The Indiana Pacers forward will lead the NASCAR field to green at Indianapolis Motor Speedway this Sunday.
Indiana Pacers forward Obi Toppin will take center stage at Indianapolis Motor Speedway before the engines roar on Sunday, serving as the honorary Pace Car driver for the Brickyard 400 presented by PPG.
Toppin will drive the 2026 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Coupe 3LT, leading the NASCAR Cup Series field around the legendary 2.5-mile oval before the green flag waves. The Corvette delivers 495 horsepower and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.9 seconds, making it a fitting choice for one of NASCAR’s most iconic races.
Another Indiana Sports Star in the Spotlight
Since arriving in Indianapolis in 2023, Toppin has become a fan favorite while helping lead the Pacers through one of the most successful stretches in franchise history. He played a key role in the team’s run to the 2024 Eastern Conference Finals and the 2025 NBA Finals.
Across three seasons with Indiana, Toppin has averaged 11 points, four rebounds, and two assists per game, while shooting an efficient 54% from the field.
Before entering the NBA, Toppin starred at the University of Dayton, where he was named the 2019–20 National College Player of the Year by multiple organizations. His standout sophomore season also earned him prestigious honors including the John Wooden Award, Naismith Trophy, and Oscar Robertson Award.
Basketball and Racing Unite in Indianapolis
Indianapolis Motor Speedway President J. Douglas Boles said Toppin is a perfect fit to pace one of the biggest races of the NASCAR season.
“Basketball and motorsports – Pacers and racers – go hand in hand in Indianapolis. Obi joins us to pace the field as NASCAR’s biggest stars compete to win the In-Season Challenge and add their name to the history books with a win at the Brickyard.”
The Brickyard 400 presented by PPG will also serve as the championship race for NASCAR’s In-Season Challenge, with the winner earning a $1 million bonus.
The race is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. ET on Sunday, July 26, with live television coverage on TNT Sports.
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