Rob Gronkowski set to drive pace car at upcoming NASCAR race

New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski appears to be giving up his trademark party bus for a NASCAR pace car, at least temporarily.

NASCAR revealed Monday that the dance-loving football star will drive the pace car and serve as the co-grand marshal for the June 20 Xfinity Series race at Chicagoland Speedway. His brothers Gordie Jr., Chris, Dan and Glenn along with their father Gordie Sr. will share grand marshal duties with Rob. And since it’s Father’s Day weekend, Gordie Sr. will be the race’s honorary starter.

“I’m stoked to spend Father’s Day weekend with my family at Chicagoland Speedway,” Rob Gronkowski said in a statement. “Not only are we coming from all over the country to celebrate the best dad in the world, but I get the ultimate adrenaline rush of getting behind the wheel and driving the pace car to kick-off the NASCAR race.

“My brothers and I get to say the most famous words in racing, and my dad gets to wave the green flag to start the race,” he continued. “It’s going to be an awesome weekend.”

Gronkowski seems pretty excited about the chance to drive a NASCAR pace car, but let’s hope the Andrew WK of the NFL doesn’t get too carried away and spike his ride into the wall.