As part of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s celebration of the 30th anniversary of the inaugural Brickyard 400 won by Jeff Gordon and Hendrick Motorsports, the team’s namesake Rick Hendrick will serve as the honorary pace car driver for this weekend’s edition of NASCAR’s crown jewel Cup race at the Racing Capital of the World.

“Time goes by fast,” said Hendrick, who serves as the owner of Hendrick Motorsports and chairman and CEO or Hendrick Automotive Group.. “I can’t believe it’s been four decades since we started Hendrick Motorsports and 30 years since Jeff (Gordon) won the inaugural Brickyard 400.

“I’ll never forget the excitement around that event and the thrill of winning a race at Indianapolis. I’m grateful to our 40-year partners at Chevrolet for the opportunity to drive a pace car for the first time. I also want to thank my great friend Roger Penske and everyone at the track. Taking the field to green on Sunday will be something I’ll always remember.