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

Applications Available for OCCF 2026 Scholarships

Application deadlines are February 27.

Whitewater Canal Historic Site Receives Commitment for $7 Million Matching Grant

The grant will support crucial work to restore and preserve the site. 

SEI Football Stars Earn Academic All-State Honors

Congratulations to all the honorees!

Local Sports Report - January 22, 2026

Report missing stats and scores to news@eaglecountryonline.com

On Air

Your Hometown Radio Station playing
Midland - Cheatin' Songs

Carrie Underwood Cowboy Casanova 2:19
Brad Paisley Water 2:16
Waylon Jennings I'm a Ramblin' Man 2:13
Justin Moore You, Me, and Whiskey f/ Priscilla Block 2:09