Jaguars LB Telvin will drive pace car at Coke Zero 400

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville Jaguars outside linebacker Telvin Smith will serve as Honorary Pace Car Driver for the 58th annual Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Daytona International Speedway on Saturday, July 2.

Smith, who played collegiately at Florida State University before being chosen by the Jaguars in the fifth round of the 2014 NFL Draft, will lead the field around the 2.5-mile tri-oval in a Toyota Camry Pace Car prior to the start of the 160-lap, 400-mile race.

“I’m looking forward to this great experience,” Smith said. “I’ve never been to a NASCAR event before, so the opportunity to attend my first race, as well as drive the pace car, will make for an unforgettable evening.”

Smith is known for his speed on the football field and plans to push the limit on the track as well.

“I’m going to go as fast I can,” said Smith. “I was just asking how fast the car can go. We’ll see when I get out there but I’m going to try and push it.”

Chief Operating Officer of International Speedway Corporation, Joie Chitwood joked that he hopes Smith keeps that speed within reason.

“I know in football it’s about speed and communication and making the right play,” said Chitwood. “Usually there’s a big collision at the end. Telvin has done that quite well on the ball field we just ask that there’s no collision on our field as it relates to the pace car.”