An Unexpected Role
Indiana University’s football coach Curt Cignetti is set to take the wheel of the honorary pace car for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500, a tradition that pits coaches from different sports against the iconic 2.5‑mile oval.
He has studied the fastest lap ever recorded at the Brickyard, a 239‑mile‑per‑hour run by Aerie Lytendyk in 1996, and says the figure still resonates in his preparation.
Learning from a Racing Legend
Veteran driver Sarah Fisher, who holds the record for the most Indy 500 appearances by a woman, will sit beside him and provide hands‑on tutoring for the pace lap.
Fisher will lead the official pace lap, but only if Cignetti can exit the USA‑themed Corvette quickly enough, a condition that underscores the precision required in such a role.
A New Appreciation
Despite turning down most speaking and appearance requests, Cignetti made an exception for the Indy 500, citing its deep historical roots and significance to the state as the reason for his participation.
The experience has broadened his appreciation for the sport, highlighting the focus and split‑second decision‑making demanded of drivers, insights he plans to bring back to his football program.