Indy 500 to Feature Indiana Football Champions

IndyCar president says 'components' of national title team will be part of race celebration

Mar. 3, 2026 at 4:47am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

IndyCar President Doug Boles revealed that the Indianapolis 500 will feature 'components' of the Indiana football national championship team as part of the race's celebration. Boles said they are still finalizing exactly which members of the team will be involved, but promised the Indy 500 will have a strong Indiana football presence in May.

Why it matters

The Indianapolis 500 is one of the most prestigious motorsports events in the world, and incorporating the Indiana football national champions into the festivities will help generate excitement and interest around both the race and the university's historic football season.

The details

Boles told the Sports Business Journal that they 'will definitely have components of that national championship team as part of our celebration' at the Indy 500, though the specific details are still being worked out. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway has not yet announced the pace car driver or honorary starter for the race, leaving open the possibility that a member or members of the Indiana football team could fill those roles.

  • The Indianapolis 500 is scheduled for May 2026.

The players

Doug Boles

The president of IndyCar, the organization that oversees the Indianapolis 500.

Curt Cignetti

The head coach of the Indiana football team that won the national championship.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We're going to do everything we can. ... We will definitely have components of that national championship team as part of our celebration. Exactly which ones, we will be announcing in the next few weeks.”

— Doug Boles, IndyCar President

What’s next

In the coming weeks, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is expected to announce which specific members of the Indiana football national championship team will be involved in the Indianapolis 500 festivities.

The takeaway

Integrating the Indiana football national champions into the iconic Indianapolis 500 celebration will help drive interest and excitement around both the race and the university's historic sports achievement, showcasing the strong connection between the city, state, and its premier athletic programs.