Sunday’s Pennzoil 400 Presented by Jiffy Lube will kick off in style as Las Vegas Raiders’ two-time All-Pro punter A.J. Cole has been named grand marshal for the 27th annual event. The three-time Pro Bowler will deliver the command to start engines before a massive crowd at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
“This is going to be a thrill of a lifetime to get to do this,” Cole said. “I know it’s pretty special to be the person chosen to do this, so I promise I will make it memorable. On top of that, I’m looking forward to spending the day taking in all of the excitement of a NASCAR event.”
Since joining the Raiders organization in 2019, Cole has been named to the All-Pro First-Team twice and selected for the Pro Bowl three times. For the 2023-2024 season, Cole led the NFL in net punting average and had the most punts stopped inside the 20. Cole was the Raiders nominee for the 2022 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, recognizing outstanding excellence on and off the field through exceptional community service.
The Raider has achieved several records, notably setting the NFL record with an average of 63.6 yards per punt in a game against the New York Giants, totaling 318 yards. Additionally, he holds the franchise record for the longest punt at 83 yards.
Cole will join a list of distinguished guests who have also delivered the command at LVMS including Vegas Golden Knights Adin Hill and William Carrier, Legendary car builder Carroll Shelby, actor Mark Wahlberg, comedian Tim Allen, former Raiders Marcus Allen and Derek Carr, actor Cole Hauser, socialite Kim Kardashian, country and Rascal Flatts, noted broadcaster Brent Musburger and UFC President Dana White.
LVMS’s spring 2024 NASCAR Weekend begins on Thursday with the famous hauler parade on the Las Vegas Strip and racing action starts Friday with the Victoria’s Voice 200 Presented by Westgate Resorts NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race. The LiUNA NASCAR Xfinity Series race is scheduled for Saturday and the Pennzoil 400 on Sunday.
LVMS PR
