Organizers of the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg have named Vincent Jackson, three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, as Grand Marshal for the 2015 event, taking place March 27-29. In his role as Grand Marshal, Jackson will make the famous "drivers, start your engines!" call to start the Sunday, March 29, season-opening Verizon IndyCar Series race and will lead the Driver Parade around the track during pre-race ceremonies for the Firestone Grand Prix.
"We are delighted to have Vincent join us as the Grand Marshal for the race," said Kevin Savoree, Co-Owner, President and COO of Green Savoree Racing Promotions, organizers of the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. "The Grand Marshal role at any race is an important, but exciting part of the spectacle and festivities during the event weekend. We're looking forward to welcoming Vincent and the Buccaneers organization to the track."
Since joining the Buccaneers in 2012, Jackson has established himself as a leader in Tampa Bay. Voted a team captain each year, the veteran has recorded three straight seasons with more than 1,000 yards receiving and compiled 17 touchdowns. For the past two years, Jackson has been named the team's Man of the Year – honoring his leadership both on the field and in the community – and at the conclusion of the 2014 season was named one of two league finalists for the NFL's prestigious Salute to Service Award presented by USAA. The award acknowledges the best of the NFL's commitment to making a difference
in the lives of military service members and their families, through which the receiver's personal initiatives, team charitable efforts, and non-profit organization "Jackson In Action 83 Foundation" are dedicated.
"I'm honored to have the opportunity to serve as Grand Marshal for the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg," said Jackson. "I have the utmost respect for all of the drivers, crew members and teams that will be competing at the event, and can't wait to join them on the track. It's a great chance to showcase not only the city of St. Petersburg, but the entire Bay Area on a national stage, and I am excited to help represent Tampa Bay as the Verizon IndyCar Series kicks off its season."
Tickets to the 2015 Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg are available now and can be purchased online at www.gpstpete.com or by phone at 1-877-725-8849.About the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg
Now in its 11th year, the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is run on a 1.8-mile, 14-turn waterfront circuit that includes a combination of adjacent downtown streets circling Pioneer Park, the Duke Energy Center for the Arts, The Dali Museum and extending onto the runways at Albert Whitted Airport, which overlook the Tampa Bay and picturesque St. Petersburg Harbor and Marina. The event is organized and operated by Green Savoree Racing Promotions.
To learn more about the event, visit gpstpete.com, 'like' its Facebook page at facebook.com/GPSTPETE or follow the event on Twitter @GPSTPETE #FirestoneGP.
