While checking out his pace-car ride for tomorrow’s Grand Prix of Indianapolis, Colts punter Pat McAfee chatted with the media at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Here’s what he had to say:
“What an incredible honor this is. Ever since you come to Indianapolis, being a part of the racing is part of your dream. As soon as I got this phone call, I’ve never been more excited. I get to hang out with Mr. Luyendyk first of all; that’s one of the coolest things ever.
“I’ve been driving around the Chevy Camaro today, and it’s been such a beautiful ride. The Corvette Stingray is going to be so much fun. It’s such an incredible honor, I just can’t wait to get in there and experience it right now.
“I told my dad about it. My dad has been watching IndyCar ever since I was a kid. I told him I was going to be riding with Arie Luyendyk, and he said, ‘I remember watching him when you were just a little boy.’ My dad’s been a fan for a long time, so he came along for the ride. He’s jacked up, too, so it’s a whole family affair here.
“I don’t know if that’s stupidity or what, but I’m not nervous at all. I’m just very excited.
“The thing I’m worried about is the whole feel-like-I’m-going-much-faster-than-I-really-am, and kind of getting a little—you know, feeling good about myself—and then Arie sitting there next to me and basically laughing at me.
“A lot of people have asked me how fast I’ve driven on roads. Here in America, I’m a law-abiding citizen, so I always go the speed limit … But I went to Germany a couple of years ago, and I got to drive on the Autobahn. So, I went a pretty good clip there.”