(PHOENIX, Ariz.) – Adrian Fernandez – driver of the No. 007 Lowe’s Aston Martin LMP1 and one of Mexico’s most popular athletes – will step out of his normal role behind the wheel to serve as Grand Marshal for the Kobalt Tools 500 at Phoenix International Raceway on Sunday, November 13.
“I am honored to be chosen as the Grand Marshal for the Kobalt Tools 500,” said Fernandez. “At this stage, every round in The Chase is pivotal and I am looking forward to a great race. I competed at PIR on several occasions and, having lived in Phoenix for a long time, I still consider it home. Lowe’s and Kobalt Tools have a lot of activities planned leading up to the race, and I am excited to be a part of it all and to have the chance to catch up with a lot of friends and fans.”
As Grand Marshal for NASCAR’s semi-final race in the Chase for the Sprint Cup, Fernandez will rev up the crowd by delivering racing’s iconic phrase, “Gentleman, start your engines.” He will also work with PIR officials and Lowe’s/Kobalt Tools to help welcome fans, drivers, and teams to Phoenix for the final West Coast race of the 2011 NASCAR season.
At 48 years old, Fernandez has enjoyed a racing career that spans almost 30 years. His success on the race track and passion for the sport have placed him on a worldwide stage with a dedicated fan base around the globe. Fernandez made his NASCAR debut in 2005 when he helped promote the sport in his native Mexico by driving the No. 5 Lowe’s/Hitachi Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports. It was the first NASCAR Nationwide Series race held outside the United States. He went on to contest four more NASCAR Nationwide races for Hendrick Motorsports that year and two in 2006. That same year, Fernandez – who had formed Fernandez Racing in 2000 with partner Tom Anderson – expanded his program to create Lowe’s Fernandez Racing with Fernandez participating as both a team owner and driver in the Rolex Grand-Am Series, and in the American Le Mans Series from 2007 through 2009. Fernandez, alongside teammate Luis Diaz, claimed LMP2 driver and team championship honors in 2009.
Fernandez opened a new chapter in his career in 2010, driving for the iconic Aston Martin Racing team aboard the 007 Lowe’s Aston Martin LMP1 entry in selected, prestigious sports car events such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Twelve Hours of Sebring. Recently, Fernandez and AMR claimed an overall victory at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, Calif., and finished third at the Petit Le Mans in Braselton, Ga.
Tickets for the Kobalt Tools 500 on November 13 are available now and start at just $25. For Phoenix International Raceway tickets and information, call 866-408-RACE (7223) or visit PhoenixRaceway.com.
About Phoenix International Raceway
Since 1964, Phoenix International Raceway has served race fans as the premier motorsports venue in the Southwest. Watch the brightest stars in NASCAR take on PIR’s brand new one-mile oval on November 13, 2011 in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup – the Kobalt Tools 500. Tickets for the entire Kobalt Tools 500 weekend at Phoenix International Raceway can be purchased online at PhoenixRaceway.com/Tickets or by calling 1-866-408-RACE (7223). For more, visit PhoenixRaceway.com, Facebook.com/PhoenixRaceway and Twitter.com/PhoenixRaceway.
- Phoenix International Raceway, Press Release