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.
Elon Musk gets approval from FDA to implant his Neuralink brain chip into a second patient
Robert Irwin reveals his 'red flags' after splitting from girlfriend Rorie Buckey
29 Naxals killed in gunfight with gov't forces in India's Chhattisgarh
WNBA franchises look to build and strengthen chemistry during camp in their hunt for championships
Trump accepts a VP debate but wants it on Fox News. Harris has already said yes to CBS
China always be Cambodia's most reliable friend, firmest supporter for development: Chinese FM
Wine to five! Dolly Parton 'planning to launch own range of alcoholic drinks'
Promotional event helps Chinese films 'go global'
Lynn Williams breaks NWSL goal
Taylor Swift celebrates the success of The Tortured Poets Department with behind
Travis Kelce downs whiskey shot on slice of bread at Kelce Jam without Taylor Swift
China's top liquor brand reports 15.59% profit surge in Q1