New England Patriots Rob Gronkowski isn’t the only NFL tight end who knows how to have fun during the offseason. Carolina Panthers Greg Olsen has the privilege in participating in this year’s NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race.
TE @gregolsen88 is officially certified to drive the pace car for @NASCAR's All-Star Race » https://t.co/ksYa0DvNsX pic.twitter.com/hPdY0ja8pS
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) May 20, 2016
According to the team’s official website, Olsen will drive the pace car after becoming certified by the Charlotte Motor Speedway in North Carolina.
Per the site, Olsen spoke on his training experience and the upcoming race.
“I think what all those guys do is tough. People would be lying to themselves if they thought they could jump in and learn it,” Olsen admitted after his first trip around the track. “It was an awesome experience. Very cool.”
NASCAR’s All-Star Race will take place on Saturday, May 21 and will consist of three segments. There will be a total 113 laps and in the end, the winner will receiver a $1 million cash prize as part of this winner-take-all contest.
Olsen’s duties as a pace car driver include speed limiting prior to green flag racing and acting as a lap placeholder.
What a cool experience for Olsen as well as an exciting opportunity to meet some of the drivers during the course of the weekend.