NorthernLight IRL: Jimmy Kite acts as honorary grand marshall for celebration in Atlanta
30 June 2000
Posted By Terry
Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
ATLANTA, GEORGIA- Stockbridge, Georgia resident
and Big Daddys BBQ/ Founders Bank/ Blueprint Racing driver Jimmy Kite has
been named the Honorary Grand Marshal for the WSB-TV Salute To America
Parade. The parade, which will travel through downtown Atlanta, is part
of
a daylong celebration in the Capital of the New South on the Fourth of
July. The Salute To America Parade begins at 12:30 PM on the Fourth and
is just one part of the Atlanta Independence Day celebration, one of the
countrys largest. The Salute to America parade will be broadcast live on
WSB-TV Channel 2, the local Atlanta ABC affiliate, starting at 12:30
PM.This has to be one of the greatest honors of my life, enthused the 24-year-old Kite. I have watched this parade for years and now to be a part of it is just something I never dreamed would happen. I thought Id have to win Indy to be a part of something like this. I am very proud to be an American and to be a part of this celebration. I just couldnt be any prouder to be Honorary Grand Marshal.
The event, which attracts more than 300,000 people to downtown Atlanta, will feature not only Kite but also the winning car from last years Midas 500 Classic. The car, driven by Scott Sharp to the victory in 1999, will ride on a float following the convertible that the multi-time racing champion Kite will ride in.
Following the Salute To America Parade, Kite - who graduated from Stockbridge High School in 1994- will attend an autograph signing on International Boulevard next to Atlantas Centennial Olympic Park. The signing will take place from 5-7 PM at the Northern Light exhibit. An Indy Racing Northern Light Series car will be on display throughout the evening as well.
The local Northern Light Series driver will be piloting the #27 Big Daddys BBQ/ Founders Bank/ Blueprint Racing Special G Force Oldsmobile in the July 15 Midas 500 Classic at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
Text provided by Tom Moore
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and art, visit
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