Brendan Fraser Named Honorary Starter for 109th Indianapolis 500
Updated
Updated · Fox News · May 15
Brendan Fraser Named Honorary Starter for 109th Indianapolis 500
11 articles · Updated · Fox News · May 15
Indianapolis Motor Speedway named Brendan Fraser honorary starter for the 109th Indianapolis 500, announcing the choice Friday during a rain-delayed Fast Friday practice session.
IMS said Fraser fit the role because he was born in Indianapolis and stars as Dwight D. Eisenhower in "Pressure," a World War II film tied to the race's Memorial Day weekend tribute to military service.
Doug Boles, IndyCar and IMS president, called Fraser's appearance atop the flag stand fitting for an event billed as "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing."
Qualifying is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, with the Indianapolis 500 set for May 24 and Fox's race coverage starting at 10 a.m. ET.
Is Brendan Fraser’s Indy 500 honor a tribute to heroes or a brilliant movie marketing strategy?
Does choosing an actor over a veteran for the Indy 500 honor amplify or dilute its Memorial Day message?