WATCH: Indiana HC Curt Cignetti drives pace car at Indy 500

The 2026 Indianapolis 500 is here and it was started off by a local legend. Indiana Hoosiers head coach Curt Cignetti was the pace car driver on Sunday, making several laps around the track before the race began.

As he drove around the track, the Fox Sports broadcasters attempted to ask Cignetti a question through his earpiece. But the coach was fully locked in and either didn’t hear the question, or was too focused to answer.

Prior to taking the track, Cignetti gave another classic line during an interview.

“I like being No. 1, so I get to start in front and finish in front,” he said when asked bout being the pace car driver.

Cignetti hasn’t been in Indiana for very long, but he’s quickly become a fan-favorite and one of the most beloved coaches in college football.

He helped guide Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza and the Hoosiers to a perfect 2025 season and national championship victory.

His rise to prominence in Indiana can be compared to the incredible speed that the drivers will reach at the Indy 500 on Sunday.

James Parker is a sports writer for Ball Exclusives, follow him on X @TheJames_Parker

About the Author Published May 24, 2026

JAMES PARKER

James Parker is a sports reporter and writer for Ball Exclusives. With a bachelor's degree earned at the age of 19, he’s spent years working as a sports journalist, including an award-winning stint at The Appalachian. He has never used AI for his work in any way, shape or form.