Seven-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson will be behind the wheel
(Indianapolis) — If catching passes at 200 miles per hour were a thing, Alec Pierce would already be prepared.
The Indianapolis Colts wide receiver is set to experience the ultimate pregame rush Sunday, climbing into the “Fastest Seat in Sports” at the 110th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
And he won’t just have any driver behind the wheel. Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson — himself a veteran of the Indy 500 — will pilot Pierce in a custom IndyCar fitted with a special rear passenger seat, leading all 33 drivers to the green flag before a sold-out crowd at the world’s largest spectator sporting facility.
Pierce is coming off the best season of his young career. The Illinois native, who played college ball at the University of Cincinnati before the Colts grabbed him in the second round (53rd overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft, hauled in 47 receptions for 1,003 yards in 2025 — his first career 1,000-yard season — and led the entire NFL in yards per catch at 21.34, adding six touchdowns along the way. The breakout performance earned him a new four-year deal with the Colts in March.
Now he gets to trade the end zone for the front straightaway, joining an exclusive club of celebrities who’ve strapped in for the high-speed thrill ride. Past passengers include Tom Brady, Lady Gaga, Jon Bon Jovi, Channing Tatum, Simu Liu and Rudy Pankow.
Coverage of the Indianapolis 500 kicks off at 11:30 a.m. ET Sunday, on 103.9 FM, WRBI.