Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark joins a select group at the Indy 500 — full list of Grand Marshals

Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark has been named Grand Marshal for the 2026 Indianapolis 500, one of the most iconic pre-race roles in American motorsport. As part of the ceremony at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Clark will deliver the famous command that signals the start of the race: “Drivers, start your engines.”

It’s one of the most recognizable traditions in sports, and it places Clark in rare company alongside some of the biggest names in entertainment, sports, politics, and culture.

What the Indy 500 Grand Marshal actually does

The Grand Marshal plays a ceremonial but high-profile role in “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” typically appearing during pre-race festivities and delivering the official command to start engines.

While the moment lasts only seconds, the position has become one of the most visible honors tied to the Indy 500, often awarded to global celebrities, sports legends, and Indiana icons.

Clark described the opportunity as a special moment representing both the state and the event itself, calling the Indy 500 an “iconic piece of what makes Indiana so special.”

Caitlin Clark joins a growing list of major names

Clark now joins a long and varied list of past Grand Marshals that includes athletes, entertainers, broadcasters, and even fictional characters. Recent honorees include names like Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Peyton Manning, Reggie Miller, and music star Blake Shelton, reflecting how the role has evolved into a blend of sports, pop culture, and entertainment recognition.

Indiana sports legends have also featured prominently, including former Fever star Tamika Catchings and NBA icon Larry Bird, reinforcing the event’s strong connection to the state’s athletic identity. The full history of Indy 500 Grand Marshals stretches back decades and includes a wide range of public figures from actors and musicians to astronauts, politicians, and cultural icons.

Over the years, the role has been held by figures such as Jimmy Stewart, journalist Walter Cronkite, entertainer Gene Autry, and even U.S. President Gerald Ford. The diversity of names reflects the Indy 500’s unique place in American culture, a sporting event that regularly blends motorsport with mainstream celebrity.

On Sunday, May 24, Clark will take part in the pre-race ceremony broadcast live on FOX, with the command to start engines coming shortly before the green flag drops to begin the race. The appearance is expected to be one of the most-watched moments of race day, particularly given Clark’s growing national profile since entering the WNBA.

And while the role is symbolic, the Grand Marshal tradition remains one of the most recognizable kickoff moments in all of sports, a brief but iconic spotlight shared by some of the biggest names in the world.

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