STP 300 picks Idonije as grand marshal
Chicago Bears defensive end Israel Idonije will be the grand marshal for the STP 300 NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet on Saturday.
“I’m honored to be a part of the pre-race ceremonies for the STP 300,” said Idonije. “To say the coveted words ‘drivers start your engines’ is very exciting, and I’m looking forward to taking in all the racing action this Saturday.”
Idonije has been with the Bears for six seasons and was named one of three finalists in the NFL this year for the 2011 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award. He was also the 2010 Ed Block Courage Award recipient, awarding NFL players based on sportsmanship, courage and role models of inspiration.
STP also donated a pair of tickets to 18 deserving service men and women from the Marines and National Guard who will be behind the wheels of the Toyota Tundra’s during driver introductions.
Chicagoland Speedway will host the STP 300 NASCAR Nationwide Series race (7 p.m. ESPN) and the Messina Wildlife Animal Stopper 150 ARCA Racing Series (5 p.m.) on Saturday at the Joliet track. Last season’s American Idol runner-up, Crystal Bowersox, will perform the national anthem, and following the night race under the lights will be a concert from multi-platinum selling rock band Puddle of Mudd. Also performing throughout the afternoon in Champions Park are local Chicago bands 7th Heaven and Infinity.
To purchase tickets for the races, visit www.ChicagolandSpeedway.com or call 1-888-629-RACE (7223).