logo
Pacers All-Star Pascal Siakam is selected as pace car driver for Sunday's Brickyard 400

Pacers All-Star Pascal Siakam is selected as pace car driver for Sunday's Brickyard 400

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Brickyard 400 fans will get their own glimpse into a Pacers and racers weekend Sunday.
Brickyard 400 organizers said Tuesday that Indiana Pacers All-Star Pascal Siakam has been selected as the pace-car driver for this weekend's race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
The announcement comes almost exactly two months after the Pacers played the New York Knicks in an Eastern Conference final game on the same day as the Indianapolis 500. The events took place just a short drive apart.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Cason Wallace, right, fouls Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam during the first half of Game 7 of the NBA Finals basketball series Sunday, June 22, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings)
It was just the fourth time a Pacers and racers doubleheader had taken place in Indy.
Now, though, Siakam will get a chance to experience the other part, this time leading the Cup cars to the green flag in a 2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV SS. The race will take place on the historic 2.5-mile oval for the second straight year after it had been run on the track's road course.
'Basketball and motorsports — Pacers and racers — go hand in hand in Indianapolis,' IndyCar and speedway President Doug Boles said in a statement. 'Following the Pacers' electrifying postseason run, it's only fitting to have Pascal join us to pace the field as NASCAR's biggest stars compete to win the In-Season Challenge and add their name to the history books with a win at the Brickyard.'
Siakam didn't start playing basketball until he was 17 years old. He grew up in Cameroon and the three-time All-Star also is a two-time All-NBA selection and won an NBA title with the Toronto Raptors in 2019.
Winnipeg Free Press | Newsletter Mike McIntyre | On Sports
Thursdays
Keep up to date on sports with Mike McIntyre's weekly newsletter.
Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement.
___
AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Lottie Woad keeps 2-shot lead in Scotland and closes in on victory in pro debut on LPGA Tour
Lottie Woad keeps 2-shot lead in Scotland and closes in on victory in pro debut on LPGA Tour

Toronto Star

time20 minutes ago

  • Toronto Star

Lottie Woad keeps 2-shot lead in Scotland and closes in on victory in pro debut on LPGA Tour

IRVINE, Scotland (AP) — Lottie Woad had four birdies in a six-hole stretch around the turn and posted a 5-under 67 on Saturday to maintain her two-shot lead in the Women's Scottish Open as she closes in on victory in her professional debut. Woad has such control of her game at Dundonald Links that she went 33 consecutive holes without a bogey until dropping a shot on the 15th.

Lauren James' return boosts England ahead of Euro 2025 final against Spain
Lauren James' return boosts England ahead of Euro 2025 final against Spain

Winnipeg Free Press

time20 minutes ago

  • Winnipeg Free Press

Lauren James' return boosts England ahead of Euro 2025 final against Spain

BASEL, Switzerland (AP) — England forward Lauren James has recovered from injury in time for the final of the Women's European Championship against World Cup winner Spain on Sunday. James had to come off at halftime in England's semifinal victory over Italy on Tuesday with an ankle problem and was seen applying ice to her injury during the match. However, the Chelsea player trained on Saturday with the rest of the Lionesses. 'We had 23 players on the pitch today and everyone came through,' England coach Sarina Wiegman said on the eve of the final. 'So if everyone recovers well, then we have 23 players available for tomorrow. 'I think we have many players that can impact and we know that she can have an impact too, so that'd be nice.' James was a major doubt even before the tournament after a hamstring injury ended her season in April. Thursdays Keep up to date on sports with Mike McIntyre's weekly newsletter. But the 23-year-old has started all five of England's games at Euro 2025 and been a continuous threat. James scored twice in the 4-0 win over the Netherlands in the second group-stage match. 'I think we have a team of talented players,' England captain Leah Williamson said. 'Lauren brings something slightly different…so obviously having that available is a best-case scenario for us.' England is the defending champion but lost to Spain in the World Cup final in 2023. ___ AP soccer:

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store