Known by many Hardcore Race Fans as “Papa John”, John Schnatter has been chosen to serve as the Honorary Starter for Saturday night’s Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Daytona International Speedway.

Schnatter will kick off the competition on our country’s 233rd birthday by waving the green flag from atop the starter’s stand.

Starting his business from the broom closet in his father’s tavern, Schnatter has expanded his company to be the third largest pizza restaurant chain with 3,400 stores around the globe.

“Papa John's and Coca-Cola have been partners for 25 years and we are pleased to have John serve as Honorary Starter for The Coke Zero 400 Powered by Coca-Cola,” Robin Braig, Daytona International Speedway President said. “All race fans in attendance and the millions more watching on TNT will be anxiously waiting for ‘Papa John’ to wave the green flag for one of NASCAR’s most exciting nighttime spectacles.”

Tickets for this weekend’s events are still available and can be purchased for the Coke Zero 400 weekend by calling 1-800-PITSHOP or visiting www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com.

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