Indiana Hoosiers head football coach Curt Cignetti took to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Saturday for practice sessions behind the wheel of the 2025 Indianapolis 500 pace car. The coach will lead the field on race day Sunday, driving a specially prepared Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X in front of thousands of spectators. IndyCar shared footage and images of Cignetti getting familiar with the track layout and pace car protocols. Former IndyCar driver Sarah Fisher provided guidance during the practice runs.
The opportunity represents one of the highest honors in Indiana sports culture. Cignetti has become one of the most recognizable figures in the state following his successful tenure with the Hoosiers football program. The Indianapolis 500 pace car driver plays a functional role beyond ceremony. Unlike a ceremonial first pitch at a baseball game, the pace car driver directly impacts race operations and must execute specific protocols correctly.
Pace car driver responsibilities require precision and practice
The pace car driver must maintain appropriate speed throughout the pace laps to allow race cars to bring their tires up to proper operating temperature. Going too slow frustrates drivers and affects tire preparation. Going too fast creates safety concerns. The driver must also execute clean formation laps and respond to race control instructions. These technical requirements explain why practice sessions are standard procedure before the actual race day. Cignetti spent several hours at the Brickyard getting comfortable with the track surface, banking angles, and acceleration patterns required for the role.
Sarah Fisher served as the primary instructor during Cignetti’s practice runs. Fisher competed in nine Indianapolis 500 races during her IndyCar career and later transitioned to team ownership. She has also worked as a pace car driver for various racing events. Her experience made her an ideal mentor for Cignetti as he prepared for Sunday’s duties. Fisher walked Cignetti through entry speeds, proper racing line during pace laps, and communication protocols with race officials.
Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X delivers over 1,000 horsepower
The pace car for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 is a Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X equipped with a 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 engine. The powerplant delivers more than 1,000 horsepower to the rear wheels. An electric motor adds another 186 horsepower to the front axle, creating an all-wheel-drive hybrid system. The vehicle features a special America 250 commemorative paint scheme designed specifically for this year’s race. The car represents one of the most powerful pace vehicles in Indianapolis 500 history.
- 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 engine producing over 1,000 horsepower
- Electric motor adding 186 horsepower to front axle
- All-wheel-drive hybrid configuration
- Custom America 250 commemorative livery
- Advanced telemetry for race control communication
The significant power output and advanced technology package mean drivers need adequate preparation time before race day. Cignetti expressed enthusiasm about driving such a capable vehicle. The Corvette ZR1X represents cutting-edge American automotive engineering and performance. Its selection as the pace car underscores the technological advancement in both racing and production vehicles. The car will be visible to fans throughout pre-race ceremonies and the opening pace laps.
Indianapolis 500 maintains central role in Indiana sports culture
The Indianapolis 500 remains one of the most prestigious motorsports events worldwide. The race attracts hundreds of thousands of spectators to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway each year. Television coverage reaches millions of viewers across multiple countries. The pace car driver selection traditionally honors prominent figures with Indiana connections. Previous pace car drivers have included business leaders, entertainers, athletes, and politicians. Cignetti joins a distinguished list of individuals who have held this role.
WNBA star Caitlin Clark will serve as grand marshal for this year’s race. Clark played college basketball at the University of Iowa and has strong Midwest ties. Her selection alongside Cignetti highlights the connection between Indiana sports culture and the Indianapolis 500. The race serves as a gathering point for the state’s sports community each Memorial Day weekend. Cignetti’s rising profile as Hoosiers head coach made him a natural choice for the pace car assignment this year.
Race coverage begins Sunday morning on network television
The 110th Indianapolis 500 will air Sunday with coverage beginning at 10:00 a.m. ET on Fox. Pre-race ceremonies will feature Cignetti leading the field in the Corvette ZR1X pace car. The race itself is scheduled to begin in the early afternoon following traditional protocols and driver introductions. Cignetti will complete multiple pace laps before pulling off the track to allow the green flag. His practice sessions Saturday were designed to ensure smooth execution of these duties when millions of viewers tune in Sunday.
The coach’s preparation demonstrates the seriousness with which organizers approach even ceremonial aspects of race day operations. Every element of the Indianapolis 500 carries tradition and expectation. Cignetti spent several hours working with Fisher and track officials to master the required procedures. His visibility in the role also provides positive exposure for the Indiana University football program. The convergence of college football and motorsports highlights the diverse sporting landscape in Indiana and the Midwest region.