Sonoma Raceway and Pit Boss® Grills are thrilled to announce that ESPN host and reporter Marty Smith will serve as Grand Marshal for the Pit Boss/FoodMaxx 250 NASCAR Xfinity Series race on Saturday, July 12. Smith will bring his signature charisma and passion for motorsports to the pre-race ceremonies, culminating in delivering the most famous words in racing: "Drivers, start your engines!"
A native of Pearisburg, Virginia, Marty Smith has spent more than two decades as one of the most respected and recognizable voices in motorsports media. He launched his career in 1999 as a contributor for NASCAR.com, where his passion for racing and natural storytelling talent quickly set him apart. In 2006, he joined ESPN as the network’s lead NASCAR reporter, becoming a familiar face to fans through his work on SportsCenter, NASCAR Countdown, and NASCAR Now. Known for his distinctive southern charm, authenticity, and insightful reporting, Smith has built a strong connection with both athletes and audiences. Today, he co-hosts the popular ESPN show Marty & McGee and continues to appear regularly across ESPN platforms, including SportsCenter, College GameDay, and ESPN.com.
“My relationship with my friends at Pit Boss goes back many years, through my work with college football and NASCAR and the best places to grill at tailgates,” said Smith. “When they called me on this, I wasn’t sure I should do it. But in this season of my life I want to seek out unique opportunity that challenges me not to settle, some of which that might make me uncomfortable. I’ve always thought it’d be cool to give the command, and to do it at Sonoma, a place with so many special memories for me, is even more special. So here we are. Let’s uncork ‘em. I just hope I remember the words.”
His appearance at Sonoma is sure to energize the crowd and elevate the excitement surrounding NASCAR’s return to Northern California’s legendary road course—its only stop in the Golden State for the 2025 season.
“We are honored to welcome Marty Smith as our Grand Marshal,” said Sonoma Raceway Executive Vice President and General Manager Brian Flynn. “Marty's love for the sport and his authentic connection with fans make him the perfect person to kick off what promises to be an action-packed day at the track.”
The Pit Boss/FoodMaxx 250 is part of a thrilling race weekend that also features Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series event, the Toyota/Save Mart 350. Fans can expect wheel-to-wheel racing, scenic wine country views, and unforgettable moments both on and off the track.
Tickets for the Pit Boss/FoodMaxx 250 and the full weekend of racing action are available now at SonomaRaceway.com or by calling (800) 870-RACE [7223].
