Sandler to serve as Michigan grand marshal

BROOKYLN, Mich. -- Comic actor Adam Sandler has been named grand marshal for the June 18 3M Performance 400 at Michigan International Speedway.

Adam Sandler

Sandler, whose credits include The Longest Yard, Happy Gilmore, The Wedding Singer, 50 First Dates and Big Daddy, will give the command to start engines as well as participate in other pre-race ceremonies.

Sandler's newest movie, Click, will be released June 23. Sandler portrays Michael Newman, a family man whose busy career as an architect doesn't leave much time for his wife, Donna (Kate Beckinsale), and two kids.

Unable to figure out which of his many remotes turns on the television, he goes shopping for a universal remote and finds the perfect device through Morty (Christopher Walken), who gives him a one-of-a-kind remote with magical powers. With each click, Michael is able to control his career and personal life. But complications arise when the remote starts to overrule his choices.

Click also stars David Hasselhoff as Michael's boss, Henry Winkler and Julie Kavner as his parents and Sean Astin.

"Adam Sandler has redefined my definition of golf and hockey, and I'm sure he'll give us a new meaning to the role of grand marshal as well," said Brett Shelton, President of MIS. "We know that our fans will enjoy the opportunity to see him, and we are excited that he chose our event and NASCAR racing to help kick off his latest movie campaign.

Sandler, who has attended other NASCAR races, will be seeing his first at MIS. "I'm looking forward to being part of a great event," he said. "As someone who has portrayed athletes in films, I have a lot of respect for NASCAR drivers and what they do. I've met some of the drivers and it's easy to see that they are why the sport is so popular with the fans."