This Sunday, a legit NFL legend is set to kick off some serious horsepower, as seven-time Pro Bowler Torry Holt will be behind the wheel of the honorary pace car for the NASCAR Cup Series Bank of America 400 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Get ready, because when Holt leads the field, you know it’s not just any race: it’s a critical Chase event where the championship is on the line.
NFL Royalty Takes the Wheel at Charlotte
Yeah, that Torry Holt! The guy who used to terrorize NFL secondaries is making an unexpected return to the spotlight, even if it’s not on the gridiron. It’s been a while, too: Holt hasn’t competed in the NFL since 2010. But during his 11-year career, he absolutely solidified his place as an elite wide receiver. When you think Torry Holt, you think St. Louis Rams. He was synonymous with their receiving corps from 1999-2008, a true Ram through and through.
Holt came out of NC State as a first-round draft pick, selected sixth overall by the Rams in 1999. And talk about making an immediate impact! He was a key part of the Rams’ Super Bowl XXXIV-winning team that took down the Tennessee Titans on January 30, 2000. Seven Pro Bowl selections speak for themselves, and he retired with the tenth most receiving yards in NFL history. Not only that, he holds a record for six straight seasons with over 1,300 receiving yards. After his time with the Rams, he played for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2009 and signed with the New England Patriots in 2010, though injury reserve ultimately led to his retirement. Now, he’s back, trading the cleats for the driver’s seat and setting the pace for a high-stakes NASCAR showdown.
The Championship Chase: Wild, Tight, and Unpredictable
Holt isn’t just taking any car for a spin, either. He’s pacing the field for the sixth race of the Chase, the Bank of America 400. With only five races remaining in the 2026 season, this battle for the championship is absolutely coming down to the wire! Kyle Larson currently holds a 40-point lead over Denny Hamlin for the championship. Larson has been consistent, finishing no worse than fifth in the Chase so far and bagging two victories.
But don’t count out Denny Hamlin. He actually started the Chase as the points leader with a 25-point advantage. A 16th-place finish at Las Vegas last week definitely stung, so he’s gonna be looking to bounce back big time. And then there’s Christopher Bell, sitting third in the standings, 55 points behind Larson. Bell also had a rough go last Sunday, finishing 23rd at Las Vegas, so you know he’s aiming for a huge rebound. This race isn’t just another Sunday drive; it’s a critical step toward the Cup Series championship.
So, get ready to tune in! Catch all the action for the Bank of America 400 this Sunday at 3 p.m. ET on USA Network, or listen in on the Performance Racing Network (PRN). With Torry Holt leading the way and the championship hanging in the balance, you won’t want to miss a second of this one!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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