Dale Earnhardt Jr. Will Kick Off Brickyard 400 As Pace Car Driver

SPEEDWAY, IN — Indianapolis Motor Speedway officials announced this year's Brickyard 400 Pace Car Driver, saying this person needs no instruction on finding his way around an oval (track). NASCAR icon Dale Earnhardt Jr. will lead the field by driving the 2018 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Pace Car to start the 25th Running of the Big Machine Vodka 400 at the Brickyard Powered by Florida Georgia Line at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 9, according to a release from IMS.

The announcement was made 25 days before the 25th Running of the race at IMS.

The current NASCAR television analyst for NBC Sports, two-time Daytona 500 winner and 17-time Brickyard starter shared his excitement with IMS.

“I am honored that Chevrolet asked me to drive the Camaro ZL1 Pace Car in one of the biggest races of the year,” Earnhardt said, in a release. “The fan in me was already looking forward to this event. It’s a big race. There is a lot at stake since it’s the final chance for the teams and drivers to make the Playoffs. So, I hope to do a good job leading the field to the green flag, but I can promise you I’ll soak in every minute and enjoy the Brickyard in a way I never have before.”

Last year Patch reported the Brickyard would be moving to a new date this year from late in previous years July, as the finale of the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series regular season for the first time, IMS said.

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Practice and qualifying for the 25th Running of the Big Machine Vodka 400 at the Brickyard Powered by Florida Georgia Line will take place Saturday, Sept. 8 at IMS, according to a release.

According to IMS, NASCAR Xfinity Series racing also will take place during the event with the Lilly Diabetes 250. Practice is Friday, Sept. 7, with qualifying and the 4 p.m. race Saturday, Sept. 8. .

For tickets and more information visit indianapolismotorspeedway.com

(Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)