Former NASCAR champion Bill Elliott will be the grand marshal for SpeedFest 2009 on Sunday at Lanier Motor Speedway in Braselton.

Elliott, a Dawsonville native, will make the call to start the engines before Casey Roderick, a member of his driver development program, races on Lanier’s 3/8-mile track.

SpeedFest begins with an open practice day for all Pro and Super Late Model competitors on Friday. More practicing and qualifying will take place on Saturday.

The 200-lap Super Late Model race and the 100-lap Pro Late Model race begin Sunday.

Along with Elliott, fellow NASCAR driver Kyle Busch will compete in the CRA Super Series race on Sunday.

For more information on SpeedFest2009, visit www.speed51.com, www.craracing.net and www.lanierspeedway.com.