Baseball Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. has been selected to drive the Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray pace car for the 108th Indianapolis 500 this Sunday, May 26th. Griffey, one of the most celebrated players in Major League Baseball history, will lead the field of 33 drivers to the start of the race, adding a new chapter to his storied sports career. The C8 E-Ray is the first hybrid-powered, all-wheel-drive production vehicle to wear the Corvette nameplate.
Ken Griffey Jr., known as “Junior” and “The Kid,” was the first overall pick in the 1987 MLB draft and went on to become a 13-time All-Star. With 630 home runs, Griffey ranks as the seventh-most prolific home run hitter in MLB history. Griffey also secured ten Gold Glove Awards for his exceptional defensive skills. Griffey was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2016.
“Driving the Pace Car and leading the field to start the Indy 500 is one of the coolest experiences,” Griffey remarked. “I came to the track a few years ago as a photographer and look forward to seeing the race from a different perspective.”
The Corvette E-Ray, the quickest production Vette ever made, will serve as this year’s pace car, presenting an Arctic White exterior with Indy 500 graphics and a two-tone jet black and natural interior. Under the hood, the E-Ray combines the naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 LT2 gasoline engine with a front-mounted electric motor, generating a combined 655 horsepower. This hybrid setup enables the E-Ray to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.5 seconds.
The Indianapolis 500 has a long history with the Corvette, with 2024 marking its 21st appearance as the official pace car since 1978.
The 108th Indianapolis 500, presented by Gainbridge, will kick off on May 26th, 2024.
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My favorite all time baseball player. Started collecting his cards in 1988 and still have them to this day. One of the best of his era. Not going to lie, would love to drive an E-Ray just once. Actually I would like to drive a C8. Heard they are amazing cars.
Of all the racer Hall of Famers, I'm positive there are several would have been honored to drive the pace car. Sprint car, NASCAR, NHRA, etc, etc. Why a MLB player?
Does the NFL, NBA, MLB, etc, etc ever pick a race car driver for their events. So tired of this BS.
Greatest swing in baseball history
Baseball, hot dogs, apple pie, and Chevrolet IndyCar racing!! I'm so excited to see Ken Griffey, Jr. at the helm of the E-Ray Pace Car. He's truly one of the best the game has ever seen, a class act, and a positive role model for so many young people over the years. Looking forward to a great race, with Chevrolets in the first 8 positions on the starting grid (primarily Penske Chevys and Arrow McLaren Chevys). Let's go Bowtie Boys!! Bring home a win!!
I remember decades ago when the pace car was being driven by a home-based and crashed into temporary grandstand. Think it was maybe around the early 70s? Be safe Junior. During for Kyle Larson. An open wheel guy driving a McLaren Chevy.
Should read, 'driven by non-racer'.