Caitlin Clark Named Grand Marshal for 110th Indianapolis 500

Indiana Fever superstar Caitlin Clark has been named Grand Marshal for the 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge, marking a high-profile crossover between women’s basketball and one of motorsports’ most iconic events. The announcement, made Tuesday by IndyCar, positions the WNBA sensation at the center of race-day ceremonies at the sold-out Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 24.

As Grand Marshal, Clark will deliver the traditional command for drivers to report to their cars during official pre-race ceremonies, a moment that will be broadcast live on FOX’s Race Day coverage beginning at 10 a.m. ET.

A Natural Fit for Indiana Sports

Clark’s selection continues a long tradition of the Indianapolis 500 honoring figures deeply connected to Indiana sports and entertainment. Previous Grand Marshals include basketball legends Larry Bird and Tamika Catchings, Indianapolis Colts icon Peyton Manning, and the 2012 Indiana Fever championship team, as Sporting News notes.

“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 in a statement. “Caitlin will bring unique energy and presence to a quintessentially Hoosier experience and an absolutely bucket list global sporting spectacle.”

A Long-Awaited Appearance

Clark’s participation in Indy 500 festivities has been years in the making. Her basketball schedule previously prevented her from attending race-week activities — in 2024, the Fever played on race weekend during her rookie season, and in 2025, the team played a home game the day before a rare Indy 500-Pacers doubleheader, according to Sportsnet.

This year, the Fever’s schedule aligns perfectly. The team hosts the Portland Fire on Wednesday and the Golden State Valkyries on Friday before entering a six-day break, clearing the way for Clark to take center stage at the Brickyard.

A Rising Star’s Resume

Clark enters the weekend on the heels of an extraordinary stretch of achievements. She was named MVP of the 2026 FIBA World Cup Qualifying Tournament in March, holds the WNBA’s all-time assists record, and was the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year and All-WNBA First Team selection. She also remains the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer, male or female, from her historic career at the University of Iowa.

Through the Fever’s 2-2 start to the 2026 season, Clark is averaging 24.3 points and 9 assists per game, as reported by Bleacher Report.

The Gainbridge Connection

The selection also highlights the deepening relationship between Clark and Gainbridge, the financial services company that serves as presenting sponsor of the Indianapolis 500 and holds naming rights to Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the Fever’s home arena. Clark has been a Gainbridge brand ambassador since her senior year at Iowa and recently appeared in her second marketing campaign with the company.

“Indianapolis is at the center of what we do at Gainbridge,” said President Derek Towriss. “We’ve been the presenting partner of the Indy 500 since 2019, and Caitlin has been part of the Gainbridge family since before she was playing home games at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Having her as grand marshal pulls it all together.”

Clark’s Own Words

“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.’”

What to Watch For

The 110th Indianapolis 500, which is sold out, features reigning champion Alex Palou starting from pole position. FOX Sports will provide six hours of Race Day coverage beginning at 10 a.m. ET on Sunday. Clark’s command for drivers to start their engines will be one of the most anticipated moments of the pre-race ceremony, as Fox News noted, underscoring IndyCar’s willingness to embrace the marketing power of one of basketball’s brightest stars.

As Clark continues to reshape the sports landscape in Indiana and beyond, her role as Grand Marshal represents yet another milestone in a career defined by historic firsts and cross-cultural impact.