Academy Award-winner Brendan Fraser named as the honorary starter for the Indianapolis 500
Friday is Fast Friday at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway as groups and drivers crank up their engines in preparation for a weekend of qualifying.
And whereas it acquired off to a soggy, delayed begin, there was a giant piece of stories, and that’s this 12 months’s honorary starter for the Indianapolis 500.
This 12 months, the job goes to none apart from actor Brendan Fraser.
Fans watch follow at Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the 109th operating of the Indianapolis 500 on May 19, 2025. (Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar)
IMS introduced the information on Friday whereas everybody was ready for the rain to clear so vehicles may get on observe.
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Fraser — who was born in Indianapolis — has a brand new film popping out known as “Pressure,” by which he performs General Dwight D. Eisenhower in the hours main as much as the D-Day invasion of Normandy.
IndyCar and IMS President Doug Boles mentioned that this makes Fraser an ideal alternative to start out a race that’s an American and Memorial Day weekend custom.
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“Brendan stars in a movie about one of the most pivotal moments in World War II,” Boles mentioned in a statement. “His presence atop the flag stand is fitting as we honor the service and sacrifice of our military heroes on Memorial Day Weekend and prepare for another iconic edition of the world’s greatest race.
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“Brendan was additionally born in the Circle City, and we’re extremely excited to provide him a heat Hoosier welcome as he returns for ‘The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.'”
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Actor Brendan Fraser poses on the red carpet at the “Rental Family” Los Angeles premiere at the DGA Theater Complex on Nov. 12, 2025. (Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for Searchlight Pictures)
Fraser is best known for roles in the “Mummy” franchise and, extra not too long ago, received an Academy Award for his efficiency in the 2022 movie “The Whale.”
He has been in some great stuff. Maybe steer clear of the live-action “Dudley Do-Right” movie. Not his fault. That was just a terrible idea to begin with.
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It’s always great to see some serious star power getting in on not just IndyCar’s biggest race, but one of the biggest races on the planet.
Qualifying takes place on Saturday and Sunday, while the 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500 will be on Sunday, May 24, with coverage getting started at 10 am ET on Fox.
