The offseason is usually when Caitlin Clark reminds everyone that basketball isn’t her only obsession. Whether it’s showing up at Indiana Pacers and Colts games or spending time on the golf course, Clark seems to do it all. But now, that lifelong love for sports is coming full circle in an entirely new arena, as she prepares to make her crossover into the world of motorsports.

The Indiana Fever superstar was officially chosen as the grand marshal for the 110th edition of the Indianapolis 500, which will take place at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 24. While the honor itself says a lot about Clark’s growing impact in Indiana sports culture, the Fever head coach Stephanie White made it very clear just how special the moment really is.

Speaking to the reporters following the announcement, White could not hide her excitement about her player getting the opportunity to be part of one of the biggest traditions in the state.

“I think it’s going to be a lot of fun to experience that,” she said. “I’m not sure if she’s been yet or not, but to experience that as the grand marshall, it’s one of the highest honors you can get in the state of Indiana.”

IMS had wanted Caitlin Clark to attend the Indy 500 for several years, but this is finally the year where the timing has worked out perfectly for both Clark and the Indiana Fever. 

The star guard, who is currently averaging 24.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 9.0 assists per game, will get a few days off after Indiana hosts the Golden State Valkyries on Friday. This gives her the perfect opportunity to fully enjoy the experience at the iconic racing event. So naturally, Caitlin herself is also excited after being selected for the role.

“I’m honored to represent Gainbridge as grand marshal of the Indy 500,” she said in a statement, as per Indianapolis Motor Speedway. “I’m looking forward to experiencing an iconic piece of what makes Indiana so special and being part of the time-honored tradition of ‘The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.’”

The connection between Clark and the Indy 500 goes beyond just being in Indiana. Gainbridge, the presenting sponsor of the iconic race since 2019, has also been linked with Clark since her Iowa days, signing her as a brand ambassador before she had even played a game inside the Gainbridge Fieldhouse. And interestingly enough, she won’t be the only major Indiana name attached to this year’s event either. 

Indiana University head football coach Curt Cignetti will serve as the honorary pace car driver this year, taking a Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X around the track before the race begins. Meanwhile, Academy Award winner Brendan Fraser will also be part of the festivities, serving as the Honorary Starter and waving the green flag to officially begin the race.

In the past, Indiana sporting icons like Tamika Catchings, Larry Bird, and Reggie Miller have also been given the same prestigious opportunity, which tells you why Stephanie White was so excited about the superstar being part of the event. But what exactly will Clark’s do on the race day?

The Grand Marshal’s role at most races is usually to deliver the iconic “Drivers, start your engines” command, but at the Indy 500, that responsibility belongs to “The Captain” Roger Penske. So, Caitlin Clark will instead take on one of the event’s most tradition-rich duties by calling the drivers to their cars during the pre-race ceremonies. She is also expected to take part in several pre-race appearances and ceremonies as part of her partnership with Gainbridge

The Fever superstar being part of the Indy 500 always felt like a matter of time, given her love for Indiana sports. Everyone already knows her connection with Butler University, especially with her boyfriend coaching there. She was even spotted giving Kager Knueppel a tour of the campus. In the past, Clark has also donated a full set of her exclusive Nike Kobe 5 Protro sneakers to the team. But that’s far from the only connection she has with Indiana’s sporting culture.

She has also been spotted multiple times supporting the Indiana Pacers and Indianapolis Colts. Recently, Clark even made a surprise appearance as a photographer during the Pacers’ home game against the Los Angeles Lakers at the Fieldhouse. And can anyone really deny just how financially and culturally impactful Caitlin Clark’s presence has already become for the state? 

Dr. Ryan Brewer, Division Head and Associate Professor at Indiana University Columbus, estimated in 2025 that Caitlin Clark generated nearly $36 million for Indiana’s local economy alone. Ger influence stretched beyond Indiana, too! A report from the Common Sense Institute found that the “Caitlin Clark effect” boosted Iowa’s GDP by anywhere between $14.4 million and $52.3 million.

This is exactly why Indianapolis Motor Speedway president J. Douglas Boles believes Clark is the perfect choice for the role.

“Since being drafted by the Fever, fans have been clamoring to share the epic celebration and thrilling excitement of Indy 500 Race Day with Caitlin,” Boles said. “Caitlin will bring unique energy and presence to a quintessentially Hoosier experience and an absolutely bucket-list global sporting spectacle.”

As Clark now prepares to become one of the biggest faces of race weekend, she will also continue the growing connection between Indiana Fever stars and racing traditions.

Caitlin Clark Continues a Growing Fever Tradition

In just a few days, Clark will take the center stage at the Indy 500. However, she is not the first Fever star to become heavily involved in the city’s iconic race-week celebrations.

As mentioned above, back in 2024, Fever legend Tamika Catchings was selected as the Grand Marshal for the AES 500 Festival Parade. The Basketball Hall of Famer and four-time Olympic gold medalist earned the honor after building one of the greatest careers in WNBA history while also making a major impact in the Indianapolis community through her Catch the Stars Foundation.

Then, in 2025, Fever guard Lexie Hull also became a part of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway festivities.

Although they did not give Hull the Grand Marshal honor, IMS selected her to showcase the event’s official gear and raise the green flag to celebrate the start of the IndyCar season.

Now, Caitlin Clark is preparing to go to an entirely different level. And considering the amount of attention she brings everywhere she goes, the Fever superstar will likely become one of the biggest attractions during race weekend.