Grand marshal search begins for Martinsville

TUMS, one of the most trusted brands for indigestion and heartburn relief, is launching a nationwide search for one lucky fan to serve as the Grand Marshal of the TUMS QuikPak 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Martinsville Speedway on Oct. 19.

Race fans interested in becoming the Grand Marshal of the TUMS QuikPak 500 at Martinsville Speedway can visit TUMSRacing.com and write an essay answering the question: Why do you deserve to be the Grand Marshal for the day? From professional to everyday heroes, TUMS is searching for the race fan that has provided fast relief to a friend, family member or entire community. The nomination period ends at 12 a.m. ET on Aug. 30.

Five finalists will be selected and posted on Sept. 5 at TUMSRacing.com. Following the finalist announcement, America will vote and choose the Grand Marshall for the TUMS QuikPak 500 at Martinsville Speedway. The nominee who receives the most votes online will win the opportunity to become the TUMS QuikPak 500 Grand Marshal. Online fan voting will conclude on Sept. 12.

The TUMS QuikPak 500 Grand Marshal will lead the crowd on race day, delivering the, "Drivers, start your engines" race command, attending a host of pre-race ceremonies, being introduced to the TUMS Racing drivers and watching the race from the comfort of a catered skybox suite.

The TUMS QuikPak 500 will be the first stock-car race sponsored by the TUMS brand. The race sponsorship will continue to build on the long-standing relationship between GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Consumer Healthcare and the .526-mile Virginia short track. The partnership began in 1983 when Goody's Headache Powder first sponsored the Goody's 500 at Martinsville Speedway.