INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Hall of Fame outfielder Ken Griffey Jr. will drive the pace car for the 108th running of the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday. Griffey has attended “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” in his second career as a photographer, but now his job will be much more visible. He’ll be behind the wheel of the 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray that brings the field of 33 cars — led by record-setting pole sitter Scott McLaughlin — to the green flag at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. “Driving the Pace Car and leading the field to start the Indy 500 is one of the coolest experiences,” Griffey said Monday. “I came to the track a few years ago as a photographer and look forward to seeing the race from a different perspective.” The pace car driver has been a coveted job among athletes, actors and other celebrities since the 1970s, when actor James Garner and singer Marty Robbins handled it. Others that have driven the car include Jay Leno, Morgan Freeman and Patrick Dempsey and, in more recent years, NBA players Victor Oladipo and Tyrese Haliburton. |
Chinese official meets North Korean leader Kim in highestPrincesses Maria Carolina, 20, and Maria Chiara of BourbonU.S. dollar's power reaches tipping point, says U.S. writerUN rights chief highlights peace, security in human rights protectionSupreme Court of U.S. Michigan keeps Trump on 2024 primary ballotTruce deal in Gaza enters into forceClark Laidlaw: a Scot in Super Rugby. New Hurricanes coach makes a mark.Tucker, Altuve combine for 5 RBIs as Astros use big 7th inning to down Rangers, 9Royal gardener reveals top tips to get rid of slugs and snailsUConn's Aaliyah Edwards is ready to achieve her pro dream with WNBA draft around the corner