FONTANA, Calif. -- California Speedway today announced Olympic figure skating champion and cancer survivor Scott Hamilton as the Honorary Grand Marshal for the NASCAR Busch Series Target House 300 on September 4.

With Hamilton presiding over the race, he and the children of Target House will get the event underway by giving the most famous words in motorsports, "Gentleman, start your engines," via satellite from Memphis, Tenn.

"It is our pleasure to welcome Scott Hamilton to California Speedway for the Target House 300," California Speedway President Bill Miller said. "As a cancer survivor himself, Scott understands the importance of a place like Target House, and we are happy he is bringing awareness to the Target House cause, not only to our dedicated race fans but to a national television audience."

Before his battle with testicular cancer in 1997, Hamilton took home the gold in the 1984 Winter Olympics and was awarded the first Olympic Spirit Award given for the 1984 Winter Games. In 1990, in addition to a remarkable list of achievements that includes over 70 titles, awards and honors, Hamilton was inducted into the United States Olympic Hall of Fame. He continues to perform on the ice as well as act as the official spokesperson for Target House.

"I'm honored to be the Grand Marshal of the Target House 300 race and to help bring more exposure to Target House and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital," said Scott Hamilton. "Through this race, Target and General Mills are raising money for Target House, and I know all the kids staying in Memphis can't wait to help get the race started.

Built by Target Stores in 1999, Target House is a home away from home for families and children receiving care at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. As an extension of St. Jude's commitment to care for any child regardless of the family's ability to pay, Target House provides fully furnished apartments, free-of-charge. Target House continues to be funded by Target Stores and its vendor and celebrity partners.

The Target House 300 joins the Inaugural "Finish Under the Lights" Pop Secret 500 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race Labor Day weekend.