For years, the Rev. Hal Marchman delivered the invocation prior to the season-opening Daytona 500.  Giving the invocation at the inaugural event in 1959, Rev. Marchman served the speedway as the unofficial chaplain until 2004.  Marchman passed away on Sunday at the Indigo Palms Memorial Care Facility in Daytona Beach at the age of 89.

"Hal was a servant and a shepherd," former driver Darrell Waltrip, told the Daytona Beach News-Journal, adding Marchman "took good care of his flock."

The former Cup Series champion and 1989 Daytona 500 champion believes Marchman is "in heaven alongside Mr. (Bill) France."

"Rev. Hal Marchman was a true friend to Daytona International Speedway and will be sorely missed," Robin Braig, president of the Daytona International Speedway said.  "He touched many lives at the Speedway, from the competitors to the race fans.

"We're thankful and grateful for his many years of service to the Speedway, but also to the community. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Marchman family."

With his unique voice and caring personality, Marchman was a staple at the Daytona International Speedway for years and will truly be missed.  Using his own words, we honor Rev. Marchman by saying, "Shalom and amen."