Conner Landers, a 7-year-old who was attacked by a dog in January, will be recognized at the XPEL 375 NTT IndyCar Series race as the Honorary Grand Marshal.
Landers will serve as the special race dignitary during the event. He will be tasked with providing the “Start Your Engines” command to the field of drivers before they take off.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, Landers was attacked by a neighbor’s dog while getting off his school bus at Lynock Lane.
The attack left him with multiple injuries, including puncture wounds on his scalp and neck and multiple bruises on his chest and legs. According to his mother, Cassandra Ware, Landers also suffered nerve damage.
The injuries could have been worse, if his neighbor, Lorena Parker, had not intervened. Parker fought the dog off and pulled Landers away from the animal, calling 911.
Landers was cleared at Cook Children’s Hospital, where he received treatment, to return to school in February. However, he will still need additional surgeries.
Rob Ramage, general manager at Texas Motor Speedway, said that honoring Landers’ bravery is part of what Texas Motor Speedway stands for.
“We take great pride in serving our community, whether it be serving as the world’s largest vaccine site during the Pandemic, [or] recognizing the bravery of young Conner, making him feel special, and being part of his recovery process,” Ramage said.
Ramage added that while Landers is the one slated to be honored at the event, the Speedway crew is honored to have him there.
“We can’t think of a better Grand Marshal for such a historic and fun race day and are honored he accepted,” he said.
The series car race is to take place on March 20 at Texas Motor Speedway.