Gen. Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret.) will once again step into the role of commander March 12 when he gives the order for NASCAR's elite Winston Cup warriors to fire their engines as grand marshal of the Cracker Barrel Old Country Store 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

The occasion marks Powell's first visit to a NASCAR event and his return to the Atlanta area where in 1989 he was stationed at Fort McPherson as the commander of the U.S. Army Forces Command.

Powell's weekend schedule will find him in the NASCAR Winston Cup garage area to meet competitors. He will likely want to sneak a up-close look at the cars competing, as one of his forms of relaxing is working on his own automobiles.

“Atlanta Motor Speedway is honored to host Gen. Powell as our grand marshal,” commented track President Ed Clark. “His distinguished presence should be a highlight of the day for fans, competitors and all in attendance.” “General Powell has earned a reputation for his leadership abilities during times of crisis,” said Mark Perrone, executive director of special events for Cracker Barrel Old Country Store. “We are privileged to have a true American hero play a role in a true American sport.”

Powell's distinguished 35-year military career concluded with his final assignment as the 12th chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the highest military position in the Department of Defense. During his time as chairman, Powell oversaw 28 crises to include Operation Desert Storm in the 1991 Persian Gulf War.

He has served as an advisor to presidents Ronald Reagan, George Bush and Bill Clinton.

Powell was born in New York City and raised in the South Bronx. He currently serves as chairman of America's Promise — The Alliance for Youth, a national crusade to improve the lives of our nation's youth, endorsed by every living U.S. president.

For information on the Cracker Barrel Old Country Store 500 weekend, phone Atlanta Motor Speedway's ticket office at 770-946-4211. Additionally, fans can read about all Atlanta Motor Speedway events via the internet at www.gospeedway.com

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