Chicagoland Speedway announced today that former Chicago Bears All-Pro cornerback Charles “Peanut” Tillman will serve as the Honorary Pace Car Driver for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Overton’s 400 race on Sunday, July 1.
Tillman will take a lap around the track during the pre-race ceremonies on Sunday at approximately 1:30 p.m.
During 12 years with the Bears, Tillman accumulated 38 interceptions and 44 forced fumbles, making him the only player in NFL history with at least 35 interceptions and 40 forced fumbles. Tillman made the lives of opposing wide receivers miserable, often stripping or “punching” the ball free from their hands to produce a fumble. This savvy move, known as the “Peanut Punch”, became the cornerback’s trademark.
Tillman was selected to two Pro Bowls and was named the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year in 2013. He spent his 13th NFL season with the Carolina Panthers, ending in a Super Bowl berth before retiring in 2016. Charles Tillman is remembered as one of the greatest cornerbacks to ever play the game and his legacy in Chicago will live on forever.
“It is a true honor to have a Chicago sports legend like Charles here for Stars and Stripes Weekend,” said President of Chicagoland Speedway Scott Paddock. “Peanut had an incredible career in the NFL, and his presence will add a sensational dynamic to Sunday’s Overton’s 400 race.”
Known for being a great person on and off the field, Tillman established The Charles Tillman Cornerstone Foundation in 2005 to provide opportunities and resources to children and families who are in need. The organization has impacted the lives of thousands of critically and chronically ill children and their families. To learn more or to donate, please visit www.charlestillman.org.
The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Chicagoland Speedway will take place on July 1 as part of the four-race weekend June 28 – July 1. The weekend will kick off on Thursday, June 28 with theSCOTT® 150 ARCA Racing Series followed by NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Overton’s 225 under the lights on Friday night. On Saturday, June 30, the NASCAR XFINITY Series Overton’s 300 will hit the track as the precursor to Sunday’s Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Overton’s 400 showdown.
The complete 2018 NASCAR schedule at Chicagoland Speedway is as follows:
The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Weekend
Thursday, June 28 ARCA Racing Series SCOTT® 150
Friday, June 29 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Overton’s 225
Saturday, June 30 NASCAR Xfinity Series Overton’s 300
Sunday, July 1 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Overton’s 400
Chicagoland Speedway PR
