The Indianapolis 500 will feature a record-setting basketball player in an important role. Caitlin Clark will serve as grand marshal for the biggest race of the season.
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According to the NTT IndyCar Series, Clark will take part in the official pre-race ceremonies on Sunday. She will tell the drivers to report to their cars. Fans will be able to watch the command as part of Fox's coverage, which starts at 10 a.m. ET.
The WNBA star will join a long list of grand marshals that also includes Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Dylan Sprouse, Stephanie Beatriz, and Blake Shelton.
"Since being drafted by the Fever, fans have been clamoring to share the epic celebration and thrilling excitement of Indy 500 Race Day with Caitlin," IndyCar and Indianapolis Motor Speedway President J. Douglas Boles said.
"Through our incredible partnership with Gainbridge, everyone joining us for the world's largest single-day spectator sporting event will get to do just that. Caitlin will bring unique energy and presence to a quintessentially Hoosier experience and an absolutely bucket list global sporting spectacle."
Photo credit: Getty Images
Clark enjoyed a record-setting college career at the University of Iowa. She became the highest-scoring player in the history of college basketball, regardless of gender. She then landed with the WNBA's Indiana Fever as the first overall pick in the 2024 Draft.
The basketball player won WNBA Rookie of the Year and was named All-WNBA First Team after breaking numerous records. For example, she became the only rookie in WNBA History with multiple games of 20-plus points and 10-plus assists. She also became the fastest player to reach 400 points and 200 assists (26 games).
Clark is the second representative of Indiana sports who will join the Indianapolis 500 broadcast. Championship-winning football coach Curt Cignetti will be in the pace car for the opening laps at the 2.5-mile track. He will lead the field of racers while continuing a standout year that featured the Hoosiers going undefeated and winning the National Championship.
