Grand Marshal Announcement
NASCAR will return to EchoPark Speedway on the weekend of July 11‑12 for the Quaker State 400, a Sunday night Cup Series showcase that promises fireworks under the lights. The series confirmed that Chipper Jones, the 1995 World Series champion and 1999 National League MVP, will serve as the event’s grand marshal, bringing his Hall of Fame pedigree to the track.
Jones’ involvement ties together two American pastimes that have long intersected in the South. The former Braves slugger, who amassed over 2,700 hits and 1,600 RBIs during a 19‑year career, will be honored for his contributions to baseball and his deep roots in the Atlanta community. His presence underscores the growing crossover appeal of NASCAR events, which often blend sports, entertainment, and regional culture.
The weekend’s schedule features a full slate of racing action. On Saturday night, July 11, the Focused Health 250 will run as part of the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, offering fans a preview of the following day’s Cup Series finale. Adding a modern twist, the event will host NASCAR’s $1 million In‑Season Tournament, a bracket‑style elimination format that pits eight top drivers against one another for a substantial prize purse.
Race officials have opened ticket sales through EchoParkSpeedway.com and by phone at (770) 946‑4211. Fans can secure admission for either night of competition, with options ranging from general admission to premium hospitality packages. The event promises a unique blend of historic racing tradition and contemporary bracket racing excitement, all under the spotlight of a hometown hero’s grand marshal role.