Casey Irsay Foyt has been named the honorary starter of Sunday’s 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge. Irsay Foyt is part of the ownership of the Indianapolis Colts NFL team and is the wife of Indianapolis 500 starter AJ Foyt IV.
Penske Entertainment President and CEO Mark Miles commented saying:
“As Indianapolis prepares for a special weekend that showcases our city’s unmatched ability to successfully host massive global sporting events, it’s incredibly appropriate and especially meaningful to celebrate Jim’s contributions to our city and state. “Put simply, the Indianapolis we know and love would not be remotely possible without Jim.”
INDYCAR and Indianapolis Motor Speedway President J Douglas Boles commented saying:
We’re honored to have Casey on the flag stand representing her family, our friends at the Colts organization and Hoosiers everywhere who cherish our unique sports scene. Our organizations have a deep history together, and our fans cherish the familiar sight of players at the racetrack and drivers at the stadium.”
The Colts are no strangers to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway with their mascot Blue having waved the green flag for the opening day of practice for last year’s Indianapolis 500 which was won by Team Penske’s Josef Newgarden.