The pre-race ceremonies for Ford Championship Weekend’s Ford 400 finale on Sunday will have the electric atmosphere of a championship prize fight, as they will feature a boxing legend alongside 43 of the world’s most elite NEXTEL Cup Series drivers.
Homestead-Miami Speedway will welcome Lewis –one of only three boxers in history to capture the heavyweight championship on three separate occasions—to participate in pre-race ceremonies prior to Sunday’s Ford Championship Weekend Ford 400, the final race in the Chase for the NEXTEL Cup.
Lewis, who in 2004 retired as the reigning heavyweight champion of the world, will be introduced to the crowd during Ford 400 pre-race ceremonies and greet the NEXTEL Cup drivers during official intros.
“Lennox Lewis is a boxing icon and we’re honored to have him take part in pre-race ceremonies for the Ford 400, ” Homestead-Miami Speedway President Curtis Gray said. “It’ll be a real treat for race fans to see one of the most decorated boxers of all-time set the table for NASCAR’s most celebrated drivers. ”
“I’m excited to be apart of the Ford 400 pre-race ceremonies, ” Lewis said. “I’ve always been a race car enthusiast, and love the speed and action of NASCAR. These drivers are true champions in my book; it will be a thrill to see who wins it all. ”
Prior to turning pro, Lewis held the amateur record of 85 wins, which he capped with a gold medal at the 1988 Seoul Olympics by defeating fellow future world heavyweight champion Riddick Bowe.
After turning pro in 1989, Lewis captured the 1990 European crown and the 1992 British Commonwealth Heavyweight title. He was crowned WBC Heavyweight Champion in 1993 and in ’99 became the Undisputed Heavyweight Champion of the World—winning the WBC, WBA, IBO and IBF titles. One of the crowning moments of his career came in June 2002, when he ceremoniously defeated Mike Tyson.
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