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.
Dodgers acquire pitcher Yohan Ramírez from Mets for cash
Rangers aware of Presidents' Trophy curse as they face Carolina Hurricanes in second round
Nikola Petkovic scores first MLS goal to help Charlotte beat Timbers 2
King Charles and Queen Camilla step up their involvement in horse racing
What a blast to work at NASA. Space agency is sky
Rumer Willis praises mom Demi Moore's 'bangin' body after actress, 61, flaunts it in leopard
I didn't want Hugh Grant to be in Four Weddings and a Funeral, writer Richard Curtis admits
Socialite Jasmine Hartin enjoys beach snuggle with electrician hunk
Ronaldo scores his 4th hat trick of Saudi Pro League season
Pope trip to Luxembourg, Belgium confirmed for September, 2 weeks after challenging Asia visit
Surridge, Mukhtar, Zimmerman lead Nashville past Montreal 4