Marcus Lemonis is Grand Marshal & Honorary Starter
Marcus Lemonis/PIR
Marcus Lemonis, star of CNBC’s ‘The Profit,’ will serve as the grand marshal and honorary starter for The Profit on CNBC 500 Presented by Small Business Fueling America NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Phoenix International Raceway on Sunday, March 2.
On ‘The Profit,’ Lemonis, the Chairman and CEO of Camping World and Good Sam Enterprises, steps in to save struggling businesses by investing his own money and teaching the owners his secrets to business success. The second season of ‘The Profit’ premiers on Tuesday, Feb. 25 on CNBC.
As grand marshal, Lemonis will say the four most famous words in racing – “Drivers, start your engines!” prior to the start of the race. After giving the command, Lemonis will head to the flag stand where he will wave the green flag to officially start The Profit on CNBC 500 Presented by Small Business Fueling America.
Lemonis headlines an exciting pre-race schedule. Fan favorite and Phoenix-native trumpet soloist Jesse Maguire will perform the national anthem, while UFC fighter and FOX Sports analyst Chael Sonnen will be the honorary pace car driver.
The popular rock group P.O.D. (Payable On Death) will perform on the pre-race stage beginning at 11:00 a.m. MST. Adding to the scene during pre-race will be an appearance by the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales, who will make a parade lap along the front stretch prior to the start of the race.
Maguire has performed his powerful and moving trumpet rendition of the ‘Star Spangled Banner’ for three presidents as well as crowds in NASCAR, Major League Baseball and the NFL. He has toured worldwide with the band Tower of Power, and he served as the lead trumpet for the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra of New York. He currently performs regularly at The Phoenician resort in Phoenix.
Sonnen, also known as “The American Gangster, will participate in pre-race ceremonies and will lead the pack of cars on Sunday to the green flag. Currently ranked eighth among in the light heavyweights in the world, Sonnen is one of the most popular fighters to ever compete in the UFC. His quick wit and controversial commentary have made him a crowd favorite.
Known for their passionate lyrics and energy P.O.D. is scheduled to release their eighth and latest record, Murdered Love, this spring. Following the album release, P.O.D. will be embarking on a national tour. Formed in 1992, the group has sold over 10 million albums, garnered four No. 1 music videos, three Grammy nominations and over a dozen rock radio hits, including “Southtown,” “Alive,” “Youth of the Nation,” and “Goodbye for Now.”