Derrick Johnson will drive pace car at Kansas Speedway for Go Bowling 400
By Matt Conner
Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Derrick Johnson will be the official pace car driver at Kansas Speedway for the Go Bowling 400.
Later this spring, Derrick Johnson will add another sports achievement to his impressive resume as he becomes an honorary pace car driver at Kansas Speedway for the upcoming Go Bowling 400. The NASCAR Cup Series race will take place on Saturday, May 13.
The Kansas City Chiefs linebacker is a recognizable figure both on and off the field. The longtime veteran is the franchise’s all-time leading tackler, with 1,080 total tackles in his 12 seasons with the Chiefs. Johnson is also a fan favorite for his charitable work in and around the Kansas City area through his Defend the Dream foundation. Earlier this offseason, Johnson opened his 12th Discovery Den in the K.C. area—reading rooms stocked with new books for local elementary schools. From a press release from the Speedway:
"“I am really excited and honored to drive the pace car at Kansas Speedway’s Go Bowling 400,” Johnson said.. “This is my first Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race and I can’t think of a better way to experience it, especially in a city that I love.”"
Johnson is currently rehabilitating a torn Achilles tendon, suffered late in the 2016 season. At the age of 34, Johnson faces an uphill climb to return to form, but he insists he’s on schedule to return for all of training camp and he’s ready to get physical again.
Fans who want to see the Go Bowling 400 can check out full information on parking, tickets and more at the official Kansas Speedway site.