BROOKLYN, MI - Former Detroit Pistons center Ben Wallace was perhaps best known for his monster blocks on the basketball court.

But blocking shouldn't be necessary on Sunday, Aug. 12, as 40 NASCAR drivers are mandated to keep behind Wallace as he drives the pace car for the Consumers Energy 400 at Michigan International Speedway.

Wallace, a member of the 2003-04 NBA championship team, will lead the field to the green flag. The race begins at 2:30 p.m. on NBCSN.

In his 16 NBA seasons, Wallace averaged 5.7 points per game, 9.6 rebounds per game and 2 blocks per game. He played for the Pistons, Washington Bullets/Wizards, Orlando Magic, Chicago Bulls and Cleveland Cavaliers.

Wallace, known in Detroit as "Big Ben," said in a press release he's followed racing for a long time and has always wanted to attend a NASCAR race.

Jackson High School chemistry teacher Tom Hunt will serve as the grand marshal for Sunday's race. He'll deliver the "Drivers, start your engines" command.

Known for his rainbow tie-dye lab coats and hands-on teaching style, Hunt was named Jackson County Teacher of the Year for 2018 by Jackson Magazine.

Jason Potter, a Consumers employee, will wave the green flag as the honorary starter. He's known for his heroic actions last summer, helping save a woman involved in a violent crash on I-75 before paramedics arrived.

Before Sunday's race, fans will be treated to a 30-minute performance from Michigan's Brian Vander Ark, from The Verve Pipe. His performance will be on the frontstretch before driver introductions. Vander Ark will also sing the national anthem.

Tickets for Sunday's race, which still are available, start at $35 at mispeedway.com.