One of the greatest offensive linemen in New England Patriots history and a vital cog in helping the Pats to three Super Bowls, Matt Light will serve as the Official NASCAR Pace Car Driver for the Bad Boy Off Road 300 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on Sunday at 2:00pm. Light made the announcement alongside speedway officials and NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr. at Thursday night’s Patriots game at Gillette Stadium against the Houston Texans. Light, who retired in 2012, will lead the field to green in the second of three Round of 16 races in the Chase for the Sprint Cup Championship. Light, 38, was a second-round pick of the New England Patriots in the 2001 NFL Draft. A left tackle on the offensive line – one of the most important positions on the field for right-handed quarterbacks – Light was instrumental in keeping Tom Brady’s blindside protected for much of his career. In 2001, Light founded The Light Foundation, a non-profit organization that gives at-risk kids a better chance at leading healthy lives by using the great outdoors to learn and grow. Following his stellar career with the Pats, Light enjoyed a short stint as an analyst at ESPN. He now spends time working to grow the Light Foundation as well as running his various business ventures, including the launch of KEEL Vodka, a brand of light vodka that’s taken off.(NHMS)(9-23-2016)
