Jeb Bush Named Pepsi 400 Grand Marshal

Jeb Bush to Serve as Pepsi 400 Grand Marshal

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Jeb Bush, former Secretary of Commerce for the State of Florida, will serve as Grand Marshal for the inaugural nighttime running of the Pepsi 400 on July 4 at Daytona International Speedway.

"I am honored to serve as Grand Marshal of the 1998 Pepsi 400," Jeb Bush said. "For 40 years this race has been a top-notch event on the racing circuit and has held a special place in the hearts of people of Florida and racing fans everywhere. I wish all participants and fans a successful, safe and enjoyable racing weekend."

During Jeb Bush's tenure as Florida's Secretary of Commerce, he saw first hand the worldwide exposure and the economic impact of motorsports at Daytona. He was also the Republican nominee for governor in 1994.

Bush came to Florida nearly 18 years ago. In 1981, with only three employees, he helped start a new real estate company. Today, he serves as president and chief operating officer of that same small business. However, with more than 200 employees, the Miami-based Codina Group is now the largest full-service commercial real estate company in South Florida.

More recently, Bush established the Foundation for Florida's Future — a grassroots organization that has positively impacted public policy for the last three years. It was in this capacity, as chairman of the Foundation, that he co-founded the Liberty City Charter School with the Urban League of Greater Miami. This independent public school now serves more than 140 underprivileged kindergarten, first, second and third graders from the poorest sections of Miami.

His father, former President George Bush, may have passed his enthusiasm for motorsports along to his son. As President, George Bush served as Grand Marshal for the 1992 Pepsi 400.

Bill Calkins, division president for Winn Dixie grocery stores, will serve as Honorary Starter for the 40th Annual Pepsi 400. Calkins, who started with Winn Dixie 39 years ago as a bagger, has served as a company division president in Tampa, Louisville and is currently in Jacksonville.

Although grandstand seating is sold out for the 1998 Pepsi 400, other options available to fans wishing to experience "Daytona at the Speed of Light" include a limited number of reserved infield motorhome spaces good for three days of admission and unreserved grandstand tickets good for admission to all of Thursday's and Friday's on-track action. Infield tickets for the entire weekend of racing will be available at the gate starting on Thursday, July 2.

To witness Daytona's new spectacular lighting system and two nights of NASCAR Winston Cup practice and qualifying for the price of one, Thursday Collectible Pole Night Tickets must be purchased in advance for $15. Call the Speedway Ticket Office at (904) 253-7223, or for more information visit http://www.daytonausa.com.