IU Coach Curt Cignetti Named Honorary Pace Car Driver for 110th Indy 500

Cignetti will lead the field in the all-new Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X to start the race.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 1:19am

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Indiana University football coach Curt Cignetti has been named the honorary Pace Car driver for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 on May 24, 2026. Cignetti led IU to the program's first and only national championship during an undefeated season, and INDYCAR officials say his introduction on Race Day will bring a special roar of appreciation from the crowd.

Why it matters

Cignetti's selection as the honorary Pace Car driver is a nod to his successful tenure at Indiana University, where he guided the Hoosiers to an historic national title. As one of the most prestigious roles at the Indy 500, Cignetti's participation will further raise the profile of IU's football program and the state of Indiana on the national stage.

The details

Cignetti will drive the all-new Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X to lead the field of 33 drivers to the start of the Indianapolis 500. INDYCAR and Indianapolis Motor Speedway President J. Douglas Boles said Cignetti will have the field in a special victory lap formation as he leads the NTT INDYCAR SERIES stars to the green flag.

  • The 110th Indianapolis 500 is set for Sunday, May 24, 2026.

The players

Curt Cignetti

The head football coach at Indiana University, who led the Hoosiers to the program's first and only national championship during an undefeated season.

J. Douglas Boles

The President of INDYCAR and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

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What they’re saying

“Coach Cignetti will have our field in a special victory lap formation as he leads the stars of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES to the green flag at this year's Indy 500. His Hoosiers have been nothing short of remarkable, and their National Championship run inspired our entire state. He's the perfect choice to drive the Chevrolet Pace Car, and I know his introduction on Race Day will bring out a special roar of appreciation from our crowd.”

— J. Douglas Boles, President of INDYCAR and Indianapolis Motor Speedway (Press Release)

The takeaway

Cignetti's selection as the honorary Pace Car driver for the 110th Indianapolis 500 is a testament to his success in leading the Indiana University football program to new heights, and will further elevate the profile of both the Hoosiers and the state of Indiana on the national sports stage.