MIAMI (February 1, 2000) – Legendary NASCAR crew chief Ray Evernham will be responsible for starting everyone’s engines for the February 25-26 Florida Dodge Dealers 400, in his role as Grand Marshal for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

Evernham is beginning a new career as a NASCAR Winston Cup Series team owner after earning the distinction as one of the most successful crew chiefs in the history of the sport. He will be making his first public appearance for Dodge at the 400-kilometer event on the 1.5-mile Speedway.

"It’s a great honor and I am really excited to be the Grand Marshal of the Florida Dodge Dealers 400," Evernham said. "My experiences at Homestead-Miami Speedway have been limited, but it is a nice place, and I look forward to racing there."

The native of Red Bank, N.J. was recently named team owner and manager for the Dodge Motorsports NASCAR Winston Cup program. He is responsible for creating and managing one of Dodge’s two Winston Cup teams. Evernham will work closely with Dodge engineering and design groups to field a Dodge Intrepid for the team’s inaugural season, beginning with the 2001 Daytona 500.

Before leaving Hendrick Motorsports in September, Evernham helped lead driver Jeff Gordon to 47 victories and three of the past four NASCAR Winston Cup championships. During the first 27 events in 1999, the Gordon-Evernham duo captured five victories, led 22 races, and won seven Bud Poles.

Evernham began his career as a crew chief in the Busch Series in 1991 as a crew chief for Gordon and car owner Bill Davis. Evernham and Gordon joined Hendrick Motorsports in 1992, with Gordon winning Winston Cup rookie of the year honors that year.

His involvement in racing began as a driver on the short tracks of New Jersey. He was crew chief for the International Race of Champions program, and also worked as a chassis specialist for the late Alan Kulwicki’s Winston Cup team.

Evernham, 42, and his wife May have a son, Ray. They live in Harrisburg, N.C.

Tickets are now on sale for the Florida Dodge Dealers 400 by calling (305) 230-RACE.