Panthers’ Greg Olsen to drive pace car at NASCAR’s All-Star race

Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen will drive the pace car before the Sprint All-Star Race May 21 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

“Since arriving in Charlotte I have developed a great admiration for NASCAR and their athletes,” Olsen said. “Their concept of teamwork and commitment to excellence is second to none and I have a great deal of respect for the drivers and their teams. I am honored to be included in such an event and I am looking forward to driving the pace car to kick off the 2016 NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race.”

Olsen has attended races at Charlotte before. He also has joined with NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. in fundraising efforts for the Dale Jr. Foundation and the Greg Olsen Foundation’s HEARTest Yard campaign. Earnhardt’s car number is 88, the same number as Olsen’s jersey.

Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly drove the pace car for the all-star race in 2014.

This story was originally published April 26, 2016 at 3:31 PM with the headline "Panthers’ Greg Olsen to drive pace car at NASCAR’s All-Star race."