Everett to serve as Glen Grand Marshal race

Watkins Glen, NY (July 30, 2008) – Former Buffalo Bills tight end Kevin Everett will serve as the Grand Marshal for the Zippo 200 NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Watkins Glen International on Saturday, August 9. Everett will have the prestigious responsibility of saying the four most famous words in racing – “Gentlemen, start your engines!” – to complete the pre-race ceremonies. The green flag will drop on the Zippo 200 at 3:00 PM EST and will air live on ABC.

“We are pleased to welcome Kevin Everett as the grand marshal of the Zippo 200,” said Zippo president and CEO Greg Booth. “His story has inspired people all across the country, especially those of us in this area who followed it so closely. To have him here to start the race is a testament to his courage and determination, and a real honor for us.”

Everett will also take time during the Centurion Boats at The Glen weekend to meet his fans during a book signing. Standing Tall, the Kevin Everett Story will be on sale for fans to purchase and have Everett sign. The book signing will be at the Pyramid on Saturday, August 9.

Everett was a reserve tight end for the Buffalo Bills when he suffered a career-ending spinal cord injury during the first game of the 2007 NFL season. Despite a grim prognosis, Everett recovered from his injury and has since used his experience to raise awareness and help those with new spinal cord injuries. His remarkable recovery put him on the cover of Sports Illustrated and on Wednesday, July 20th, Everett was presented with the 2008 Jimmy V ESPY for Perseverance. The award is named after former North Carolina State basketball coach Jim Valvano who passed away after an extended and courageous battle with cancer in 1993.

Every 49 minutes, an American sustains a spinal cord injury. Average expenses incurred during the first year after an injury are $329,000, and only half of all spinal cord injury patients have health insurance at the time of their accident. The Kevin Everett Spinal Cord Foundation is committed to helping newly injured patients with their transition from hospital to rehabilitation to home, which includes reducing the financial burden on those gravely affected by their injuries.

Tickets for the historic 60th Anniversary of racing in Watkins Glen are on-sale now! The action continues at Watkins Glen International, August 7-10, when the stars and cars of NASCAR take to the track. The Centurion Boats at The Glen NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race will be on Sunday, August 10 at 2:00 PM, and Zippo 200 NASCAR Nationwide Series event will be on Saturday, August 9 at 3:00 PM. Both races will broadcast live on TV. Don’t miss the return of the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series during Friday night’s Crown Royal 200 at The Glen starting after Sprint Cup qualifying at 6:00 PM. Tickets are going fast! For more information and ticket orders, please contact the Watkins Glen International ticket office at 866-461-RACE or log on to the official website at www.TheGlen.com.

(rochesterhomepage.net)