This weekend, NASCAR fans and racers will descend upon Homestead Miami Speedway for the grand finale of the 2015 season, where a champion is set to be crowned. For 13 years Ford has served as the title sponsor of the NASCAR closer, picking from a wide variety of vehicles to serve as the official pace car. For 2015 they’ve enlisted the Shelby GT350 to open the festivities and serve as the official pace car. Executive Vice President and President, the Americas, Joe Hinrichs will be behind the wheel of the all-new Shelby.

“The Shelby GT350 Mustang is the most track-capable Mustang ever, making it the perfect pace car for the Ford EcoBoost 400 during Ford Championship Weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway,” Hinrichs said. “This is a great chance for the fans at Homestead, and millions more watching around the world, to see the new GT350 in action.  Knowing this race will determine NASCAR’s 2015 champion makes it even more special.”

Of course Hinrich will have to leave the racing to the professionals. However, he will still get a chance to tap into the 526 horsepower 5.2 liter V8 at the start of the race, goosing it out of the way of the pack of real race cars behind him. The Shelby GT350 may be the most track-capable Mustang ever, but it still can’t hold a candle to the barely-contained madness that is your typical NASCAR machine.

Starting at just under $48,000 though, the GT350 is infinitely more obtainable, as well as street legal, despite being blessed with all sorts of race-derived components. This includes the unique six-speed transmission, 5.2-liter Voodoo flat-plane crank engine, unique to the GT350, massive Brembo brake system (the biggest ever installed on a Mustang), and MagnaRide adjustable suspension system (first time offered on a Mustang).

Keep an eye out for the Shelby GT350 this Sunday, when the NASCAR finale kicks off.