Indiana native Adam Driver will wave the green flag as the honorary starter for the 107th Indy 500 on May 28. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway announced: “The force will be with us on Race Day. Indiana native and former Marine Adam Driver will serve as honorary starter for the 107th #Indy500 presented by @gainbridgelife on Memorial Day Weekend.#INDYCAR | #ThisIsMay”
Indianapolis Motor Speedway president J. Douglas Boles said in a release: “Adam is going to experience one of the most exhilarating, powerful and exciting moments in all of sports as he stands atop the flag stand and waves the green flag to officially start the world’s greatest race. Indy 500 Race Day is full of meaning for our drivers, our fans across the globe and most especially our active-duty military members and veterans. Adam is not only a star recognized across the world but also a former U.S. Marine who will be a very fitting addition to ‘The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.’”
Driver, a Julliard graduate and former Marine, attended the University of Indianapolis for a year. He co-founded Arts in the Armed Forces, a non-profit organization that staged theatrical and musical performances for members of the military. Driver is perhaps best known for playing Kylo Ren in the last three “Star Wars” movies. He has been nominated for two Academy Awards, four Emmy Awards and a Tony Award.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway previously announced that singer-songwriter Jewel will perform the National Anthem, while ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ actress Stephanie Beatriz will serve as grand marshal. Coverage of the 107th Indy 500 will begin Sunday, May 28 at 9 a.m. ET exclusively on Peacock. At 11 a.m., NBC and Peacock will broadcast pre-race through post-race interviews.
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