---
title: "Dale Earnhardt Jr. Will Drive the Pace Car for the 2018 Brickyard 400"
description: "Junior will pilot a 2018 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway."
date: "2018-08-16"
modified: "2018-08-16"
authors:
  - name: "Brian Beers"
    link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/brian-beers"
url: "https://www.thedrive.com/accelerator/22926/dale-earnhardt-jr-will-drive-the-pace-car-for-the-2018-brickyard-400"
categories:
  - "News"
tags:
  - "Brickyard 400"
  - "Dale Earnhardt Jr"
---

# Dale Earnhardt Jr. Will Drive the Pace Car for the 2018 Brickyard 400

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/images-by-url-td/content/2018/08/dale-earnhardt-jr-nbc.jpg>)
*\<em\>www.thedrive.com\</em\>*

Racing legend Dale Earnhardt Jr. will be driving the pace car at the upcoming [Big Machine Vodka 400 at the Brickyard](<https://www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/events/brickyard>) on September 9 taking place at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The Brickyard 400 will be the final race of the season before the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs begins. Driver Kevin Harvick currently [sits on top of the playoff standings](<https://www.nascar.com/standings/monster-energy-nascar-cup-series/>) and is one of eight drivers who has already clinched a playoff spot.

Earnhardt will get behind the wheel of a 2018 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 that has a 650-horsepower, 6.2-liter, supercharged V8 and is said to be capable of going from 0-60 miles per hour in 3.5 seconds.

![message-editor%2F1534435283694-brickyard-400-pace-car.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/message-editor/1534435283694-brickyard-400-pace-car.jpg>)
**Indianapolis Motor Speedway**

“I am honored that Chevrolet asked me to drive the Camaro ZL1 Pace Car in one of the biggest races of the year,” Earnhardt said in a news release from Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Wednesday. “The fan in me was already looking forward to this event. It’s a big race. There is a lot at stake since it’s the final chance for the teams and drivers to make the playoffs. So, I hope to do a good job leading the field to the green flag, but I can promise you I’ll soak in every minute and enjoy the Brickyard in a way I never have before.”

Dale Jr. made a total of 17 Brickyard starts during his career, but never managed to win one. His best finish was fourth back in 2012, and he recorded a total of five top 10 finishes in the race.

Since retiring from NASCAR's Cup Series, Earnhardt has served as a racing analyst for NBC Sports and runs his digital media brand, [Dirty Mo Media](<https://www.dalejr.com/radio/>), that produces the “Dale Jr. Download” podcast.

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