Caitlin Clark named Indy 500 grand marshal

Indianapolis Motor Speedway said on May 19 that Caitlin Clark will serve as grand marshal for the 110th Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 24. The speedway said the Indiana Fever guard will take part in ceremonial duties before the race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana. IMS described Clark as a Gainbridge brand ambassador and said she is set to join the race day program before the start of “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” ### What exactly was Clark named to do? Indianapolis Motor Speedway said the grand marshal role places Clark in the center of the pre-race program, one of the most visible ceremonial parts of Indy 500 weekend. The speedway did not describe the assignment as a competition or officiating role; it framed it as a race-day ceremonial appearance tied to the event’s traditions. (indianapolismotorspeedway.com) Sunday’s official event schedule shows how crowded that pre-race window is. IMS lists driver introductions for 11:47 a.m. ET, the national anthem at 12:24 p.m. ET, “Drivers, to your cars” at 12:29 p.m. ET, “Back Home Again in Indiana” at 12:36 p.m. ET, the command to start engines at 12:38 p.m. ET, and the green flag at 12:45 p.m. ET. (indianapolismotorspeedway.com) ### Why is Clark a natural fit for this event? Clark plays for the Indiana Fever, which is based in Indianapolis, giving the speedway a hometown sports star for one of the city’s biggest annual events. The Fever’s official site lists Clark on the team’s current roster and schedule pages for the 2026 season. IMS also tied the appointment to Gainbridge, saying Clark is a brand ambassador. Gainbridge is the presenting sponsor of the 110th Indianapolis 500, according to the race schedule page, which refers to the event as the “110th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge.” (indianapolismotorspeedway.com) ### Where does this fit into race week? (fever.wnba.com) May 24 is race day for the 110th Indianapolis 500, and IMS has already told fans to expect a packed venue. A separate speedway notice published May 19 said the grandstands were sold out and urged fans to arrive early for the event. USA Today’s race-week coverage said the 2026 Indy 500 will be held Sunday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and published viewing details for the event. (indianapolismotorspeedway.com) Another USA Today schedule item said pre-race coverage begins at 10 a.m. ET and race coverage begins at 12:30 p.m. ET on Fox. ### What else is happening around the race itself? (indianapolismotorspeedway.com) Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s event page says the race is four days away and continues to feature Clark’s appointment alongside other race-week updates. The same page links the announcement with planning information for fans attending the event. USA Today’s race coverage has pointed to several on-track storylines, including the 2026 field and viewing logistics, but Clark’s role is part of the off-track pageantry that surrounds the start of the race. (usatoday.com) IMS’s published Sunday schedule places her appearance inside a sequence of ceremonial moments before engines fire. (indianapolismotorspeedway.com) ### What should fans watch for next? Sunday, May 24 is the next key date. Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s official race-day schedule says gates open at 6 a.m. ET, driver introductions begin at 11:47 a.m. ET, and the green flag for the 110th Indianapolis 500 is scheduled for 12:45 p.m. ET. (indianapolismotorspeedway.com) (usatoday.com)