Caitlin Clark is stepping off the hardwood and onto one of racing’s biggest stages, serving as grand marshal of the 110th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on Sunday, May 24. The Indiana Fever guard and Gainbridge brand ambassador will deliver the pre‑race command for drivers to report to their cars, a marquee moment that will air live during FOX’s Race Day coverage. Clark has quickly become one of Indianapolis’ most visible athletes since joining the Fever, and race organizers say her role is designed to crank up the Race Day energy as the city barrels into its busiest weekend of the Month of May.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway announced Clark’s selection Tuesday, noting that she will walk the red carpet and take part in the official pre‑race ceremonies, according to Indianapolis Motor Speedway. In the track’s release, Clark said, “I’m honored to represent Gainbridge as grand marshal of the Indy 500,” while IMS president J. Douglas Boles added that “Caitlin will bring unique energy and presence to a quintessentially Hoosier experience.” The announcement also underscored that her pre‑race command will be featured on FOX’s Race Day telecast, which the track and broadcasters plan to keep rolling throughout Race Day.
Clark's Hoosier Tie And Sporting Clout
Clark entered the pros with plenty of momentum, going No. 1 overall in the 2024 WNBA draft and closing her rookie campaign by breaking multiple records on her way to Rookie of the Year honors, per the WNBA. Her partnership with Gainbridge dates back to her college days at Iowa, and local coverage has framed IMS’ choice as another sign that Indianapolis is leaning on its new pro star to help power marquee events, according to the Indianapolis Business Journal.
Race Day Context
The Clark news lands as IMS is already bracing for a massive crowd. The track has said that reserved grandstand seating and many badges are sold out, with expanded Fox coverage set to run all day, according to Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Officials have flagged an approximate green flag time of 12:45 p.m. ET for Sunday and are steering fans toward official resale markets for any remaining tickets. Broadcasters are lining up studio coverage in the morning to front‑load features and interviews before the field is told to start their engines.
Other Race Day headliners include Grammy‑nominated singer Jordin Sparks, who is set to perform the national anthem, and former NFL star Rob Gronkowski, returning as grand marshal of the Coors Light Snake Pit, details that have been outlined by the Associated Press. Organizers say the blend of celebrities, music and on‑track action is aimed at broadening the weekend’s appeal well beyond the checkered flag.
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