For members of the New England Patriots, their ‘summer vacations’ are coming to an end. With training camp starting next week, guys are making the most of the time before they need to report to Foxborough.
For wide receiver and All-Pro punt returner Gunner Olszewski, that included a trip to New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Olszewski was invited to drive the pace car for the Foxwoods Resort Casino 301 on Sunday.
READY TO RIDE, @Gunnerolszewsk1?!#Foxwoods301 | @NASCAR | @Patriots pic.twitter.com/uipKeMOgN2
— New Hampshire Motor Speedway (@NHMS) July 18, 2021
However, inclement weather delayed the race, meaning Olszewski and the drivers had time to kill around the track. The good news was, he came prepared.
Always got one on me Bubba pic.twitter.com/juyFlfHDIE
— Gunner Olszewski (@Gunnerolszewsk1) July 18, 2021
While waiting for the track to dry, Olszewski ended up playing catch with drivers Bubba Wallace and Corey LaJoie. The trio also ended up throwing the ball into the stands, playing catch with the fans.
Just passing the time. 🏈 @BubbaWallace | @Gunnerolszewsk1 pic.twitter.com/9ROsaXbU9u
— New Hampshire Motor Speedway (@NHMS) July 18, 2021
That’s not all Olszewski was up to during the delay. He also held a press conference, signed a jersey for drivers, held the trophy lobster, and met Dale Earnhardt Jr., which he called ‘a dream come true.’
New England Patriots wide receiver and all-pro punt returner Gunner Olszewski, who drove the pace car prior to the NASCAR race Sunday, obviously is excited to have fans back this season and as far as the team’s performance, “Bill is going to get us right.” @NFLonFOX pic.twitter.com/YIh97G6uP3
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) July 19, 2021
Signed jersey for a special fan. 🤩@Gunnerolszewsk1 | @austindillon3 pic.twitter.com/egUQN9ujLM
— New Hampshire Motor Speedway (@NHMS) July 18, 2021
Watch out @NASCAR! 👀
— New Hampshire Motor Speedway (@NHMS) July 18, 2021
He’s GUNNING for a lobstah. @Patriots | @Gunnerolszewsk1 pic.twitter.com/XrKaELcPr1
A dream come true. 🤩 @DaleJr pic.twitter.com/dcUoq9s3ds
— New Hampshire Motor Speedway (@NHMS) July 18, 2021
Olszewski wasn’t alone in representing the Patriots on Sunday. Center David Andrews was on hand as well.
Probably talking about the @Braves. @chaseelliott | @TeamHendrick pic.twitter.com/7hyaPzxNry
— New Hampshire Motor Speedway (@NHMS) July 18, 2021
Meanwhile, the Bruins had their own representative at the track. TD Garden anthem singer Todd Angilly was on hand, and sung the anthem for the race.
God bless America! 🇺🇸@todd_angilly | @NHLBruins pic.twitter.com/1gqTglxZ2n
— New Hampshire Motor Speedway (@NHMS) July 18, 2021
Aric Almirola won the rain-shortened race, which qualified him for the NASCAR playoffs.
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Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.
