Courtesy of New Hampshire Motor Speedway
Julian Edelman does it all for the New England Patriots. A highly-productive receiver and return man since joining the three-time Super Bowl champions as a seventh-round pick in 2009, Edelman even saw action on defense in 2011. Well, he can now add another title to the many hats he has worn: Official NASCAR Pace Car Driver.
The 5-foot-10 star wideout for the Patriots will trade his receiving gloves for driving gloves as he gets behind the wheel of the Official NASCAR 2014 Toyota Camry SE Pace Car, leading the field for start of the Camping World RV Sales 301 Sprint Cup Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on July 13.
Edelman will be required to go through a mandatory orientation class on the morning of the race before guiding a field of 43 drivers around the 1.058-mile oval for the 1 p.m. green flag.
"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," said Edelman, who is entering his sixth season with the Patriots. "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 has spent his entire five-year career with the Patriots. The 2009 seventh-round pick out of Kent State has been a steal for New England, leading the Patriots in receiving yards and catches in 2013, as well as ranking fourth in the entire league with 374 return yards.
The Camping World RV Sales 301 will take place at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, July 13 with coverage on TNT and PRN radio.
This article originally appeared on the official website for the New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Click here to view orginal article.
