Gordon lands Brickyard role
It has been three years since Jeff Gordon led the field during the Brickyard 400. Gordon took the checkered flag that day for his fifth Brickyard victory and 90th career win.
Gordon again will get the opportunity to lead this year, but in a different way. NASCAR and Indianapolis Motor Speedway announced that Gordon would drive the pace car for this year’s Brickyard 400 (July 23, NBC, 3 p.m. ET). He’ll be behind the wheel of a 2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1.
“It’s hard to believe this is the 24th running of the Brickyard 400,” Gordon said in a news release. “This has been a very special race over the years — for me and NASCAR. Winning at the famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway was a dream of mine as a kid.
“I’m excited to lead the field to the green at this year’s Brickyard 400, and I appreciate (track President) Doug Boles and Chev- rolet for giving me this opportunity.”
Though he was born in California, Gordon grew up in Pittsboro and raced around the state. He won the inaugural Brickyard 400 in 1994 and then went on to take the checkered flag in 1998, 2001, 2004 and 2014.
His résumé at the Brickyard also includes three poles and 17 top-10s in 23 starts.
“Jeff Gordon is one of the greatest drivers to ever compete at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and we’re honored to welcome him back to pace the 24th annual Brickyard 400,” Boles said in a statement. “It’s only fitting that Jeff will be out front and leading, a place where the fans of this great race are accustomed to seeing him.”
Gordon retired from full-time racing after the 2015 season but returned last year to fill in for Dale Earnhardt Jr., who was out with a concussion, for eight races, including the Brickyard, where Gordon finished 13th.