By David Mirsky

HOLLYWOOD, CA (Hollywood Today) 7/23/08 — The Indianapolis Motor Speedway, also known as “The Brickyard” will once again host the Allstate 400 for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series this weekend. And, once again, NASCAR and Hollywood will both be well represented. NASCAR with its 43 top drivers, and Hollywood, with veteran actor, John C. McGinley, star of ABC’s long running hit series, “Scrubs”, who will serve as the Grand Marshall of this weekend’s festivities. One of the more versatile actors around, McGinley is a consummate journeyman. Oliver Stone directed him in “Platoon” in the jungle, Russell Mulcahy directed him in the future in “Highlander2”, and for the past few years, McGinley has starred as Dr. Cox on the comedy series “Scrubs”. He’s a dedicated actor, bringing depth and intensity to each of his roles.

McGinley has been a long time fan of NASCAR racing. For years he’s been watching televised races without ever actually attending a race in person. When John was invited to participate at the race, he jumped at the chance. Not only was he invited to attend the race, he was also going to be the Grand Marshall, and be allowed to wave the green flag, to start the race. And all of this was going to happen at what is perhaps the most famous motor racing venue in the world, The Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the home to the Indy 500, the most prestigious race in the United States. So the only answer to this invitation had to be yes.

“I am looking forward to attending my first NASCAR race at the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard,” said McGinley. “I’ve been a racing fan for a while but have never had the chance to see a live race. I’ve had plenty of challenging roles in my acting career, but trying to act like I’m not nervous when I wave the green flag before the start of the 15^th Allstate^® 400 at the Brickyard^® will be my toughest one yet.”

This year will mark the historic 15^th running of the race, one of the highest-profile events in all of motorsports, and will kick off a block of 17 consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup Series telecasts on ESPN and ABC. The race airs this Sunday, the 27^th on ABC / ESPN where Kyle Busch will try to maintain his points lead on Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jimmie Johnson and the winningest NASCAR driver at the Brickyard, Jeff Gordon. The Goo Goo Dolls and the Charlie Daniels Band are also scheduled to appear at this weekend’s event.