap. Crazy exciting🏁 pic.twitter.com/j5v1gI6mAY
— Kenny Wallace (@Kenny_Wallace) August 17, 2022
Wallace also is excited about his return.
“I’m really looking forward to being the Grand Marshal for Sunday’s race at Watkins Glen,” said Wallace. “It’s such an iconic and historic racetrack. The Glen is the place where I got my first road course win and won the IROC title, so it’s a really special track to me personally. Watkins Glen always puts on an exciting race and I’m sure that this weekend will be no exception!”
Sunday’s race may also mark the day that Chase Elliott wraps up the regular season championship.
