Morgan Freeman to drive Indy 500 pace car

INDIANAPOLIS (Ticker) -- Actor Morgan Freeman will go from Driving Miss Daisy to driving the pace car for the Indianapolis 500.

Freeman will drive the 2004 Chevrolet Corvette convertible to lead the field at the start of the Indianapolis 500 on May 30, Indianapolis Motor Speedway president Tony George announced Wednesday.

"We're thrilled that Morgan Freeman is driving the pace car for the 88th Indianapolis 500," George said. "He is an ideal person for the role since the theme of the event is 'Lights, Camera, Traction!' This theme highlights the connection between the excitement and stars of the Indy 500 and the glamour and stars of motion pictures, and Morgan is one of the most popular and respected modern film stars."

Freeman received numerous awards for his performances in films, television and theater, including Academy Award nominations for Best Actor for The Shawshank Redemption in 1995 and Driving Miss Daisy in 1990, and a Best Supporting Actor nomination for Street Smart in 1988.

"Right next to acting, my childhood dream was to drive on a Speedway track," Freeman said. "I'm thrilled to just be an observer but especially thrilled to be a part of the racing logs as the pace car driver for the Indianapolis 500 this year."

Talk show host and comedian Jay Leno, actor James Garner and golfer Greg Norman are among the former celebrities bestowed with the honor of driving the pace car at the Indianapolis 500.

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