Longtime NASCAR analyst and former crew chief Larry McReynolds will drive the pace car to lead the field for the Quaker State 400 at Echopark Speedway on Sunday, July 12, 2026.
The 67-year-old veteran received the invitation from Echopark Speedway president Brandon Hutchison to serve as the honorary pace car driver for the race weekend.
This assignment marks McReynolds' 50th year of involvement in the sport.
McReynolds recently recovered from a brief bout with Bell's palsy in March.
He continues his active roles as a FOX Sports analyst and co-host on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio despite retirement questions from his family.
The role reunites McReynolds with Quaker State, a brand he partnered with 40 years ago while serving as team director for King Racing, where he secured his first three career victories.
"When I waved the green flag, there was one thing they told me I could not do, and that was not to drop the green flag," said McReynolds.
The two-time Daytona 500 winning crew chief must complete a mandatory training walkthrough with track officials prior to the event.
"The pace car speed is 55 miles per hour but I will have to bring them down to 45 miles per hour on pit road so I'll have a better idea of what all this entails when they give me some training earlier in the day," said McReynolds.
Beyond his track duties, McReynolds balances a rigorous daily schedule that begins in the early morning hours to prepare for his ongoing national radio broadcasts.
"Well, I love the sport and it's been amazing to me and my family for 46 years and I want to do anything I can to give back to it," said McReynolds.
The daily radio platform allows the veteran analyst to stay aligned with the rapid weekly technological changes and sporting regulations that govern modern stock car racing.
"Our sport is so different from stick and ball sports," said McReynolds.
McReynolds noted that a temporary absence from the garage makes it difficult to track the constant automotive advancements and structural shifts within the industry.
"You can walk away from baseball, football or hockey, probably for a year, and when you come back, there might be some players on different teams but it hasn't changed a whole lot," said McReynolds.
McReynolds also addressed his recent public disagreements with driver Denny Hamlin regarding the 23XI Racing antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR, clarifying that while their relationship is now cordial, they do not plan to meet for dinner.
