Three-time GRAMMY Award winner and multi-platinum recording artist Darius Rucker will perform the national anthem before the 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by PennGrade Motor Oil.
Rucker will sing in the traditional spot on Indy 500 race day before the 33 drivers are called to their cars and the singing of “Back Home Again in Indiana.”
“With just over a month until our historic 100th Running, we are pleased to announce Darius Rucker will perform the national anthem on Race Day,” said J. Douglas Boles, Indianapolis Motor Speedway president. “Darius has a unique set of skills as a musical artist and connects on a personal level with fans across the globe. We know he’ll deliver a performance befitting such a monumental day and help ensure this year’s pre-race, my own favorite time of the year, is an unforgettable experience.”
Rucker first attained multi-platinum status in the music industry as former lead singer and rhythm guitarist of Grammy-award-winning Hootie & the Blowfish. Since reintroducing himself to the world as a country artist, he has released four consecutive albums to top the Billboard Country albums chart and earned a whole new legion of fans.
"I’m honored to sing the national anthem at the Indianapolis 500 and to be invited to celebrate the milestone of the 100th Running," said Rucker.
The 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500 is May 29. This year, fans are encouraged to get to IMS in the early morning hours to take advantage of the full experience. Highlights include live ESPN “SportsCenter” tapings in the Pagoda Plaza beginning at 8 a.m. ET and an expanded fan midway.
Tickets are on sale for the Angie's List Grand Prix of Indianapolis on May 14 and the Indianapolis 500. For information, visit www.ims.com/tickets or call (800) 822-INDY between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. ET weekdays.