A Coach Takes the Wheel
Indiana University’s head coach Curt Cignetti is set to steer the honorary pace car for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500, a tradition that blends college football’s fervor with the roar of the Speedway.
The preparation has been intensive. Cignetti has spent weeks studying the track’s nuances, watching onboard footage and even taking notes on the precise moments when the field must be slowed for the ceremonial lap.
Mentorship from a Racing Legend
Veteran driver Sarah Fisher, who holds the record for the most Indy 500 starts by a woman, has been guiding Cignetti through the cockpit’s demands. Her experience spans more than two decades, and she will be the one to lead the pace lap, provided Cignetti can exit the USA‑themed Corvette within the allotted time.
Fisher’s tutelage goes beyond mechanics; she has shared insights on the mental focus required to keep the car steady while the field thunders past at over 200 miles per hour.
A Record in the Books
The coach’s curiosity led him to the fastest speed ever recorded on the 2.5‑mile oval: a 239‑mile‑per‑hour lap set in 1996. That benchmark underscores the sheer velocity that drivers must command, a fact that has deepened his respect for the sport.
Cignetti, who has turned down most media and appearance requests since the season began, made an exception for the Indy 500 because of its storied place in Indiana’s cultural fabric. The event is more than a race; it is a point of pride for the state.
The upcoming test run scheduled for Friday night at the Speedway will be his final chance to fine‑tune his exit strategy before the May 28 ceremony. If all goes well, the coach will join a select group of non‑drivers who have briefly felt the pulse of the Indy 500 from the driver’s seat.