Blackhawks star will pace Grand Prix race
Two-time Stanley Cup champion Corey Crawford will assist in the start of Saturday’s IndyCar Grand Prix at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Crawford, goaltender for the Chicago Blackhawks, will drive the pace car, IMS officials announced.
The Montreal native will lead the NTT IndyCar Series field as drivers begin their 85lap race on the Speedway’s road course.
Crawford will drive an “arctic white” Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Coupe, a car that features a 460-horsepower V-8 engine.
“Indianapolis is an incredibly passionate sports city, and I couldn’t be more excited to represent the Blackhawks and see (fans’) love for IndyCar racing in person,” Crawford said in a statement.
An NHL All-Star in 2015 and 2017, Crawford won’t be the only person affiliated with the Blackhawks at IMS this month. Jim Cornelison, known for his rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” at Blackhawks home games, will sing “(Back Home Again in) Indiana” before the Indianapolis 500 for the third consecutive year.
The Blackhawks also have a minor league affiliate in Indianapolis: the Indy Fuel, who play home games at Indiana Farmers Coliseum and compete in the ECHL.
Although the Blackhawks missed the playoffs this year, Crawford’s IndyCar appearance will promote postseason hockey now airing on the NBC family of networks.
The IndyCar Grand Prix will be the first NTT IndyCar Series race to be broadcast on NBC. The NHL playoffs are seen on NBC, NBC Sports, CNBC and USA Network.
The sixth annual IndyCar Grand Prix begins at 3:30 p.m. ET.