Curt Cignetti, Indiana Football Coach, Drives Indy 500 Pace Car
The honorary role recognizes Cignetti after he led Indiana to a national championship and drew special driving lessons from Sarah Fisher.
- On Sunday, May 24, 2026, Indiana football head coach Curt Cignetti drove the 2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X as the honorary pace car driver for the 110th Indianapolis 500, leading 33 drivers to the green flag.
- The invitation reflects Cignetti's immense popularity following his leadership of the Indiana Hoosiers to their first-ever national championship in January 2026, capping a remarkable two-year turnaround for the program.
- To prepare for the high-speed role, Cignetti completed multiple test runs under the guidance of Indy 500 veteran Sarah Fisher, reaching practice speeds of 177 mph.
- Staying true to his competitive nature, Cignetti avoided distractions during the event, stating, "I get to start in front and finish in front." Have to keep your eye on the bullseye.
- The race's deep roots and importance to the "fabric of the state" made the invitation impossible to pass up, according to Cignetti, who shared the spotlight with Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark on Sunday.
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Curt Cignetti jokes he had to 'coach the hell out' of undefeated Hoosiers to be Indy 500 pace car driver
Indiana coach Curt Cignetti drove the Indianapolis 500 pace car as its honorary driver, joking he had to coach "the hell out" of his undefeated Hoosiers just to have the honor.
Indiana Head Coach Curt Cignetti's Indy 500 Appearance Has Everyone Locked In
There are booster tours, there are television spots, and then there is driving a Corvette ZR1X in front of 400,000 screaming fans at the Greatest Spectacle in Racing on Sunday, May 24. Indiana head football coach Curt Cignetti is opting for the later, taking the wheel at Indy 500 just months after capturing a historic national championship.Cignetti takes the center stage at Indy 500 after denying most media appearances and speaking opportunities…
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