Indiana Fever standout Caitlin Clark is set to lead the 110th Indianapolis 500 as its grand marshal, a role officially announced by race organizers on Tuesday. The iconic event will see the green flag wave at 12:45 p.m. ET at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, with live coverage airing on FOX.
As grand marshal, Clark will issue the traditional command for drivers to take their places in their cars during the ceremonial pre-race proceedings. She joins the ranks of prominent sports figures who have held this prestigious position, including former Fever star and 2012 WNBA champion Tamika Catchings, MLB legend Derek Jeter, NFL icon Peyton Manning, and NBA great Larry Bird.
“It’s a privilege to represent Gainbridge as the grand marshal of the Indy 500,” Clark expressed in an official release. “I am excited to be a part of this cherished tradition that highlights what makes Indiana unique and to engage in ‘The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.’”
The honor of waving the green flag, which signals the commencement of the race, will go to Academy Award winner and Indianapolis native Brendan Fraser.
Although the race coincides with the WNBA season, Clark’s schedule finally aligned, allowing her to participate in the festivities. The Fever are in the midst of a six-day hiatus following their home game against the Golden State Valkyries on Friday, providing her the opportunity to attend the event.
In just her third season in the WNBA, Clark has quickly ascended to superstar status. She made history with the Iowa Hawkeyes, setting an NCAA Division I record by amassing 3,951 career points. Drafted as the No. 1 overall pick by the Fever in 2024, Clark claimed the Rookie of the Year title and shattered WNBA rookie records, including the most points scored in a season and single-game and season assist records, with 19 assists in one game and 322 in a season.
“Since being drafted by the Fever, fans have been clamoring to share the epic celebration and thrilling excitement of Indy 500 Race Day with Caitlin,” INDYCAR and IMS President J. Douglas Boles said in a statement. “Through our incredible partnership with Gainbridge, everyone joining us for the world’s largest single-day spectator sporting event will get to do just that. Caitlin will bring unique energy and presence to a quintessentially Hoosier experience and an absolutely bucket list global sporting spectacle.”
The race is presented by online financial services company Gainbridge, a company Clark has been an ambassador for since her senior year with the Hawkeyes. The Fever play their home games at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, which they also share with the NBA’s Indiana Pacers.
