Here’s how I imagine this happened. The marketing people for Muppets Most Wanted were in a meeting, going over all the different demographics they’ve reached with the five million things they’ve done to promote the movie so far: People who watch late-night talk shows, people who watch the Super Bowl, people who buy stuff on QVC, people who eat sandwiches, people who drink tea, and of course, Mr. Harry Stapleton.
Then they realized they missed a group: NASCAR fans! And so, Gonzo will be appearing at the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Auto Club 400 on Sunday, March 23, two days after the movie is released. From the NASCAR website:
Next weekend, a Muppet will say the most famous words in racing, “Drivers, start your engines.” The Great Gonzo, “a poultry-loving daredevil and plumbing aficionado,” will give the command before the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Auto Club 400 at Auto Club Speedway on Sunday, March 23 at 3 p.m. ET on FOX.
“Going around in circles as fast as possible is how I got my start,” said Gonzo, who counts NASCAR racing among his favorite sports. “So it’s a real honor to be named Grand Marshal of this year’s Auto Club 400! For me, it’s right up there with sword-juggling, bog-snorkeling and competitive dentistry.”
So that should be fun, although it would have been more fun if they let Gonzo compete in the race. Or maybe driving Muppets is considered old hat now after all those Toyota Highlander videos.
Click here to bog-snorkel on the Tough Pigs forum!
by Ryan Roe – Ryan@ToughPigs.com
