Jeff Gordon to drive Brickyard 400 pace car

Jeff Gordon will drive the 2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 pace car to lead the field to the start of the 24th annual Brickyard 400 on July 23.

The four-time Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series champion is the only driver to win the Brickyard 400 five times (the inaugural race in 1994, 1998, 2001, 2004, 2014).

"It's hard to believe this is the 24th running of the Brickyard 400," Gordon said. "This has been a very special race over the years – for me and NASCAR. Winning at the famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway was a dream of mine as a kid. I'm excited to lead the field to green at this year's Brickyard 400, and I appreciate Doug Boles and Chevrolet for giving me this opportunity."

Gordon competed in the first 23 Brickyard 400 races, with five wins, three poles and 17 top-10s.

"Jeff Gordon is one of the greatest drivers to ever compete at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and we're honored to welcome him back to pace the 24th annual Brickyard 400," IMS President J. Douglas Boles said. "It's only fitting Jeff will be out front and leading, a place where the fans of this great race are accustomed to seeing him."

Gordon will drive a 2017 Camaro ZL1 that features:

• LT4 6.2L direct-injected, supercharged V-8
• All-new 10-speed automatic transmission
• Magnetic Ride Control
• Electronic limited-slip differential
• 20-inch forged aluminum wheels
• Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar tires
• Brembo brakes with six-piston front calipers and two-piece rotors
• 1.02g max cornering
• 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds
• Performance Data Recorder

Separating the pace car from a production model is unique graphics and an integrated Whelen LED safety lighting system.

A Chevrolet has won the Brickyard 400 16 times, more than five times as many victories as the next-closest manufacturer.

"This year marks the 24th anniversary of NASCAR racing at the Brickyard, and it is truly special that Chevrolet has been there from the beginning racing and pacing," said Steve Majoros, director of marketing, Chevrolet Cars and Crossovers. "The Camaro ZL1 delivers unprecedented levels of technology and track capability, and we are proud to have Jeff Gordon behind the wheel of the Camaro ZL1 Pace Car."