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.
Mohammad Mokhber: Who is Iran’s acting president?
When Danish police pulled a woman over, she locked herself in her car and refused to talk
Alice Evans admits she 'didn't react well' when her 'life was uprooted' by acrimonious split from ex
Adams, Reyna, Turner, Ream are US concerns ahead of Copa America
Flooding in Tanzania has killed 155 people as heavy rains continue in Eastern Africa
NFL to open academy in Australia to identify and develop young prospects
Pakistan women's great Bismah Maroof retires from international cricket
A warrant for Netanyahu’s arrest was requested. But no decision was made about whether to issue it
Ohio judge to rule Monday on whether the state’s abortion ban stands
Tori Spelling reveals no one has 'broken my heart' since 'first love' and Beverly Hills, 90210 co