As she enters her third year in the WNBA, Indiana Fever superstar Caitlin Clark is finally getting an opportunity to be the Grand Marshal in the Indy 500.
Clark was officially named the Grand Marshal on Tuesday of last week for the event that will take place on Sunday afternoon.
“Since being drafted by the Fever, fans have been clamoring to share the epic celebration and thrilling excitement of Indy 500 Race Day with Caitlin,” INDYCAR and IMS president J. Douglas Boles said. “Through our incredible partnership with Gainbridge, everyone joining us for the world’s largest single-day spectator sporting event will get to do just that. Caitlin will bring unique energy and presence to a quintessentially Hoosier experience and an absolutely bucket list global sporting spectacle.”
“I’m honored to represent Gainbridge as Grand Marshal of the Indy 500,” Clark said in a statement. “I’m looking forward to experiencing an iconic piece of what makes Indiana so special and being part of the time-honored tradition of ‘The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.’”
Ahead of taking on her responsibility at the Indy 500 on Sunday, Clark walked the red carpet and signed autographs for fans in the process.
Why Caitlin Clark hasn’t been Indy 500 Grand Marshal before
With Clark being the biggest star in the WNBA, arguably the biggest active sports figure in the state of Indiana and one of the most recognizable sports figures on the planet, it’s surprising she hasn’t gotten this honor before.
However, there’s a good explanation for that. The Fever’s schedule has conflicted with the race in the past, which has left Clark unable to participate.
This year’s race falls at the perfect time because the Fever don’t have another game until Thursday, when they travel to the west coast to take on the Golden State Valkyries.
“I’m not sure if she’s been yet or not, but to experience that as the grand marshal, it’s one of the highest honors you can get in the state of Indiana,” Fever coach Stephanie White said.
What does the Grand Marshal do?
In her role as the Grand Marshal for the race, Clark is going to be tasked with giving the command for drivers to report to their cars before the 110th Indy 500 begins. At around 12:29 p.m. ET, you’ll hear Clark say: “Drivers, to your cars!” Several sports figures have taken on the role over the years, including Peyton Manning, Larry Bird, Reggie Miller and President Gerald Ford. The most notable WNBA player to have the honor was Hall of Famer Tamika Catchings, who spent her entire career with the Fever. After Clark does her duty as Grand Marshal, the Indy 500 will begin at about 12:45 p.m. ET.
