"EXTRA" TV's Mario Lopez to Serve as an Honorary Chairman for NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Ford 400

MIAMI, Oct. 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Mario Lopez, host of the television show "EXTRA," will serve as an Honorary Chairman for next month's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Ford 400 (Sunday, November 20) at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Track President Matthew Becherer made the announcement.

Lopez will interview celebrities from the worlds of Hollywood, sports and entertainment on the red carpet prior to the 10th consecutive running of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship race at the speedway.  

Additionally, "EXTRA" is giving away the Ultimate NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Experience to one lucky fan and a guest. The package includes: Two VIP tickets, pit passes, a $1,500 VISA gift card and a meet-and-greet with the stars and their cars. Find the secret word at Extratv.com. For more information please visit: http://extratv.warnerbros.com/2011/10/win_it_an_ultimate_nascar_sprint_cup_series_experience.php or www.homesteadmiamispeedway.com.

"I'm a NASCAR man and having the opportunity to serve as an Honorary Chairman for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Ford 400 (Sunday, November 20) at Homestead-Miami Speedway is a very big deal," said Lopez. "'EXTRA' and I anticipate a spectacular day full of celebrity friends, the circuit's very best fans, and big-time championship racing."

"We are thrilled that Mario and 'EXTRA' will be with us on November 20," said Becherer.  "He'll be joined by several celebrities as we crown NASCAR's 2011 champion. It's going to be a great weekend with top-notch entertainment beyond the 400 miles of championship racing."

"EXTRA," the second longest-running entertainment magazine on television, is in its 18th season. Lopez has starred on the show since 2007.

About Homestead-Miami Speedway:

The 600-acre facility is active more than 280 days per year with its signature events coming each fall when it hosts NASCAR's Ford Championship Weekend (November 18-20).  The races are broadcast live on TV and radio to 175 countries and in 24 languages and the events generate more than $250 million annually for the region. Opened in 1995 to help spur economic recovery to a region devastated by Hurricane Andrew, Homestead-Miami Speedway features a 1.5-mile oval and 2.21-mile road course. Tickets start at just $55 for the Ford 400 (Sunday, November 20) – NASCAR's Sprint Cup Series Championship.  For more information, please visit www.homesteadmiamispeedway.com  or call 866.409.RACE.

New for 2011: The Ford 400 winner will take home a 25-foot Tournament model fishing boat, built by Homestead-based Contender Boats.

Media Contacts:
George Stieren, 305.230.5233, [email protected]
Edward Williams, 305.230.5229; [email protected]

SOURCE Homestead-Miami Speedway