Channing Tatum will be grand marshal

On Sunday April 22, as the only IndyCar race in the Deep South is set to begin, a famous Alabama native will give the iconic “Gentlemen, start your engines!” command.

Alabama-born actor Channing Tatum will serve as grand marshal for the 9th annual Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama at Barber Motorsports Park.

Tatum will get the ride of his life in Honda’s Fastest Seat in Sports. It’s a unique two-seat IndyCar driven by American racer Arie Luyendyk Jr. to lead the start of the race.

“We are honored to have a world-class actor and Alabama native as our race grand marshal,” George Dennis, president of ZOOM Motorsports.

grand marshal — Channing Tatum. Photo: www.motorsport.com

“Channing’s energy for racing is a perfect addition to a fun-filled weekend, and we’re excited for what is shaping up to be the best Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama yet.” George Dennis.

Tatum was born in Cullman, just 60 miles north of the Barber Motorsports Park. He also has lived in Wetumpka, AL. He began his acting career in 2004 with small television roles, then went on to act in feature films and to produce. He has starred in films including “Magic Mike,” “Foxcatcher,” “The LEGO Batman Movie,” “22 Jump Street” and “Hail, Caesar!”

His most recent film, “Logan Lucky,” is a comedy about a convoluted heist at the Charlotte Motor Speedway during a NASCAR race and the comedic measures the crew goes through to evade the FBI.

An Alabama-born race car enthusiast

Channing Tatum is a race car enthusiast. Like many young men who grew up in the South, Tatum has always liked cars and motorcycles. He enjoys dirt bike racing and trail riding. His upcoming role as Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama grand marshal seems a perfect fit.

Barber Motorsports Park voted favorite!

Barber Motorsports Park and Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum is a favorite Alabama tourist attraction. The 880-acre park opened in 2003. Barber has a world-class, 2.38-mile permanent road course with 17 flowing turns and 80 feet of elevation changes as an additional challenge to drivers and engineers.

The visually stunning Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum is home to more than 1,400 rare motorcycles, the world’s largest collection, as well as the world’s most extensive collection of Lotus race cars.

Photo: Bruno Event Team

Die-hard IndyCar fans, those who might be new to the sport and world-class actors alike will find a fun-filled, exhilarating race experience April 20-22. A jam-packed schedule of fan activities, great food, a wine festival and of course the adrenaline rush of IndyCar speed make the Honda Indy Grand Prix, Alabama’s own Indianapolis 500, the perfect way to spend a late April weekend in Alabama.

grand prix — Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama. Photo: Barber Motorsports

GRAB YOUR TICKETS!!!

Three-day general admission is $69.
Friday general admission is $15.
Saturday general admission is $29.
Sunday general admission is $39.

Kids 15 and under are admitted FREE with a ticketed adult.

Ages 15 and under receive complimentary Kamtek Garage passes, courtesy of Alabama Power. Kamtek Garage passes are not valid for gate admission. Ages 19 and under must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian in Kamtek Garage. Garage pass does not include Paddock Club access.

Tickets are on sale now.