The 2025 Indy 500 will undoubtedly showcase some of the top racers – however, it will also prominently feature what many consider to be the most famous athlete in NFL history.
This year’s event will feature a pre-race appearance by Tom Brady, the long-time quarterback.
Patriots
and
Buccaneers
a quarterback who currently serves as an NFL game analyst for Fox.
At the Indy 500, Brady will join forces with a NASCAR icon, Jimmie Johnson, to jointly kick off “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” ceremony.
📲
Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
Here’s everything you should understand regarding Brady’s involvement in the 2025 Indy 500.
What is Tom Brady doing at the Indy 500?
IndyCar frequently holds various ceremonies prior to its major events, including what’s known as “The Fastest Seat in Sports.” This special edition two-seat Indy car circles the track before each big race. Notable personalities usually take a ride in this lead vehicle ahead of the start.
This year, Brady will occupy “The Fastest Seat in Sports.” This marks the first occasion since 2019 that the honorary vehicle will lead the field into the Indianapolis 500.
Brady is scheduled to ride as the passenger when Johnson, a seven-time NASCAR champion with experience from his two years in IndyCar, takes the wheel ahead of the 2025 Indy 500. Following this event, both these titans of their individual sports plan to head to North Carolina for the Coca-Cola 600, which will be notable as Johnson’s 700th career NASCAR start.
MORE:
How do F1 cars differ from IndyCars?
“I love the Indy 500. There is an energy and excitement around the 500 that is unlike anything I have experienced before,” Johnson said,
per Fox Sports
. “Certainly, pre-race ceremonies are the ultimate racing experience that I’ve had outside of the car. I’m thrilled to be a part of the program and to see the stands full one more time. I’m extremely honored to come back and do it and to be able to also share this experience with another seven-time champion.”
In its inaugural year partnering with IndyCar, Fox Sports plans to feature one of its most recognizable NFL analysts, Brady, prominently during an event tied to another property they own. This won’t be the first time a previous sports celebrity and present-day Fox Sports commentator has taken part in “The Fastest Seat in Sports” this year—during the IndyCar season opening race in St. Petersburg, Florida, Alex Rodriguez took his turn in the vehicle for the ceremonial start.
Alongside Derek Jeter, Rodriguez is slated to attend the 109th Indy 500, joining forces with Brady to form a group of legendary athletes participating in various events together.
MORE INDY 500:
- Why does the Indy 500 champion consume milk after winning?
- What earned the Indianapolis Motor Speedway the nickname “the Brickyard”?
- Revised roster of former winners of the Indy 500, highlighting those with multiple victories at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Leave a Reply