Actor Chris Pine, accustomed to warp speed in modern “Star Trek” films, will have a close-up view of Indy cars traveling 220 mph at this year’s Indianapolis 500.
Pine will serve as honorary starter for the 100th running of the race on May 29, IndyStar has confirmed through multiple sources.
Known for portraying Capt. James T. Kirk in two “Star Trek” movies, 35-year-old Pine will wave the green flag at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. A third film in the series, “Star Trek Beyond,” is scheduled to arrive in theaters on July 22.
Pine also will appear in a “Wonder Woman” film slated for release in 2017.
Other celebrities set to participate in pre-race festivities include Darius Rucker (“The Star-Spangled Banner”), Josh Kaufman (“Back Home Again in Indiana”), Roger Penske (pace car driver) and Keith Urban (riding as a passenger in Mario Andretti’s two-seat car driving ahead of the field).
Practice continues today at IMS. The session runs from noon to 6 p.m.
Qualifying is this weekend.
Source: IndyStar.com