Barber Motorsports Park and ZOOM Motorsports announced today that the World Boxing Council (WBC) heavyweight boxing champion Deontay Wilder will be this year’s Grand Marshal for the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama, held April 24th through 26th in Birmingham.

In January, Tuscaloosa native Deontay Wilder became the first United States fighter to hold the title of WBC world heavyweight boxing champion since 2006. Muhammad Ali is also amongst the legendary list of names to have won the WBC title.

“We are honored to have an Alabama-native and a world champion as our grand marshal,” stated George Dennis, president of ZOOM Motorsports, the exclusive event promoter of the Barber Motorsports Park. “Ironically, last year, our defending race champion, Ryan Hunter-Reay was also the first American to win the Indy 500 since 2006. Deontay’s energy and presence will add to the fun-filled weekend, and we’re excited for what is shaping up to be the best Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama yet.”

Wilder’s duties as grand marshal of the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama will include announcing the widely recognized pre-race command, “Gentlemen, start your engines!” to kick-off Sunday’s race. Wilder will be waving the green flag to start the race for some of the biggest stars of INDYCAR including defending champion Ryan Hunter-Reay, Will Power, Helio Castroneves, Marco Andretti and more.

“I’m really looking forward to spending the day at the beautiful Barber Motorsports Park,” stated Wilder. “I have an appreciation for hard work and competitiveness, so it will be fun to see the fastest drivers in the world compete for the title of Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama champion. It’s a true honor to serve as grand marshal, and I hope all the fans come out for the exciting weekend of racing action.”

General admission tickets for the sixth annual event start as low as $15 and, as always, children 12 and under are admitted free with a ticketed adult, courtesy of Alabama Power Company. Fans can visit www.barbermotorsports.com to purchase tickets and print their tickets instantly from the convenience of their home.

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