Eddie Van Halen to act as NASCAR official

In what might be Eddie Van Halen's first public appearances since entering rehab, the guitarist will be at Phoenix International Raceway in Arizona this weekend for NASCAR's Subway Fresh Fit 500 race. On Friday (April 20th), he'll unveil two guitars at the track -- a custom-made Fender Stratocaster and a limited-edition EVH "Frankenstein" model, which is a duplicate of the guitar he played in Van Halen's early days. Then Eddie will be back at the track on Saturday (April 21st) to act as an honorary race official, when he'll help greet the drivers as their introduced before the race begins. At the conclusion of the race, the winner will be presented with the custom Fender guitar.

Eddie said, "I am honored on behalf of EVH Brand guitars, amps, and musical products to be invited to such an exciting and fun event. I feel privileged to be working with such amazing organizations like Phoenix International Raceway, their NASCAR event, and Fender."

Phoenix International Raceway President Bryan R. Sperber said, "I'm personally delighted that Eddie Van Halen has accepted our invitation to join us as our Honorary Race Official for the Subway Fresh Fit 500. There is no one who has had the kind of impact on music that he and his band -- Van Halen -- have had. I know it will be a thrill for the drivers and fans to have Eddie at Phoenix International Raceway for the NASCAR weekend."
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