Curt Cignetti led Indiana to an undefeated national championship season in the 2025 season, and hopes are high for the Hoosiers in 2026 as well. Over the last year, the Indiana head coach has won almost every major award and recognition possible. However, he still managed to add another notable honor to his growing list of achievements this week.
How Everyone Is Reacting to Curt Cignetti’s Appearance at the Indy 500
Cignetti took several laps around the track as the honorary pace car driver during the 2026 Indianapolis 500 on Sunday. Instead of simply appearing on the red carpet, he had the spotlight role of leading all 33 drivers to the green flag at one of racing’s most iconic events. He sported an IUFB 2024 CFP quarter zip while leading the field during the 110th running of the race.
The crossover between Indiana football and Indiana racing quickly caught everyone’s attention, with reactions flooding social media.
“That’s my coach!!!!” Barstool Sports’ Mike Katic wrote.
‘“It’s not everyday you see a Black Hawk helicopter chasing you in your rear view mirror” @CCignettiIU probably,’ College GameDay analyst Pat McAfee wrote.
“You can tell Curt Cignetti thoroughly enjoyed this!!!!” Indiana Hoosiers on SI’s Tom Brew wrote.
Cignetti drove a specially designed USA-themed Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X and received guidance from retired IndyCar driver Sarah Fisher, who competed in the Indianapolis 500 nine times during her career.
By serving as pace car driver, he joined the list of notable figures who have held the honor, including New York Giants legend Michael Strahan last year. Other recognizable names who have previously driven the pace car include Ken Griffey Jr., Guy Fieri, Danica Patrick, Jim Harbaugh, Roger Penske, Jeff Gordon, and Morgan Freeman.
Cignetti earned the honorary role because of his incredible rise as one of the state’s most celebrated sports personalities. He led the Hoosiers to an 11-2 record and an unexpected College Football Playoff appearance in his debut season in 2024 before leading the program to a national championship the following season.
Since arriving in Bloomington, Cignetti has put together a 27-2 record, making him a natural choice to represent Indiana on one of racing’s grandest stages. The Hoosiers have not suffered a loss since the opening round of the 2024 College Football Playoff in December 2024.
Expectations are also soaring for Indiana heading into 2026, as the PFSN CFB Playoff Metric currently gives the Hoosiers a 62.9% chance to reach the playoff. Cignetti’s appearance at the Indy 500 only added to the excitement surrounding the team.
“If this isn’t the perfect visual for the 2026 CFB season…everyone chasing Cig and #iufb,” Hoosier Huddle tweeted.
“Locked in for all,” Barstool IU wrote.
Before becoming a phenomenal figure at Indiana, Cignetti built James Madison into a powerhouse while overseeing the program’s transition from the FCS level to the FBS. He posted a 52-9 overall record at James Madison along with a 31-4 record in conference play.
