Tyrese Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers is set to ride alongside Mario Andretti at the GMR Grand Prix today. Haliburton’s time at the Grand Prix almost didn’t happen, but the Pacers guard couldn’t pass up the opportunity.
Today, Tyrese Haliburton joins Indiana Pacers’ tradition as he will start the day in a two-seater with Andretti, who was named Driver of the Century by the Associated Press.
Victor Oladipo once drove the Pace car at the 102nd Indy500, which was years ago now. Justin Holiday has done it as well and now it is time for the newest member of the Pacers to join the custom.
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Haliburton has not been a Pacer for long, but it has become clear that he will be here for a long time. The Pacers traded for a new face of their franchise in Feb. of this year and Tyrese Haliburton has emersed himself quickly in the community.
From visiting Indiana Fever games, watching the BIG10 Tournament with fellow players, and now attending the Grand Prix – Haliburton is off to a fast start in Indianapolis.
In an interview in the car’s garage that Halburton would ride in, he was asked about his thoughts on this opportunity with Mario Andretti by Taylor Tannebaum.
"When they first brought it to my attention I said no, I am not going to lie to you because I was a little worried about it. Then I thought this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and of course, I will do it. I am looking forward to it."
What did Haliburton learn in his time at the Grand Prix?
"A lot of different things. The most interesting thing I learned is that there is a drink button on the steering wheel and that is how they get water. That was my favorite thing I’ve learned."
He even got to signal the drivers to start their engines at the beginning of the race.
Indiana @Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton gave the command to start engines, and got to kiss the bricks at @IMS with racing legend @MarioAndretti! #NBA pic.twitter.com/LF9cw6sK6J
— INDYCAR on NBC (@IndyCaronNBC) May 14, 2022
Tyrese represented the Indiana Pacers well in his time at the Grand Prix this past Saturday. From meeting the drivers to driving with racing legends, he got to see everything Indy had to offer.
The newest member of the Indiana Pacers brings positive energy and an undeniable optimism about the future of the franchise, which he now calls home. Haliburton has yet to play one full season in Indiana, but a talented young core is being built and he is the centerpiece.