As if Victor Oladipo hasn’t embraced Indy and its fans enough, he will appear at The Greatest Spectacle in Racing next week and start the race in the lead car.
It’s appropriate that Oladipo — known of his quick step, slicing through tight areas, and electric finishes — will drive the pace car for the 102nd running of the Indianapolis 500, with the green flag waving just after noon on Sunday, May 27. The race will be televised by ABC.
The pre-race are ceremonies are special enough, annually giving goosebumps to those on hand and watching on television, Oladipo’s energy will take it to another level.
“This is a tremendous honor for me,” he said. “I’m so thankful Indiana continues to embrace me, from Indiana University to the Pacers and now the Indianapolis 500, the greatest race in the world. I would like to thank Chevrolet, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Pacers for allowing me this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Excited is a huge understatement to how I feel about this. I can’t wait.”
Read his comments again. His words are as meaningful as his actions on the court.
Honor. Thankful. Once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Excited.
[Oladipo explains his signature celebration]
I’m honored to lead the #Indy500 field in the @TeamChevy Pace Car this Memorial Day weekend come out and support and I will see you there!!! @Pacers fans wave to me from @IMS grandstands on Race Day.
— Victor Oladipo (@VicOladipo) May 17, 2018
The Pacers’ All-Star will turn laps at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway inside a 2019 Corvette ZR1 that has 755-horsepower, can accelerate 0-to-60 in 2.85 seconds, and tops out at 212 mph.
He will be the first Pacers player to get the most special IndyCar Series race started.
“It’s a great honor to welcome Victor Oladipo, one of the most popular recent sports figures in Indiana, to lead the field to the start of ‘The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,'” IMS President J. Douglas Boles said. “Few NBA players drive to the basket with more speed and power than Victor, so he’ll feel right at home behind the wheel of the awesome 2019 Corvette ZR1 on Race Day.”
What a Feathery opportunity for Victor. And it will serve as a well-deserved break after beginning offseason training this week in Miami.
Last Five Pace Car Drivers:
2017: Jeffrey Dean Morgan
2016: Roger Penske
2015: Jeff Gordon
2014: Dario Franchitti
2013: Jim Harbaugh
[Click here for the full list]
Hey @VicOladipo, let me know if you want any pointers before the Indianapolis 500. I’ve got some racing experience under my belt. pic.twitter.com/VJNcnnQGlE
— Boomer (@PacersBoomer) May 17, 2018