Dallas Cowboys star Jason Witten has been named Honorary Starter for the Food City 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race, Sunday, March 21, 2010, at the Bristol Motor Speedway.

Witten, a native of nearby Elizabethton, Tennessee, is excited about the opportunity to wave the green flag at the World's Fastest Half-Mile.

"This is really going to be so much fun; I'm really excited about it," said Witten. "It's great to be coming home and I really can't wait to get out to the Speedway. The races in Bristol have always been a big deal and now for me to be able to go back there and be asked to wave the green flag for the Food City 500, that really means a lot."

The 27 year old, who is 6 foot 5 inches tall and weighs in at 263 pounds, was a star football player at the Elizabethton High School and selected as the USA Today Player of the Year in Tennessee in 2000 before playing college football with the University of Tennessee for three years. Witten was a third round draft pick by the Dallas Cowboys in 2001.

Food City CEO/President Steve Smith is pleased that Witten will wave the green flag to the 43 competitors starting the Food City 500.

"Food City is a strong supporter of the communities we serve.  We are especially honored to have such a wonderful native of our region representing our company for the Food City 500," said Smith. "Jason is a tremendous asset to his team and our area and I'm proud to have him as our guest."

Hardcore race fans can still obtain tickets to the Food City 500 by calling 423-989-6900 or visit www.bristoltix.com.

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