Matt Damon, Christian Bale To Serve As Indy 500 Starters

Indianapolis Motor Speedway will become Hollywood East on Indy 500 weekend.

Matt Damon and Christian Bale. Photos by NASA/Bill Ingalls and Harald Krichel, Wikimedia Commons.

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) Academy Award-winning actors Matt Damon and Christian Bale will wave the green flag as honorary starters for this year's Indianapolis 500. 

The two are co-starring in the movie ''Ford v Ferrari'' - which profiles the corporate battles waged by American car designer Carroll Shelby and British driver Ken Miles. They teamed up to use a Ford car against Enzo Ferrari's dominant team at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1966. The movie is scheduled for a Nov. 15 release. 

Indianapolis Motor Speedway President Doug Boles says the duo are used to performing under the bright lights and they should enjoy themselves. 

The 33-car starting grid will be filled in qualifying Saturday and Sunday. The race will be held May 26. 

More from Local Sports


Events

INDOT: Be Safe and Plan Ahead for Thanksgiving Travel

Nearly two million Hoosiers will hit the road this holiday weekend.

Jac-Cen-Del School Board Ratifies New Two-Year Teacher Contract

The new contract will take effect immediately.

Rising Sun's Titkemeyer Signs to Play Softball at Indiana Wesleyan

Titkemeyer has played a key role in the recent success of the Shiners.

OHSAA Member Schools Pass NIL Referendum Proposal

Schools vote in favor of emergency referendum; Ohio becomes 45th state to allow NIL at the high school level.

Local Sports Report - November 21-22, 2025

Report missing stats and scores to news@eaglecountryonline.com

On Air

Chelsie playing
Josh Turner - All Over Me

Joe Diffie So Help Me Girl 9:45
Randy Houser and Justin Moore Country Round Here Tonight 9:41
Patty Loveless I Try To Think About Elvis 9:38
Drew Baldridge Rebel 9:30