Stars and Athletes Cheer at Indy 500’s Big Race Day

Every Memorial Day weekend, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway buzzes with more than just engines and speed. The 2026 Indy 500 pulled in a sold-out crowd of 350, 000 fans, but it wasn’t just racing fans filling the stands. A mix of athletes, actors, musicians, and TV personalities showed up to enjoy the spectacle, turning the track into a mini red carpet. Indiana’s own Caitlin Clark got the honor of waving off the green flag, even though her day job is playing basketball for the Indiana Fever. Brendan Fraser, an Indianapolis native and Oscar winner, did the starting honors by dropping the green flag. Meanwhile, Curt Cignetti, a coach who knows how to win championships, got behind the wheel of the pace car. Some came for the sport, some for the fame, and some just to be seen. Terry Crews brought his booming personality from “America’s Got Talent, ” while seven-time NASCAR champ Jimmie Johnson rode shotgun in the “Fastest Seat in Sports. ” Musicians like Jordin Sparks and Ephraim Owens belted out the national anthem and “America the Beautiful, ” adding a soundtrack to the roar of the engines.The crowd also spotted local heroes like Alec Pierce from the Colts and Lexie Hull from the Fever, blending sports fame with racing tradition. Even actors like Pascal Siakam (yes, the Pacers forward) and Thomas Doherty strolled through the infield, proving that the Indy 500’s appeal stretches far beyond the track. Some visitors, like Titus O’Neil from WWE, brought their signature energy, while others like Spencer House and Sonia Mena kept a lower profile. It’s not every day you see a former IndyCar driver like Arie Luyendyk Jr. rubbing shoulders with a wrestling superstar or a rock star like Tyson Ritter. The mix of careers showed how the race brings together people from all walks of life. Whether they came to celebrate Indiana pride, catch a glimpse of fame, or just enjoy the event, their presence added a new layer to the tradition.