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Curt Cignetti, Head Coach of the Indiana Hoosiers watching game during a game between Alabama Crimson Tide and Indiana Hoosiers at Rose Bowl Stadium on January 1, 2026 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Melinda Meijer/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images) ISI Photos via Getty Images Indiana University football coach Curt Cignetti has received numerous honors, especially after accomplishing the unthinkable by guiding the historically worst program in college football history to a 16-0 season and the National Championship. The two-time National Coach of the Year has another honor.

During the fourth inning of Tuesday night’s World Baseball Championship Game between the United States and Venezuela on FOX, Cignetti was named honorary Pace Car driver for the 110th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge. The 2026 Indy 500 is set for Sunday, May 24, with FOX’s live coverage kicking off at 10 a. m.

ET. “Coach Cignetti will have our field in a special victory lap formation as he leads the stars of the NTT IndyCar Series to the green flag at this year’s Indy 500,” IndyCar and IMS President J. Douglas Boles said.

“His Hoosiers have been nothing short of remarkable, and their National Championship run inspired our entire state. He’s the perfect choice to drive the Chevrolet Pace Car, and I know his introduction on Race Day will bring out a special roar of appreciation from our crowd. ” The Chevrolet Corvette pace car leads the field off the grid during the NTT IndyCar Series 109th Running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 25, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana.