IndyCar driver Ed Carpenter gears up for his 23rd Indianapolis 500 race with optimism about his team and car. As a racing co-owner, Carpenter shows enthusiasm for the Freedom 250 Grand Prix in Washington D.C., scheduled for August. This event aims to bring IndyCar racing to a broad audience.

The honor of driving the pace car for the Indianapolis 500 is significant, and this year, Indiana Hoosiers head football coach Curt Cignetti receives this privilege. Unlike a ceremonial first pitch, the pace car driver influences the race by maintaining the right speed to help race cars warm their tires safely. Going too slow could frustrate drivers, so preparation is crucial.

Recently, IndyCar shared images and videos of Cignetti practicing at the Brickyard. For the 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500, Cignetti will drive a powerful Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X. This vehicle boasts a 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 engine with over 1,000 horsepower, and an additional 186 horsepower from an electric motor on the front axle. The car displays a striking America 250 paint scheme.

Sarah Fisher, a former IndyCar driver with extensive experience, provides guidance to Cignetti. Fisher, who has participated in nine Indianapolis 500 races, knows the intricacies of leading the field as a pace car driver.

Cignetti, along with the Corvette, will lead the field on the pace laps at the race on Sunday. Coverage of the event begins at 10 a.m. ET on Fox.