Philadelphia Eagles legend and fan favorite, Brian Dawkins, will be honored as the Grand Marshal of the AAA 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race, on September 30 at the Dover (Del.) International Speedway.
The former Pro Bowl safety will say the most famous words in motorsports, “Gentlemen start your engines,” to bring 43 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series engines to life before heading to Philadelphia where the Eagles will retire Dawkins’ No. 20 during the nationally televised Sunday night showdown against the New York Giants.
AAA teamed up with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2007 and Brian Dawkins was selected to personify AAA’s reputation of reliable protection. In April 2012, Dawkins announced his retirement, as a Philadelphia Eagle, after 16 NFL seasons, 13 of which were with the Eagles. The planned activities for September 30 will serve as the re-launch of the brand ambassador and endorsement relationship between Dawkins and AAA.
“Brian is a beloved Eagles legend and is also a long-time AAA member,” says Marke Dickinson, Executive Vice President, AAA Mid-Atlantic. “We are thrilled that we were able to reconnect with Brian and help him celebrate this very special day. His tremendous work ethic and leadership both on and off the football field made him a fan favorite and the perfect person to represent the AAA brand.”
Dawkins will tackle a full day of festivities as he attends his first ever NASCAR race. His day will start at Dover International Speedway as a guest of AAA Mid-Atlantic, the track and Michael Waltrip Racing (MWR). AAA Mid-Atlantic is the Official Travel, Roadside Assistance and Insurance Partner of MWR and Dover International Speedway. Additionally, AAA sponsors Martin Truex, Jr.’s No. 56 and the entire Michael Waltrip Racing team. During the AAA 400, Truex will be wearing a specially designed helmet to honor Dawkins 16-year NFL career. Before the race, Dawkins will tour the garage area, meet with Truex, Jr. and his crew, be introduced at the drivers’ meeting, have an opportunity to interact with fans and take a lap around the Monster Mile prior to the green flag.
Martin Truex, Jr. grew up in South Jersey as a big Philadelphia Eagles fan and is excited to take part in the special day’s activities. “As a sports fan and especially an Eagles fan, I cannot wait to introduce Brian Dawkins to NASCAR Nation and honor him on the 56 during the AAA 400. I am also thrilled to attend the game, as a guest of AAA, on Sunday evening and watch Brian have his number retired.”
AAA and their sports marketing agency of record, Aquarius Sports & Entertainment, began planning the events for September 30 upon the release of the 2012 NFL schedule and the decision by the Eagles organization to retire Dawkins’ jersey on the same day as the AAA 400. The close proximity of Dover International Speedway and Lincoln Financial Field provides the opportunity to leverage AAA’s assets as part of the AAA 400 entitlement, Michael Waltrip Racing and Philadelphia Eagles sponsorships and endorsement relationship with Dawkins.
“I’m excited to be honored by the Philadelphia Eagles organization and have the opportunity to partner, once again, with AAA,” Dawkins said “The ability to have this all done in such a unique way by tying in AAA’s racing partnerships to begin the day is really something special. I have never been a Grand Marshal at a NASCAR race and I am looking forward to giving the ‘start your engines’ command at the AAA 400.”
Dover Motorsports PR
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