The Food Network fixture will give the command to start engines at the Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway on Sunday.

The Sonoma Raceway has named celebrity chef and Food Network star Tyler Florence as the grand marshal for the Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday.

The South Carolina native has been a longtime fixture of the Bay Area culinary scene, with his flagship San Francisco restaurant Wayfare Tavern as well his steakhouse located at San Francisco’s Chase Center, Miller & Lux.

Sonoma Raceway highlighted Florence’s connection to Sonoma County in its Thursday announcement, citing Florence’s advocacy for the region’s farmers, winemakers and artisans often featured in his dishes and public appearances.

In his role this weekend as grand marshal, Florence will deliver the iconic command, “Drivers, start your engines,” ahead of Sunday’s main event at 12:30 p.m.

“Tyler’s infectious energy and deep-rooted connection to Sonoma County makes him a perfect fit to be a part of the Toyota/Save Mart 350 and celebrate NASCAR’s return to wine country,” said Brian Flynn, executive vice president and general manager of Sonoma Raceway, in a news release.

As a television personality, Florence first gained fame in 2000 as the host of the Food Network program “Food 911,” where he traveled the country to help home cooks improve their dishes. He also hosted “Tyler’s Ultimate” in 2003, showcasing his take on classic dishes, and currently hosts “The Great Food Truck Race,” which debuts its 18th season next month. He has also appeared on “Worst Cooks in America” and “Iron Chef America.”

Another celebrity, ESPN personality Marty Smith will serve as grand marshal for Saturday’s Pit Boss/FoodMaxx 250 NASCAR Xfinity Series race, the raceway announced earlier this week.

A longtime motor sports reporter, Smith co-hosts the popular ESPN radio show “Marty & McGee” and appears regularly to talk college football, basketball, golf and more on the network’s signature programs, including “SportsCenter” and “College GameDay.”

“Marty’s love for the sport and his authentic connection with fans make him the perfect person to kick off what promises to be an action-packed day at the track,” Flynn said in a Monday news release.

The jam-packed weekend also features live music, driver meet-and-greets and more in the Sonoma Raceway Fan Zone.

Get more information and tickets at sonomaraceway.com.