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Curt Cignetti Leads Field as Honorary Pace Car Driver at Indianapolis 500

His three‑lap ceremonial drive in a Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X follows practice runs with veteran Sarah Fisher who will handle the official pace‑car duties.

Indiana's Curt Cignetti Leads The Field As Indy 500 Honorary Pace Car Driver
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Overview

  • IndyCar and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway released photos and video showing Cignetti completing test runs and receiving instruction on May 23–24, 2026.
  • Cignetti will perform a ceremonial three‑lap run in a USA‑themed Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X before exiting so the official pace‑car driver can assume control.
  • The Corvette ZR1X pairs a 5.5L twin‑turbo V8 that makes more than 1,000 hp with a 186 hp electric motor, a setup that required hands‑on practice for safety and handling.
  • Sarah Fisher, a former IndyCar driver with multiple Indianapolis 500 starts, coached Cignetti during reps and will drive the pace car for race control during caution periods.
  • Cignetti was chosen for the honorary role as a local figurehead after leading Indiana to an unbeaten national championship, a selection meant to celebrate the state rather than alter race operations.