Burnett, Downey Named Martinsville Grand Marshals

Mark Burnett and Roma Downey

Four-time Emmy Award-winning producer Mark Burnett and his wife, actress Roma Downey, who together co-produced the hit cable miniseries The Bible, will serve as Co-Grand Marshals for the STP Gas Booster 500 at Martinsville Speedway on April 7.

Burnett and Downey, who also stars in the miniseries as Mother Mary, will give the starting command, “Drivers start your engines,” in addition to being introduced at the drivers’ meeting and participating in pre-race ceremonies.

“It is an incredible honor for us to host Mark and Roma. They are two exceptional talents who are known worldwide for their work,” said Martinsville Speedway President Clay Campbell. “We are delighted and proud to be able to share a bit of our world with them for the STP Gas Booster 500.”

The Bible, which premiered on History on March 3 to more than 13 million viewers, airs in two-hour segments every Sunday culminating on Easter. The miniseries highlights the dramatic tales of faith and courage from Genesis through Revelation including Noah’s Ark and the Exodus, Daniel in the Lion’s Den and the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus.

Narrated by Emmy Award-winning actor Keith David and featuring a musical score by Grammy and Oscar-winning composer Hans Zimmer, The Bible will be available on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital HD on April 2 from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.

The Bible four-disc Blu-ray and DVD set dives deeper into the making of the series and features a behind-the-scenes look at how the groundbreaking docudrama came together. Interviews with producers, directors, and cast illustrate creative collaboration on-set and off and show how the remarkable Moroccan scenery was transformed into the world of the Bible.

Mark Burnett has produced more than 1,200 hours of television programming, airing in more than 70 countries worldwide. His current network series include Survivor (CBS), The Voice (NBC), The Celebrity Apprentice (NBC) and Shark Tank (ABC).

Roma Downey is best known for her nine seasons as the star on the hit show Touched by an Angel, earning her multiple best actress nominations for the Emmy Awards and Golden Globe Awards.

Tickets for the STP Gas Booster 500 on Sunday, April 7, the Kroger 250 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race on Saturday, April 6 and NASCAR Sprint Cup and Camping World Truck Series practice and qualifying on Friday, April 5 are on sale and can be purchased by calling 1.877.RACE.TIX. Tickets may also be purchased online at www.martinsvillespeedway.com.