West Michigan brothers to serve as Grand Marshals at NASCAR event

August 12, 2009 5:38 PM

(NEWSCHANNEL 3) – A big NASCAR weekend is approaching and a couple of local teenagers will play an honorable role in the event.

Jacob and Jordan Verderstel from Hudsonville will be the Grand Marshals of the August NASCAR event at the Michigan International Speedway on Saturday.

That race will be the first CARFAX 400 Sprint Cup race ever.

19-year-old Jordan, and his 14-year-old brother Jacob are both very excited about the opportunity. The brothers both have muscular dystrophy, and grew up being treated at Grand Rapids' Devos Children's Hospital.

Both are huge NASCAR fans, but have never been to an actual race. They also consider themselves track rivals. Jordan's a Jimmie Johnson fan, while Jacob likes Jeff Gordon, but they'll put that difference aside over the weekend to deliver the famous command, "gentlemen, start your engines."

Both brothers say the opportunity is a dream come true. They will share the Grand Marshal duties with blues singer and songwriter, Kenny Wayne Shepherd.

For more information on the event you can head to www.mispeedway.com.