Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam, a celebrated three-time NBA All-Star, will take the role of honorary Pace Car driver at the Brickyard 400 presented by PPG on Sunday, July 27, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Bringing his dynamic presence to the event, Siakam will pilot the 2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV SS, a cutting-edge electric vehicle, to lead the race field at the start of this iconic NASCAR competition.
Siakam to Drive Powerful Chevrolet Electric Vehicle
As a Red Bull athlete, Siakam will handle the 615-horsepower Blazer EV SS, which stands as the quickest and most powerful Chevrolet SS model ever produced, as well as the fastest electric vehicle in its class. This new model reflects Chevrolet’s rapid growth as a leading electric vehicle brand in the United States. Siakam’s participation highlights a unique crossover between basketball and motorsports at this historic racing venue.
From Basketball Beginnings in Cameroon to NBA Stardom
Siakam’s basketball journey started later than most, not beginning organized play until he was 17 years old. Born in Douala, Cameroon, he grew up in a family of six siblings, many of whom—Boris, Christian, and James—pursued Division I college basketball in the U.S. Despite his brothers’ path, Siakam was initially drawn to soccer before receiving an invitation to a Basketball Without Borders camp in South Africa at age 16.
Following that opportunity, Siakam moved to Texas to attend prep school and later played college basketball at New Mexico State. His talent led to being drafted in the first round by the Toronto Raptors in 2016, marking the start of a rapid rise in his professional career.
Rise to NBA Champion and Key Pacers Veteran
Siakam’s progression in the NBA was swift and impressive. After a promising rookie season and a transitional second year, he emerged as the starting power forward for the Raptors in his third season. His development earned him the NBA’s Most Improved Player award and helped Toronto secure its first NBA championship in 2019. In 2024, Siakam was traded to the Indiana Pacers, where his veteran leadership quickly became a cornerstone for the team.
During the 2025 postseason, Siakam’s seasoned presence was vital, earning him the Eastern Conference Finals MVP and helping the Pacers reach a hard-fought Game 7 in the NBA Finals—the deepest playoff run for the franchise in recent years.
Motorsport and Basketball Ties Highlighted at Indianapolis
J. Douglas Boles, President of INDYCAR and IMS, underscored the unique bond between basketball and motorsports in Indianapolis, stating,
“Basketball and motorsports – Pacers and racers – go hand in hand in Indianapolis,”
and added,
“Following the Pacers’ electrifying postseason run, it’s only fitting to have Pascal join us to pace the field as NASCAR’s biggest stars compete to win the In-Season Challenge and add their name to the history books with a win at the Brickyard.”
The Brickyard 400’s Place in NASCAR and What to Expect
The Brickyard 400 presented by PPG is the concluding race of NASCAR’s five-race In-Season Challenge, where the victor will earn a $1 million bonus. This electrifying event, featuring some of the sport’s top drivers, will be broadcast live on TNT Sports starting at 2 p.m. ET on Sunday, July 27. The weekend festivities at Indianapolis Motor Speedway run from July 25 through 27, offering fans a thrilling motorsports experience ahead of the race.
Siakam’s Enduring Journey and Impact Beyond Basketball
Pascal Siakam’s story is one marked by resilience, adaptability, and determination, evolving from a late start in basketball to becoming an NBA champion, esteemed All-Star, and a respected leader on the court. His role as the honorary Pace Car driver at the Brickyard 400 not only celebrates his achievements but also reflects the growing intersection of sports and sustainable automotive innovation represented by the Chevrolet Blazer EV SS.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Did Pascal Siakam want to leave the Raptors?
A. He expressed that he wished he could stay, but circumstances did not allow it. He acknowledged, “I know it’s a business, and they have the authority to decide when to conclude an era.”
Q. Why does Pascal Siakam wear #43? The four represents the four men in his life (his late father, and three brothers) while the three represents the three women in his life (his mother and two sisters). And with this finals run, he cements himself as one of the three greatest players in NBA history to wear that number.
A. What is the reason behind Pascal Siakam wearing the number 43 jersey?