Olsen to drive pace car at NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Panthers’ tight end Greg Olsen will drive the Toyota Camry pace car to kick off the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race on May 21.

The $1 million showdown is part of the 10 Days of NASCAR Thunder at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

For the past two years, Olsen has partnered with Sprint Cup Series driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. to raise money for The Dale Jr. Foundation and The Greg Olsen Foundation’s HEARTest Yard.

Olsen has attended events NASCAR events in the past, but this is the athlete’s first time in an honorary role.

"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."

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