Franklin Graham to Preach at Coca-Cola 600 Racing Event

By Eric Young, Christian Post Reporter Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Evangelist Franklin Graham will deliver a 30-minute message next week during the pre-race festivities of the Coca-Cola 600, one of the nation's most prestigious motorsports events.

The head of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association will also deliver the invocation just ahead of the memorial weekend event at Lowe's Motor Sweedway in Concord, N.C.

"I'm excited to have the opportunity to speak to these race fans," said Graham in an announcement Monday. "I've been a race fan most of my life, so to have this chance to speak about God's love and to present the Gospel is a real privilege."
As the longest continuous race sponsorship in NASCAR, the Coca-Cola 600 attracts approximately 180,000 fans to Lowe's Motor Speedway on Memorial Day weekend.

This year's race will mark the 50th time it's been held and will be broadcast live on FOX at 5 p.m. on Sunday, May 24.

In addition to the message and invocation during pre-race, Graham will also assist with Motor Racing Outreach's Sunday service to the drivers and team members in the garage.