BRISTOL, Tenn. – The roar of engines at Bristol Motor Speedway will have a few familiar faces lending their star power this April. Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs, widely known to millions as WWE legend Kane and NFL quarterback Joshua Dobbs have been named dignitaries for the Food City 500, scheduled for Sunday, April 12, 2026. Jacobs will serve as the Grand Marshal, while Dobbs will capture on the role of Honorary Starter for the NASCAR Cup Series race, a tradition-rich event sponsored by Food City for the past 35 years.
The appointments blend the worlds of professional wrestling, football, and motorsports, highlighting the broad appeal of Bristol Motor Speedway and the Food City 500. For fans of NASCAR, the event represents a key early-season test for teams, while for the local community, it’s a significant economic driver and a source of regional pride. The weekend of racing, which includes events for the Craftsman Truck Series and the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, is expected to draw large crowds to the Tri-Cities area.
Jacobs’ journey from the wrestling ring to the mayor’s office is a unique one. A former professional wrestler for over two decades, performing as the menacing Kane, he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2021. WWE’s official biography details his impressive career, marked by numerous championship wins and a captivating persona. Beyond the spectacle of professional wrestling, Jacobs holds a bachelor’s degree in English literature from Northeast Missouri State University (now Truman State University), where he also competed in football and basketball on a full athletic scholarship. He was first elected Mayor of Knox County in 2018 and secured a second term in 2022, focusing on responsible growth and quality of life initiatives for residents.
“This is awesome,” Jacobs said in a statement released by Bristol Motor Speedway. “I’m honored to serve as Grand Marshal and be a part of the unforgettable atmosphere that makes the Food City 500 one of the best events in motorsports.” His role as Grand Marshal will include delivering the command to start engines, a pivotal moment before the green flag drops.
Dobbs’ Return to Bristol: From Football Field to Starter Stand
Joshua Dobbs’ connection to Bristol Motor Speedway runs deeper than a ceremonial role. In 2016, he was named the Game MVP during the “Battle at Bristol,” a historic college football game between the University of Tennessee and Virginia Tech played on a temporary field constructed *inside* the speedway. The game, which drew a crowd of 156,990 – a record for a college football game at the time – showcased the unique versatility of the venue. ESPN’s coverage of the event highlighted the logistical challenges and the electric atmosphere created by the massive crowd.
Dobbs will now return to Bristol to wave the green flag, officially starting the Food City 500. “I’m incredibly honored to be named the Honorary Starter for the Food City 500,” Dobbs said. “Growing up, you learn to appreciate moments where preparation meets opportunity—and this is one of those special opportunities to be part of such an iconic race. The energy, the passion of the fans, and the tradition there are unmatched, and I’m excited to help kick things off in a way that celebrates both competition and community.”
Currently a quarterback for the Recent England Patriots, Dobbs has had a notable NFL career with stints including the Pittsburgh Steelers, Arizona Cardinals, and Minnesota Vikings. However, his interests extend far beyond the gridiron. He’s known as “The Passtronaut” for his passion for space exploration, having completed an internship with NASA and obtained his private pilot’s license, with an instrument rating in progress.
Food City’s Longstanding Partnership with Bristol Motor Speedway
The Food City 500 represents a significant partnership between the supermarket chain and the iconic racetrack. K-VA-T Food Stores, the parent company of Food City, has been the title sponsor of the spring NASCAR Cup Series race since 1992 and also sponsors the fall Food City 300 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race. Food City’s website details their commitment to the region and their long-term investment in motorsports. With 164 retail outlets across five states – southeast Kentucky, southwest Virginia, east Tennessee, north Georgia, and Alabama – Food City is a major employer and economic force in the region.
The race weekend will kick off on April 10 with the Tennessee Army National Guard 250 Truck Race, followed by the Suburban Propane 300 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race and qualifying sessions on April 11. The Food City 500 is set to begin at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday, April 12, and will be broadcast on FS1 and PRN Radio.
Tickets for the entire weekend are available online at www.bmstix.com or by calling the BMS Ticket Sales Center at (866) 415-4158. Fans attending the event can expect a full schedule of racing action and entertainment, celebrating the rich history and passionate fanbase that define Bristol Motor Speedway.
Looking ahead, Bristol Motor Speedway officials are focused on ensuring a smooth and exciting race weekend for fans and competitors alike. Further details regarding pre-race events and fan activities will be released in the coming weeks. The Food City 500 promises to be a highlight of the NASCAR season, bringing together racing enthusiasts and community members for a celebration of speed, competition, and Southern hospitality.
What are your thoughts on these honorary appointments? Share your excitement for the Food City 500 in the comments below, and be sure to share this article with fellow racing fans!
