Former NFL defensive end Chris Long will drive the pace car prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Toyota Owners 400 in Richmond, Virginia on Sunday.
As a standout star for the Virginia Cavaliers from 2005-07, Long has a strong connection to the area.
“We are happy to welcome Chris Long back to his home track in the Commonwealth of Virginia as the Honorary Pace Car Driver for the Toyota Owners 400 at Richmond Raceway,” Dennis Bickmeier, Richmond Raceway President, said. “Chris (Long) has achieved immense success on the gridiron, but his dedication to improve the lives of others through The Chris Long Foundation has built a legacy that will last for generations to come. We look forward to welcoming one of the Commonwealth of Virginia’s own back home to America’s Premier Short Track.”
Former NFL player Chris Long, whose number is retired at the University of Virginia, will drive the pace car prior to the start of the Cup race Sunday afternoon at Richmond.
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) March 29, 2022
“Not only am I a Toyota owner, I’ve also had a lifelong dream of driving the pace car,” Long said in an official statement from Richmond Raceway. “This weekend I’ll do just that at the Toyota Owners 400 in Richmond and I’m bringing the whole Green Light crew. It’s going to be the best trip of the year!”
After he was selected with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2008 draft, Long went on to have a solid 11-year NFL career. He spent the first eight seasons of his professional career with the St. Louis Rams before taking on short stints with the New England and Philadelphia. As a member of the Patriots in 2016 and the Eagles in 2017, the veteran DE notched back-to-back Super Bowl wins.
Following his retirement in 2019, Long started the Green Light podcast based out of his studio in Charlottesville.
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