Monday, September 16, 2024–9:47 a.m.
-News Release-
YellaWood, a trusted manufacturer of pressure-treated lumber, proudly announced Marshall Plants as the winner of its inaugural Five-Star Hero Contest. The contest awards one winner and their nominator a VIP experience at the YellaWood 500 this October.
Plants was selected as the winning Five-Star Hero based on his extraordinary courage during a fiery car accident over five decades ago, where he saved his sister’s life.
In March 1968, a routine drive to school in Rome, Ga. took a life-altering turn for then-18-year-old Plants and his 11-year-old sister, Anita (now Anita Sealock). After a devastating crash engulfed their car in flames, onlookers tried to pull Plants—who freed himself but was unable to rescue his sister—away from the wreckage, unaware she was still trapped. Despite severe burns, Plants refused to leave the scene until his sister was rescued, shouting to alert bystanders that she was still inside the car. His persistence and quick thinking led to her rescue, and Sealock has called her brother a hero ever since.
“I am thankful that our story is finally being told,” she said.
The Five-Star Hero Contest, which aims to honor ordinary individuals doing extraordinary things for others, encouraged fans to nominate their unsung heroes for a chance to win a VIP experience at the YellaWood 500 on Oct. 6 at Talladega Superspeedway. As this year’s winners, Plants and Sealock will receive an all-inclusive experience, including suite tickets, hot laps, VIP garage tours, and the honor of Plants waving the green flag as the race’s honorary starter.
In addition, YellaWood will donate $10,000 on Plants’ behalf to a charity of his choice.
“It’s a tremendous honor,” Plants said upon learning of his win. “I feel very humbled, and I’m honored to wear that YellaWood title.”
“Marshall’s story is a testament to the heroism we see in our communities every day,” said Jimmy Rane, CEO of Great Southern Wood Preserving. “We’re proud to honor him and celebrate the unsung heroes who make our world a better place.”
For more information on YellaWood and the Five-Star Hero Contest, visit www.YellaWoodHero.com.