Legendary hip-hop artist and Bay Area native MC Hammer has been named Grand Marshal of the Grand Prix of Sonoma Verizon IndyCar Series season finale this Sunday at Sonoma Raceway.

In addition to his Grand Marshal duties, which include giving the command, "Drivers, start your engines!," Hammer will ride along with racing legend Mario Andretti in Honda's Fastest Seat in Sports. As Andretti's passenger in the two-seat INDYCAR, Hammer will lead the field to the green flag. 

"I'm looking forward to an exciting day at INDYCAR's championship race at Sonoma Raceway," Hammer said.

Best known for his musical hits including Too Legit to Quit and U Can't Touch This, Hammer has sold more than 50 million records worldwide and won three Grammy Awards. His other accolades include eight American Music Awards, a People's Choice Award and the Billboard Diamond Award, the first for a hip-hop artist.

He is an avid fan of Bay Area sports teams, including the Golden State Warriors, Oakland Raiders and Oakland A's, and is regularly seen at games.