The NASCAR season‘s 22nd race stops at Indianapolis for the Brickyard 400 on July 27, which also marks the final contest of the in-season challenge. Highlighting the competition will be the duel between Ty Dillon and Ty Gibbs for a $1 million prize. Adding to the excitement, Pascal Siakam of the Indiana Pacers will serve as the pace car driver, leading the field around the 2.5-mile track before racing begins.
Chase Briscoe Ponders NBA Star’s Fit in NASCAR Vehicle
Chase Briscoe, runner-up at Dover and a guest speaker on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, expressed his curiosity about how Pascal Siakam will physically fit inside the pace car. Known for his height, Briscoe joked about Siakam’s size compared to the tight space of a NASCAR vehicle, saying,
“First of all, I don’t know how he’s gonna fit in a car. I think he’s like 7-foot-6, so yes, it’ll be interesting just to see him try to fit in this thing. But yeah, I’m definitely gonna try to go meet Pascal (Siakam).”
Although Siakam is officially listed at 2.03 meters (approximately 6 feet 6 inches), making him shorter than Briscoe’s playful exaggeration, he remains considerably taller than typical NASCAR drivers. This height difference is notable given the confined dimensions inside race cars.
Details on Siakam’s Pace Car and Its Capabilities
For this event, Siakam will pilot a 2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV SS, an electric vehicle equipped with 615 horsepower, making it the fastest model Chevy has produced to date. The cabin of the pace car offers nearly 40 inches of headroom and 41 inches of legroom, which should accommodate Siakam, though the space may be somewhat limited for someone of his stature.
Connecting Basketball and Motorsport in Indianapolis
Doug Boles, President of IndyCar and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, emphasized the natural link between basketball and motorsports in Indianapolis. He commented on the timing of Siakam’s appearance, especially after the Pacers’ recent NBA campaign, stating,
“it’s only fitting to have Pascal (Siakam) join us to pace the field.”
This collaboration highlights the city’s appreciation for both sports and aims to draw fans from diverse backgrounds to the event.
Upcoming Brickyard 400 Race Preview
The Brickyard 400 will commence at 2:00 p.m. ET on Sunday, July 27. Defending champion Kyle Larson returns to defend his title at the historic Indy track, setting the stage for a thrilling 160-lap race. With Pascal Siakam leading the pack in the pace car and the $1 million challenge between Ty Dillon and Ty Gibbs, the event promises a blend of sporting excitement and unique crossover appeal.
