ACDelco officials today announced that they would be adding some extra muscle to an already high-powered event, naming professional wrestling icon and reality TV star Hulk Hogan as the Grand Marshal of this year’s ACDelco NHRA Las Vegas Nationals.  Kurt Johnson’s ACDelco Cobalt will commemorate Hogan’s participation by carrying a special paint scheme that will be unveiled on Thursday, October 25 as part of the NHRA FanFest, which will held at the Fremont Street Experience in downtown Las Vegas.  The addition of the flamboyant Hogan to the ACDelco line-up continues the automotive replacement parts leader’s long-standing tradition of having race dignitaries worthy of the Entertainment Capital of the World.

“We are thrilled to welcome Hulk Hogan as the Grand Marshal of the ACDelco Las Vegas Nationals,” said Paul Johnson, General Director for General Motors Service and Parts Operations’ Global Independent Aftermarket.  “We believe that the Hulkster’s larger-than-life persona embodies two of the key elements of this weekend’s event, namely the tremendous horsepower seen on the quarter-mile along with the star quality of the world famous Strip, making him a perfect candidate for this honor.  We’re certainly looking forward to seeing him pump up the crowd, and having Hulkamania run wild on race day.”

Since first appearing on the public scene in the 1970’s, Hogan has become one of the most popular and recognizable figures in the world of sports and entertainment.  Starting as a professional wrestler, this native Floridian captured the public’s imagination with his high-energy and fast-paced style.  Appearing in countless marquee matches around the world, the multi-time WWE champion developed a huge fan following that he dubbed the “Hulkamaniacs.”

Branching outside of the squared circle, Hogan took on numerous acting roles, from his infamous portrayal of “Thunderlips” in Rocky III, to starring roles in such productions as No Holds Barred and Suburban Commando.   He was also extremely active in television, from having his own series, Thunder in Paradise, to guest roles on The A-Team and Walker, Texas Ranger, making him a force in the entertainment industry.

Having chosen to limit his wrestling appearances, today Hogan remains at the public forefront through his reality TV show Hogan Knows Best.  Each week, fans get an entirely new insight into the Hulkster, tracking the rigors of daily life with his family, including Linda, his wife of 22 years, daughter Brooke and son Nick.  Now in its fourth season, the show is among the highest rated in the VH-1 channel’s history.

This weekend, however, he looks forward to the unique experience awaiting him at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

“As anyone who’s seen me in the ring or on the screen can tell you, Hulk Hogan is all about power and entertainment, just like an NHRA POWERade drag race,” said Hogan.  “It’s going to be an action-packed, high horsepower duel in the desert and I want to thank the folks at ACDelco for making me a part of it.  I’m really looking forward to getting out to the track and taking it all in, seeing what I can do to help our man Kurt Johnson body slam the opposition.  After all, whatcha gonna do when the Hulkster and ACDelco run all over you?”

To view a video with ACDelco Cobalt driver Kurt Johnson’s comments on Hulk Hogan being the Grand Marshal of the ACDelco Las Vegas NHRA Nationals, please visit:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cb0UzbmxJEg