Hicks to be honorary starter, Quick and Reese co-grand marshals for Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race
DOVER, Del. (April 30, 2018) – Jordan Hicks, a standout linebacker for the Super Bowl LII Champion Philadelphia Eagles, and team announcers Merrill Reese and Mike Quick, will serve as dignitaries for the “AAA 400 Drive for Autism” Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Dover International Speedway on Sunday, May 6, track officials announced today.
Reese and Quick will be the race’s co-grand marshals and Hicks will be the event’s honorary starter.
Recognized as one of the most distinguished radio broadcasters in all of sports, Reese has been calling games for the Eagles since 1977 and is the longest tenured play-by-play announcer in the NFL. Appropriately nicknamed the “Voice of the Eagles,” he was inducted into the team’s Hall of Fame in 2016 which coincided with his 40th year in the booth. Quick joined Reese as a broadcaster in 1998, following a remarkable nine-year career as a wide receiver for the Eagles. A 1995 Eagles Hall of Fame inductee, Quick earned five consecutive trips to the Pro Bowl (1983-87) and ranks third all-time among Eagles wideouts in receiving yards (6,464) and receiving touchdowns (61).
A former third-round draft pick of the Eagles in 2015, Hicks is one of only two linebackers in NFL history to record 11+ takeaways (seven interceptions and four fumble recoveries) in his first 24 career games.
Reese and Quick will give the command for NASCAR’s top drivers to start their engines while Hicks will wave the green flag to begin the race.
Hicks, Quick and Reese will also appear on the AAA Stage at Victory Plaza at 9:45 a.m. on Sunday, May 6 during a Philadelphia Eagles celebration, along with team mascot SWOOP and members of the Eagles Cheerleader squad. The Eagles Drumline will also be a part of pre-race activities on the Monster Mile’s frontstretch, along with race dignitaries, SWOOP and the Eagles Cheerleaders.
The Eagles will continue their support of autism awareness on Saturday, May 19 when the team hosts its inaugural Eagles Autism Challenge presented by Lincoln Financial Group. Taking place at Lincoln Financial Field, the cycling and 5K Run/Walk – which includes participation from the entire organization – will raise critical funds for innovative autism research and programs. Interested participants can register atwww.eaglesautismchallenge.org.
“Autism is one of the fastest-growing developmental disorders in the country, yet it has been historically misunderstood and under-researched,” said Ryan Hammond, Eagles Autism Challenge Executive Director. “We are proud to join NASCAR and Dover International Speedway in their collective efforts to turn autism awareness into action on Sunday.”
As a way to further drive the conversation around autism awareness and support, the Eagles Autism Challenge logo will be featured on the No. 3 paint scheme at the “AAA 400 Drive for Autism.”
The “AAA 400 Drive for Autism” is the 11th race of the 2018 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series schedule. The May 4-6 NASCAR tripleheader weekend at Dover International Speedway also includes the “JEGS 200” NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race on Friday, May 4 and the “OneMain Financial 200” NASCAR Xfinity Series Dash 4 Cash race on Saturday, May 5.
For tickets or more information on Monster Mile events, call (800) 441-RACE or visit DoverSpeedway.com. You can also keep up with track activities at Facebook.com/DoverInternationalSpeedway, or on Twitter and Instagram at @MonsterMile.
About Dover Motorsports, Inc.
Dover Motorsports, Inc. (NYSE: DVD) is a leading promoter of NASCAR sanctioned motorsports events whose subsidiaries own and operate Dover International Speedway in Dover, Del. and Nashville Superspeedway near Nashville, Tenn. The company also plays host to the Firefly Music Festival, produced by Red Frog Events and Goldenvoice. For more information, visit www.DoverMotorsports.com.
About AAA
AAA provides automotive, travel and insurance services to 57 million members nationwide and more than three million members in Pennsylvania. AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years. The not-for-profit, fully tax-paying member organization works on behalf of motorists, who can now map a route, find local gas prices, discover discounts, book a hotel and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android. For more information, visit www.AAA.com.
About the Eagles Autism Challenge
The Eagles Autism Challenge presented by Lincoln Financial Group is a landmark cycling and 5K run/walk fundraising event dedicated to raising funds for innovative autism research and programs. Set to take place on Saturday, May 19, the Eagles Autism Challenge features the Wawa Junior 15-Mile Ride, Wawa Shorti 30-Mile Ride and the Wawa Classic 50-Mile Ride, along with the family-friendly “five Below 5K Run/Walk.” All routes begin and end at Lincoln Financial Field, with the finish line taking place at the 50-yard line. One hundred percent of participant-raised funds will be directed to autism research and programs at three nationally recognized institutions: Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Drexel University, and Thomas Jefferson University and Jefferson Health. For more information or to register, please visitwww.eaglesautismchallenge.org.
