A championship race such as the Ford EcoBoost 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway calls for championship-caliber dignitaries. The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series championship race will have just that on Sunday as Ray Allen, a two-time NBA title-winner, will serve as the Honorary Pace Car Driver. In that role he will lead the field to the green flag in a Ford Edge ST.
Allen, a former Miami Heat and NBA player, enjoyed a 19-year career before retiring after the 2013-14 season as the NBA’s all-time leader in 3-pointers made (2,973) – a record which still holds today. During his career, Allen was selected 10 All-Star games and won two championships, including one with the Heat in 2013 when he hit one of the most iconic shots in NBA history during game 6 in Miami. Allen has also represented the United States in the Olympics, including in 2000 when he was a member of the men’s basketball team that brought home the Gold Medal from Sydney, Australia. Following his retirement, Allen was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in September, 2018.
Originally an Atwater, Ca. native, Allen now resides in Miami, where he hosts the annual Ray Allen Celebrity Golf Tournament. Since the tournament’s inception, over $350,000 has been raised for the Ray of Hope Foundation and numerous Miami-Dade charities. Allen made waves earlier this year when he released From the Outside, an autobiography detailing his life and career as an NBA player.
“Having Ray Allen drive the pace car on Sunday is exactly what Ford Championship Weekend is all about,” said Homestead-Miami Speedway President Matthew Becherer. “Throughout his stellar career, Ray has accomplished many feats and established himself as one of the premier superstars in the league. His championship pedigree makes him fit for a title race and we’re thrilled to have him highlighting this year’s pre-race festivities.”
“I am beyond thrilled to be the Honorary Pace Car Driver at NASCAR’s Championship Race at Homestead Miami Speedway,” said Allen. “I’m glad I will get to experience such a historic event with my family. It’s going to be an epic race!”
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