Edelman To Drive Pace Car For NASCAR Race At New Hampshire Motor Speedway
BOSTON (CBS) -- Patriots receiver Julian Edelman is the kind of player who goes full speed on every single play, so it will be interesting to see if he can contain himself on Sunday when he's tasked with slowly driving a car around a race track.
Edelman will trade in his receiving gloves for driving gloves as the official NASCAR pace car driver at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway this weekend for the Camping World RV Sales 301.
To get ready for his new job, Edelman will have to go through a mandatory orientation class on the morning of the race. He'll then guide the field of 43 drivers around the 1.058-mile oval for the 1 p.m. green flag.
It might not match the speed he runs down the field when returning punts, but Edelman is very excited for the opportunity.
"As a punt returner in the NFL, I know all about teamwork, high-speeds and collisions on Sundays. But my goal on Sunday, July 13 will be to get those guys around the track safely before they drop the green flag for what is sure to be a highly competitive race," Edelman said in a release. "I am honored to be chosen to drive the pace car at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, and I can't wait to take in my very first NASCAR race from what will certainly be the best seat in the house."
Edelman, who is entering his sixth season with the Patriots, signed a new four-year deal with the team earlier this off-season. The 5-10 wideout was Tom Brady's favorite target in 2013, leading the team with 105 receptions for 1, 056 yards and six touchdowns — all career highs.
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