NASCAR announces Michael Phelps as honorary pace car driver for Cup championship race at Phoenix

Phoenix Raceway on Wednesday (October 23) announced that Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian of all time, will be the honorary pace car driver for 2024 NASCAR Cup Series championship race at Phoenix Raceway on Sunday (November 10).

Former Olympian Phelps, who is regarded as the greatest swimmer of all time and one of the greatest athletes of all time, will take on the role of the honorary pace car driver for the Phoenix championship race while taking the field with the green flag.

On X, Phoenix Raceway’s official account shared the news by stating:

“We’ve got the perfect person to lead the field to green for the last race of the season... We’re excited to announce @MichaelPhelps, the most decorated Olympic athlete ever & 23-time gold medalist, as our Honorary Pace Car Driver for the @NASCAR Cup Series Championship race!”

Michael Phelps has amassed a record 28 total Olympic medals and 23 gold medals during his career. Phelps took retirement from swimming after the 2012 Olympics. He came out of retirement in 2014 and announced his second retirement in 2016.

On having an athlete like Phelps for the championship race, Phoenix Raceway president Latasha Causey, in a statement, said:

“Michael Phelps is the prime standard for success and achievement across all of sports. We’re incredibly grateful to have such an accomplished icon join us for the most important race of the season as we crown our next Cup Series champion at Phoenix Raceway.”

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NASCAR Cup Series championship standings after Round of 8 opener at Las Vegas

One spot in the four-driver championship 4 field for the title-deciding race at Phoenix Raceway has been filled, as Joey Logano clinched a memorable win via fuel-saving strategy last week at Las Vegas. He is close to winning his third NASCAR Cup championship.

After back-to-back runner-up finishes, Chrsitopher Bell has improved his qualification hopes for his third consecutive championship 4 appearance.

Here are the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series playoff standings after the Las Vegas playoff race:

Driver – Points – Cutline

1. Joey Logano – Advanced - LOCKED IN
2. Christopher Bell - 4086, +42
3. Kyle Larson – 4079, +35
4. William Byron – 4071, +27
5. Denny Hamlin – 4044, -27 (ELIMINATION LINE)
6. Tyler Reddick – 4041, -30
7. Ryan Blaney – 4024, -47
8. Chase Elliott – 4018, -53