INDIANAPOLIS — Sarah Fisher is getting a promotion for this month’s Indianapolis 500.

Race organizers introduced Tuesday they chose the IndyCar veteran and native fan favourite to be the superstar tempo automobile driver for the Could 29 race. Fisher has been the common pace-car driver for collection occasions at Indianapolis Motor Speedway for years.

This time, although, she will not be taking a handoff when a non-racing superstar pulls off the historic 2.5-mile oval. She’ll be driving the whole time.

“Usually, I am on my own watching the beginning of the race and the superstar driver can see me down in Flip 1, wearing my gear, so it will likely be totally different in that sense,” Fisher stated. “I have been right here in so many various roles, so it is gratifying and it is particular. It is distinctive.”

She can be driving a white 670-horsepower Chevrolet Corvette ZO6, particular Seventieth- anniversary version, the car producer additionally introduced Tuesday.

Fisher began 9 Indianapolis 500s, essentially the most by any girl, and was the primary feminine to win an IndyCar pole. The Ohio native additionally stays the quickest feminine qualifier for the five hundred with a four-lap common of 229.439 mph in 2002.

Usually, Fisher helps coach the superstar driver. However this time she’ll solely have to fret about getting herself in control for race day.

“I will not must exit on yellows half-buckled in,” she joked. “It is a job to tempo the sphere, not race. The job is to ensure the beginning is an efficient begin and that followers have an amazing view of the beginning of the race.”

Qualifying for the five hundred can be held Could 21-22. Observe opens Could 17.

The collection returns to motion with Saturday’s Indy Grand Prix on the speedway’s street course, and race organizers are scheduled to announce the tempo automobile driver for that race later this week.