INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Hall of Fame outfielder Ken Griffey Jr. will drive the pace car for the 108th running of the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday.
Griffey has attended “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” in his second career as a photographer, but now his job will be much more visible. He’ll be behind the wheel of the 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray that brings the field of 33 cars — led by record-setting pole sitter Scott McLaughlin — to the green flag at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
“Driving the Pace Car and leading the field to start the Indy 500 is one of the coolest experiences,” Griffey said Monday. “I came to the track a few years ago as a photographer and look forward to seeing the race from a different perspective.”
The pace car driver has been a coveted job among athletes, actors and other celebrities since the 1970s, when actor James Garner and singer Marty Robbins handled it. Others that have driven the car include Jay Leno, Morgan Freeman and Patrick Dempsey and, in more recent years, NBA players Victor Oladipo and Tyrese Haliburton.
California congressman urges closer consultation with tribes on offshore wind
A windswept Natalie Portman and John Krasinski film a high
U.S. tariff hikes on Chinese products bound to backfire
Tommy Paul feels right at home on European clay. Swiatek to play Sabalenka in Italian Open final
Why US Catholics are planning pilgrimages in communities across the nation
So Mi Lee shoots 66 to take lead in Mihuno Americas Open as Rose Zhang leaves with illness
Rylan Clark gets playful as he details intimate hotel moment with Rob Rinder during cosy interview
So Mi Lee shoots 66 to take lead in Mihuno Americas Open as Rose Zhang leaves with illness
Strictly star Giovanni Pernice's former partner Rose Ayling
Will Smith calls estranged wife Jada Pinkett Smith one of his 'ride