IndyCar: Dale Earnhardt Jr. to drive pace car for 2019 Indianapolis 500

Dale Earnhardt Jr. is set to drive the pace car ahead of the crown jewel on the IndyCar schedule, the 103rd running of the Indianapolis 500.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. is set to make his IndyCar debut as a part of the NBC broadcast team for the crown jewel on the schedule, the 103rd running of the Indianapolis 500, at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 26.

Now he is set to drive the pace car ahead of the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing” as well.

The 44-year-old Kannapolis, North Carolina native who spent 18 seasons as a full-time NASCAR Cup Series driver is set to drive the 2019 Corvette Grand Sport Official Pace Car around the four-turn, 2.5-mile (4.023-kilometer) Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval in Speedway, Indiana ahead of the 200-lap race.

Here is what Earnhardt Jr. had to say about the opportunity to drive the pace car ahead of the 103rd running of the Indy 500, according to Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

"“I was already excited to attend my first Indianapolis 500 with NBC Sports, but driving the Pace Car just takes it to another level. The Corvette Grand Sport is an awesome car, and it’s an honor to be asked to lead the field to the green flag. I’m proud to be a part of such a prestigious event at a place that means so much to racing history. This will be an experience that I’ll cherish forever.”"

Here is what Chevrolet U.S. vice president of performance vehicles and motorsports Jim Campbell had to say about the matter, according to Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

"“It is exciting that Dale Earnhardt Jr. is going to lead the Indy 500 field to the green flag. With Dale joining the Indy 500 broadcast crew for the first time, pacing the field in the 2019 Corvette Grand Sport will give him a unique perspective to share with the viewers. We are honored that Dale will add Indy 500 Pace Car driver to his long legacy with Chevrolet.”"

Here is what Indianapolis Motor Speedway president J. Douglas Boles had to say about the matter, according to Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

"“Dale Earnhardt Jr. is one of the most popular and respected drivers in American motorsports in recent decades, and he knows all about speed, passion and tradition at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. We knew he would enjoy his first Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge with the NBC Sports team, but driving the Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car will create an even more indelible memory for a lifetime.”"