Manning to Serve as Honorary Race Official at Food City 500

BRISTOL, Tenn. (AP) — Retired quarterback Peyton Manning will serve as honorary race official for the Food City 500 on April 17.

Bristol Motor Speedway officials announced Manning's involvement Wednesday.

As an honorary race official, Manning will accompany Dale Earnhardt Jr. during driver introductions. Bristol Motor Speedway executive vice president Jerry Caldwell said in a statement, "I don't think it's possible to pair two more beloved sports figures in the state of Tennessee than Peyton Manning and Dale Earnhardt Jr."

Manning announced his retirement last month after capping his career by helping the Denver Broncos win the Super Bowl. The five-time NFL MVP played at Tennessee from 1994-97 and was the Heisman Trophy runner-up his senior season.