Hullinger Honored as Cavalcade of Stars Grand Marshal

NHRA North Central Division 3 director Jay Hullinger was named grand marshal during pre-race ceremonies at the 10th Annual Cavalcade of Stars presented by Budweiser at Summit Motorsports Park on May 22, 2016.

During an impassioned speech delivered on the starting line just before drivers fired their engines for first round of eliminations, Summit Motorsports Park president Bill Bader, Jr. spoke of his longtime friendship with Hullinger, and how he has had a profound impact on members of the racing community on personal and professional levels.

He went on to talk about how Hullinger was introduced to the sport as a child, as his family operated Bunker Hill Drag Strip in Bunker Hill, Indiana, and how he literally – not figuratively – spent his mornings, afternoons and evenings there as he and his family actually lived on-site.

Hullinger, who learned early in life what a burnout is, what a breakout is, and more importantly, what a sportsman is, went on to get a formal education from Maconaquah High School and start a family, but in addition to that family, according to Bader, Jr., he has a race family that started when he accepted a job with the NHRA back in 1987, and it continued to grow when he accepted his current position as NHRA North Central Division 3 director.

He’s known for being accessible, but is also aggressive when he needs to be, especially when it’s for the betterment of the sport. He’s also known for being compassionate and committed to each member of the NHRA, regardless of whether they’re a driver or a crew member, and regardless of which class they’re part of.

All of that and more, according to Bader, Jr., makes him an ideal choice for this year’s grand marshal honor.