INDYCARNATION

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Three-time Indianapolis 500 champion Helio Castroneves handed the keys to Robin Roberts and said “Let’s go.”

The “Good Morning America” anchor will drive the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS Pace Car to lead the field of 33 drivers to the start of the Indianapolis 500 on May 30.

Castroneves, the defending race champion, introduced Roberts as the driver live on “Good Morning America.” The race will be televised live on ABC for the 46th consecutive year.

“I am thrilled beyond words to be the Pace Car driver for this year’s Indianapolis 500,” Roberts said. “I’ve watched the race for years, and never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be starting one of the premier American sporting events. If you see an extra car in the field, it will be me!”

When not traveling around the country or the world covering news events, Roberts is at “GMA’s” studio in Times Square conducting interviews with a diverse group of newsmakers. Roberts has also done extensive reporting around the globe.

 “We’re thrilled to welcome Robin Roberts as Pace Car driver for the 2010 Indianapolis 500,” said Jeff Belskus, IMS president and chief executive officer. “She is an inspiring and popular personality with tremendous enthusiasm for ‘The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.’”

From 1990 to 2005, Roberts was a contributor to ESPN, where she was one of the network’s most versatile commentators. Her assignments there included hosting “SportsCenter” and contributing to “NFL PrimeTime.”