Chris Pine to wave green flag to start 100th Indianapolis 500

INDIANAPOLIS, Thursday, May 19, 2016 – Chris Pine, star of the globally celebrated “Star Trek” movie franchise, will wave the green flag to start the 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by PennGrade Motor Oil.

“In addition to all our stars on the track, the 100th Running will feature a major lineup of stars off the track,” said Indianapolis Motor Speedway President J. Douglas Boles. “We’re thrilled to welcome Chris Pine to our flag stand, where he will officially get our epic race under way by waving the green flag.”

Pine has emerged as one of Hollywood’s hottest actors. With multiple upcoming major motion picture releases, Pine’s resume is as extensive as it is versatile. He will next be seen in “Star Trek Beyond,” the third installment of the highly successful franchise, the drama “Hell or High Water” alongside Jeff Bridges and Ben Foster, and he is currently filming “Wonder Woman.”

Additional feature credits include Disney’s harrowing drama “The Finest Hours,” “Z for Zachariah,” “Horrible Bosses 2,” the musical comedy “Into the Woods” alongside Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, Johnny Depp and Anna Kendrick, the title role in “Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit” and “Star Trek: Star Trek into Darkness,” among many others.

The 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by PennGrade Motor Oil will be Sunday, May 29. With a crowd traveling to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway that has not been seen in recent years, longtime fans are encouraged to begin their Race Day routines at least two hours earlier than previous years.

All fans will want to arrive early to take advantage of the full 100th Running experience, with highlights including live ESPN “SportsCenter” tapings in the Pagoda Plaza beginning at 8 a.m., an expanded fan midway and increased concession and vending opportunities. Stay tuned for more updates on pre-race events as the 100th Running countdown continues.