WNBA star Caitlin Clark was named grand marshal of the 110th Indianapolis 500 race, scheduled for Sunday, May 24, 2026, at 12:45 p.m. ET. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6] Clark will give the traditional command for drivers to report to their cars during the pre-race ceremonies. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6] Brendan Fraser will wave the green flag to officially start the race the same day. [5, 6]
Clark is the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA draft by the Indiana Fever. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6] She broke multiple records in her rookie season, including the league’s all-time single-season assists record with 322 assists and a single-game assist record of 19. [5] Clark also set rookie scoring records and won WNBA Rookie of the Year honors, plus earned a spot on the All-WNBA First Team. [4, 5] She finished her NCAA Division I career with 3,951 points. [5]
Clark serves as a brand ambassador for Gainbridge, the presenting sponsor of the Indianapolis 500. [4, 5, 6] Gainbridge President Derek Towriss said, "Having her as grand marshal pulls it all together" and emphasized their long-term commitment to Clark and the region. [4] INDYCAR and IMS President J. Douglas Boles said Clark will bring "unique energy and presence to a quintessentially Hoosier experience" at the world's largest single-day spectator sporting event. [4]
Previous Indianapolis 500 grand marshals have included former athletes Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez. [1, 2, 3, 5] Indiana University football coach Curt Cignetti, announced in March 2026 as the Indy 500 Pace Car driver, will participate in the event alongside Clark. [4]
The Indiana Fever’s WNBA schedule includes a six-day break to allow Clark to participate fully in race week activities. [5] Clark said, "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.’" [1] She added, "I’m honored to represent Gainbridge as grand marshal of the Indy 500." [4]
