CONCORD, N.C. -- Jimmie Johnson will be honored in a big way this Sunday.
Daytona International Speedway will pay tribute to the seven-time NASCAR champion's career by having him lead the field at one point during the pace laps ahead of the 62nd annual DAYTONA 500.
“Jimmie is one of the greatest competitors our sport has ever seen and we look forward to honoring him on Sunday ahead of his final DAYTONA 500 as a full-time driver,” Daytona International Speedway President Chip Wile said. “His contributions to the sport have been incredible and we’re excited for all the fans in attendance to be a part of this historical moment.”
During the warm-up lap led by Johnson, a tribute video will play on the track's big screen, which will relive some of Johnson's accomplishments at the "World Center of Racing" and feature a number of teammates and other competitors across the NASCAR Cup Series.
Fans in attendance at the famed racetrack can also relieve Johnson's two DAYTONA 500 wins by viewing images on a tri-panel kiosk located in the track's FanZone area.
Once the tribute lap is complete, Johnson will rejoin the field and start sixth in his 19th DAYTONA 500. "The Great American Race" is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. ET this Sunday on FOX, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.