Pacing the field

Saturday’s Toyota Owners 400 was the first NASCAR experience for Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III, but the honorary pace car driver already had a respect for the sport’s history through his friend Dale Earnhardt Jr., a huge Redskins fan.

On the morning of the race, Griffin got a preview of the track in a preliminary pacecar ride.

“It’s interesting to be on that track and to be able to share that track with some of the greatest who have ever driven,” Griffin said. “It’s a blessing, totally an honor. I look forward to being out there, being able to do my job the right way, and then get out of the way and let those guys have fun.”