NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

Olympic gold medalist and local hero Michelle Carter will serve as the grand marshal for the 2016 AAA Texas NHRA Fall Nationals at Texas Motorplex, Oct. 14-16.

Carter isn’t a drag racer, but if anyone knows about competitive spirits and winning in the clutch, it’s the Red Oak, Texas, resident.

Carter became the first American woman to win Olympic gold in the shotput on her sixth, and final, throw at the recent Rio games. She knows what it is like to have to dig deep and give it all you have to get the win.

Carter will officially start the event’s final eliminations on Sunday, Oct. 16 – the fourth of six NHRA Mello Yello playoff events.

“I am so excited to be on the starting line as the Grand Marshall for the AAA Texas NHRA Fall Nationals,” the Olympian said. “I can’t wait to see everyone there.”

Not only will Carter launch championship Sunday, but it will also be the first ever #GOPINK Sunday with the track going pink to create awareness for breast cancer research and support for the survivors.

If anyone can encourage being a strong, winning female, it’s Carter, said Texas Motorplex General Manager Gabrielle Stevenson.

“Michelle is an Olympic gold medal-winning athlete who grew up competing and learning what it’s like to perform under pressure,” Stevenson said. “She made history in Rio and all these racers that she will officially start want to win NHRA’s version of the gold medal. The best way to win the NHRA championship is by earning a victory at Texas Motorplex.

“We are honored that Michelle would help start our most prestigious event of the season. It’s an even greater honor to have her on a day when we launch the #GOPINK Sunday because showcasing the incredible things that woman can do just encourages the families fighting cancer and other diseases. Having an Olympic gold medalist with her competitive spirit and record of performance is thrilling.”