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.
Socialite Jasmine Hartin enjoys beach snuggle with electrician hunk
Former Mormon reveals the wild list of rules she was forced to follow while living within ultra
Olly Murs' wife Amelia gives birth! Couple welcome a baby daughter and reveal her sweet name
Pope trip to Luxembourg, Belgium confirmed for September, 2 weeks after challenging Asia visit
House prices fell 0.2% in last year, official figures report
Duke's Jeremy Roach announces plans to enter NBA draft and transfer portal
Meghan's fruity flop? Only THREE unfamous faces out of 50 chosen jam
Georgia Republicans choose Amy Kremer, organizer of pro
An NPR editor who wrote a critical essay on the company has resigned after being suspended
Saudi Arabia is going to sponsor the WTA women's tennis rankings under a new partnership
You could miss out on the dream of retiring to Spain