Caitlin Clark named Indy 500 grand marshal

Caitlin Clark added another high-profile Indiana assignment on Tuesday when Indianapolis Motor Speedway named the Indiana Fever guard grand marshal for the 110th Indianapolis 500. The speedway said Clark, a Gainbridge brand ambassador, will deliver the traditional command for drivers to report to their cars during pre-race ceremonies before Sunday’s race. (indianapolismotorspeedway.com) The command will air on FOX’s Race Day broadcast, which the speedway said begins at 10 a.m. Sunday. The announcement came as Clark and the Fever prepared for a Wednesday home game against the expansion Portland Fire. ### What exactly will Clark do on race day? Indianapolis Motor Speedway said Clark’s grand marshal role includes giving the standard pre-race instruction for drivers to report to their cars. (fever.wnba.com) The speedway announced the assignment on May 19 and tied it to the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on Sunday, May 24. FOX’s Race Day coverage starts at 10 a.m., according to the speedway’s announcement, and Clark’s command is part of those official pre-race ceremonies. The Indianapolis 500 event page also lists the race for Sunday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. (indianapolismotorspeedway.com) ### Why was Clark picked for this role? The speedway’s statement identified Clark as both an Indiana Fever star and a Gainbridge brand ambassador. Gainbridge is the title sponsor of the Indianapolis 500, giving the selection a direct tie to one of the event’s commercial partners as well as to one of Indiana’s highest-profile athletes. (indianapolismotorspeedway.com) Tuesday’s announcement also lands during a busy month for Indianapolis sports. Indianapolis Motor Speedway said the 2026 race is the 110th running, and the event page shows the race weekend unfolding with a grandstand sellout crowd expected Sunday. (indianapolismotorspeedway.com) ### How does this fit into Clark’s week with the Fever? Wednesday, May 20, gives Clark another appearance in front of a home crowd before race weekend when Indiana hosts Portland at Gainbridge Fieldhouse at 7 p.m. ET. The Fever’s official game preview listed Clark and Kelsey Mitchell in the backcourt, with Lexie Hull, Monique Billings and Myisha Hines-Allen as probable starters. The same Fever preview said Indiana entered the Portland game at 2-2 after a Sunday win over Seattle. (indianapolismotorspeedway.com) It also said Aliyah Boston’s status was uncertain after a lower leg injury suffered against Washington on May 15. ### What numbers surround the Fever right now? The Fever’s official preview said Clark and Mitchell were each averaging more than 23 points per game through Indiana’s first four games. (indianapolismotorspeedway.com) It also said Indiana and Portland both ranked among the league leaders in made 3-pointers entering Wednesday’s matchup. Sporting News listed another attendance milestone ahead of Wednesday’s game, reporting that Indiana was set to surpass one million total home fans in franchise history. That figure adds another marker to the Fever’s early-season draw as Clark remains the team’s central attraction. (fever.wnba.com) ### What comes next in the next few days? Sunday, May 24, is the next confirmed date on Clark’s schedule as grand marshal for the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. (fever.wnba.com) Before that, Indiana closes its four-game homestand Friday, May 22, against the Golden State Valkyries, according to the Fever’s game preview. (indianapolismotorspeedway.com) (sportingnews.com)