INDIANAPOLIS — From the gridiron to the brickyard, Indiana University football head coach Curt Cignetti is keeping his unforgettable year moving at high speed.
Following a historic run in January where he coached the Hoosiers to their first national championship in program history, and a subsequent celebratory visit to the White House earlier this month, Cignetti is shifting gears for a premier racing tradition. The IU coach will serve as the honorary pace car driver for the 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500 this Sunday.
Cignetti has already spent time at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, logging practice laps around the famed 2.5-mile oval to familiarize himself with the official pace car: a high-performance Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X. The machine boasts a zero-to-60 mph time of under two seconds and is capable of reaching a top speed of 233 mph.
When asked if he would be tempted to stay out on the track once the pace laps officially conclude, Cignetti joked that he is more than happy to cede the asphalt to the professionals.
To prepare for his honorary duties, Cignetti has been receiving expert coaching from nine-time Indy 500 starter Sarah Fisher. Fisher, who now serves as the official full-time pace car driver for the event, will take over behind the wheel once the green flag drops.
Cignetti noted that Fisher’s insights on track geometry and vehicle dynamics have been invaluable, though she gave him one particularly urgent piece of advice
Cignetti will lead the field of 33 drivers around the track during the official pre-race parade laps on Sunday morning.
The green flag for the 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500 is scheduled to wave at 12:45 p.m. EST on Sunday, May 24, 2026. The sold-out race will be broadcast live nationally on FOX and live radio call on 1340 AM WBIW alongside Southern Indiana’s Classic Hits 105.5 WQRK.
