Panthers’ McCaffrey Eager To Drive Pace Car At Coca-Cola 600

May 26, 2021

Brittney Melton, AP,

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Christian McCaffrey will lead the field to green to start NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600 (Photo Courtesy: Carolina Panthers)
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FILE - In this Nov. 8, 2020, file photo, Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey (22) carries the ball against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half of an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo. The Panthers have restructured the contracts of running back Christian McCaffrey and linebacker Shaq Thompson, freeing up more than $11 million in salary-cap space before the start of free agency. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson, File)
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Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey scores ahead of Las Vegas Raiders safety Johnathan Abram during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 13, 2020, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Brian Blanco)
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Stanford running back Christian McCaffrey speaks during a news conference at the NFL football scouting combine Thursday, March 2, 2017, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
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Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey wipes his face during a break in the action at the NFL football team's training camp practice Sunday, Aug. 16, 2020 in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)
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CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Christian McCaffrey is used to going fast on the football field.

On Sunday, the Panthers’ speedy running back will get a chance to show off his driving skills on the race track as the honorary pace car driver for the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

“I don’t know how fast I’m supposed to be going, but if there is a record I will try to get there — barring I don’t crash it,” McCaffrey joked Tuesday when told the track record is around 200 mph. “I don’t want to be the only one to do that. I heard pace cars never crash, so if I can just get through it I will be happy.”

McCaffrey has become the face of the Panthers franchise and is a popular figure in Charlotte. In 2019 he became only the third player in NFL history to post 1,000 yards rushing and 1,000 yards receiving in the same season, earning All-Pro honors.

“I’m really excited,” McCaffrey said. “I was a very honored they asked me to do that being in Charlotte and at a big race.”

Former “Tonight Show” host and avid car collector Jay Leno and the show’s former bandleader Kevin Eubanks will serve as grand marshals for the race.