Jeff Gordon to drive Daytona 500 pace car

Three-time Daytona 500 winner and four-time Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series champ Jeff Gordon will lead the field to the start of Sunday's Daytona 500 behind the wheel of the new 2017 Camaro ZL1 pace car.

"Chevrolet and I have a great history at the Daytona 500 and it's an honor to drive the 650-horsepower Camaro ZL1 pace car for the largest, most historic race of the season," Gordon said.

A month removed from claiming overall victory with Wayne Taylor Racing at this same track in the Rolex 24 at Daytona, Gordon called said the honor is "taken to a whole other level."

"I remember years ago, I think it was 2005 when I last won this race, Mathew McConaughey was the pace car driver, or was an honorary starter here. To me, you go down the list of prestigious things I have done, this is right at the top of the list. Very, very cool. Yes, it is going to be unique because not only am I going to be doing the job I am supposed to do pacing the field, there is a responsibility as well because the drivers rely on that pace car and that speed to get their pit road speed accurately. Also, I will be interacting with Mike (Joy) and DW (Darrell Waltrip) up in the booth and the broadcast to get the Daytona 500 started off right."

It will be a particularly unique experience considering the Rainbow Warrior will be pacing a front row filled by his former car, now driven by two-time Daytona polesitter Chase Elliott, and former teammate Dale Earnhardt Jr.

"Driving for Hendrick Motorsports for 23 years as a driver, to be able to lead this field in a Chevrolet Camaro but also have two Chevrolets in my rearview mirror, that makes it even more special," Gordon said.

"[Chase's] pole was exciting, but seeing what he did in the Duel last night, that was incredible. I think when you talk to Chase I think that there has been a little bit of hesitancy and doubt of what he is doing on a restrictor plate track. He gained a lot of knowledge and experience last year and now it is paying off. He is a quick study. We have seen him do this in other races. He learns very, very fast.

"What he did last night was one of the most impressive things I have seen him do yet. To see him be able to go from last year and unsure of what he was capable of doing on a restrictor plate track, to taking control of that race last night. Making some bold moves."