A 2012 Honda Civic that runs on compressed natural gas (CNG) will be the pace car this Saturday at the grand opening of the NASCAR-sanctioned Revolution Park Racing and Entertainment Complex in Louisiana.

The vehicle is from the fleet of Dallas-based natural gas distribution company Atmos Energy. The race being held on Saturday is a part of the Whelen All-American Series, NASCAR's national championship program for short-track racing. At the start of the race, Atmos Energy service technician Greg Martin will drive the CNG pace car.

"More than 5,000 people are expected to attend this weekend's race and will be watching our natural gas vehicle circle the track," Martin says. "That's a lot of attention on a car that is becoming the cleanest vehicle of the future."