NASCAR WCUP: Former 49er Legend Named Grand Marshal of Dodge/Save Mart 350
Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
June 12, 2001SONOMA, Calif. - Football legend Bob St. Clair will trade in his pigskin for a 3,400-pound stock car at Sears Point Raceway during the NASCAR Winston Cup weekend, June 21-24.
St. Clair, who played for the San Francisco 49ers from 1953-64 and was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 1990, will serve as the Grand Marshal of the Dodge/Save Mart 350. The 6-foot-8, 270-pound former lineman will be attending his first NASCAR Winston Cup race.
"I love speed and I know I'm going to love this," said St. Clair, 70, who has lived in Santa Rosa for the last 20 years. "I have to admit that I'm still learning about the sport but when it's on television I really marvel at the driver's ability to go more than 150 mph and still keep control of the car. It's amazing."
St. Clair will be honored during the Grand Marshal's Banquet on Friday, June 22, at Cline Cellars in Sonoma. The event benefits the Valley of the Moon Boys and Girls Club and the Stand By Me Mentoring Program. There are a limited number of tables still available. For information, call Cindy Brogan at 707-938-8448, ext. 110. In addition to the banquet, St Clair will also begin the race on Sunday with the most famous words in racing: Gentlemen, Start Your Engines.
"With the national spotlight on Sears Point, it's wonderful to be able to share that focus with a local hero," said Steve Page, President and General Manager of Sears Point Raceway. "Bob is a Bay Area sports legend, and a fixture in Sonoma County business and community affairs. We couldn't have picked a better person to handle these duties."
During his tenure in the NFL, St. Clair achieved just about every award. He was a three-time All-Pro selection, and he also made the Pro Bowl five times. Moreover, he was inducted into the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame in 1991 and his familiar No. 79 jersey will officially be retired by the 49ers on Dec. 2 at halftime of their game against the Buffalo Bills.
St. Clair received one of his most cherished awards last month when legendary Kezar Stadium in San Francisco was renamed "Bob St. Clair Field." Kezar Stadium was home to the 49ers for many years.
"I played so many games there and for them to honor me in this way was tremendous," St. Clair said. "I couldn't believe it but I'm very honored."
In addition to football, St. Clair was also the mayor of Daly City from 1958-64, as well as a San Mateo County Supervisor (1966-74). He is married (Marsha), has six children, 15 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Text provided by John Cardinale
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