The Indy 500 selects a notable figure each year as the honorary starter to wave the green flag. This tradition includes various celebrities with connections to Indiana.
Key points
Indy 500 has a tradition of honorary starters
Honorary starters include celebrities with Indiana ties
Nick Lachey was an honorary starter in 2004
The green flag signals the start of the race
The 110th Indy 500 is upcoming
Mentioned in this story
Nick LacheyIndianapolis
Indy 500
Every year a notable figure is selected to be an honorary starter for the Indy 500. They include A-list celebrities with ties to Indiana â movie stars, athletes, musicians and business leaders.
As excitement builds for 110th running of the greatest spectacle in racing, take a look back at those who have been honorary starters and waved the green flag.
2004 - Nick Lachey
INDIANAPOLIS - MAY 30: Nick Lachey practices waving the green flag during the IRL IndyCar Series 88th running of the Indianapolis 500 on May 30, 2004 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS - MAY 30: Nick Lachey practices waving the green flag during the IRL IndyCar Series 88th running of the Indianapolis 500 on May 30, 2004 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)
2005 - Reggie Miller
2006 - Sugar Ray Leonard
2007 - Peyton Manning
2008 - Kristi Yamaguchi
2009 - Allen Sirken
2010 - Jack Nicholson
Jack Nicholson waves the green flag to begin the 2010 edition of the Indianapolis 500.
Q&A
Who are some past honorary starters of the Indy 500?
Past honorary starters include A-list celebrities such as Nick Lachey and other notable figures with ties to Indiana.
What is the role of the honorary starter at the Indy 500?
The honorary starter waves the green flag to signal the start of the race, a tradition that adds excitement to the event.
How is the honorary starter for the Indy 500 chosen?
The honorary starter is selected based on their notable status and connection to Indiana, often being a celebrity or public figure.
When is the 110th running of the Indy 500 scheduled?
The 110th running of the Indy 500 is set to take place in 2026, continuing a long-standing racing tradition.
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Jack Nicholson waves the green flag to begin the 2010 edition of the Indianapolis 500.
2011 - Bruce P. Crandall
2012 - Governor Mitch Daniels
2013 - Michael Peña
2014 - Mark Cuban
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MAY 25: Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban waves the green flag to start the 2014 Indy 500 at Indianapolis Motorspeedway on May 25, 2014 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MAY 25: Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban waves the green flag to start the 2014 Indy 500 at Indianapolis Motorspeedway on May 25, 2014 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
2015 - Patrick Dempsey
Actor Patrick Dempsey waves the green flag to start the 99th Indianapolis 500.
Actor Patrick Dempsey waves the green flag to start the 99th Indianapolis 500.
2016 - Chris Pine
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MAY 29: Chris Pine waves the green flag to start the Indy 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 29, 2016 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MAY 29: Chris Pine waves the green flag to start the Indy 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 29, 2016 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
2017 - Jake Gyllenhaal and Jeff Bauman
2018 - Chris Hemsworth
2019 - Christian Bale and Matt Damon
Actors Christian Bale and Matt Damon wave the green flags to start the103rd Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 26, 2019.
Actors Christian Bale and Matt Damon wave the green flags to start the103rd Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 26, 2019.
2020 - Dan Towriss
President and CEO of Gainbridge, Dan Towriss waves the green flag for the 104th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, August 23, 2020.
President and CEO of Gainbridge, Dan Towriss waves the green flag for the 104th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, August 23, 2020.
2021 - Milo Ventimiglia
Actor Milo Ventimiglia waves the green flag to start the 105th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 30, 2021.
Actor Milo Ventimiglia waves the green flag to start the 105th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 30, 2021.
2022 - Miles Teller
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MAY 29: Actor and Honorary Starter Miles Teller prepares to wave the green flag from the starter's stand prior to start the 106th Running of The Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 29, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MAY 29: Actor and Honorary Starter Miles Teller prepares to wave the green flag from the starter's stand prior to start the 106th Running of The Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 29, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
2023 - Adam Driver
Adam Driver, the Indianapolis 500 Honorary Starter, waves the green flag on Sunday, May 28, 2023, to start the 107th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Adam Driver, the Indianapolis 500 Honorary Starter, waves the green flag on Sunday, May 28, 2023, to start the 107th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
2024 - Austin Butler and Jodie Comer
Austin Butler and Jodie Comer wave the green flag to start the race Sunday, May 26, 2024, ahead of the 108th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Austin Butler and Jodie Comer wave the green flag to start the race Sunday, May 26, 2024, ahead of the 108th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
2025 - Casey Foyt
Casey Foyt, the daughter of late Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay, waves the green flag Sunday, May 25, 2025, during the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Casey Foyt, the daughter of late Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay, waves the green flag Sunday, May 25, 2025, during the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
