‘Fastest Seat In Sports’ returns for Indy 500 with 2 legendary athletes aboard
FILE: #6: Nolan Siegel, Arrow McLaren Chevrolet prior to the NTT IndyCar Series 109th Running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 14, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Credit: Michael L. Levitt/Lumen via Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS - Fox Sports is continuing its crossover with IndyCar by featuring two iconic athletes in the "Fastest Seat in Sports" at this year’s Indianapolis 500.
The "Fastest Seat in Sports" is a specially designed two-seat Indy car that takes ceremonial laps ahead of IndyCar races. This marks the first time since 2019 that the two-seater will lead the field before the Indy 500.
Tom Brady, Jimmie Johnson will lead Indy 500
Behind the wheel will be none other than seven-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson, teaming up with NFL analyst and former quarterback Tom Brady.
What they're saying:
Johnson, who has 29 IndyCar starts under his belt, shared his excitement with FOX Sports.
"I love the Indy 500," Johnson shared. "There is an energy and excitement around the 500 that is unlike anything I have experienced before.
He added: "Certainly, pre-race ceremonies are the ultimate racing experience that I’ve had outside of the car. I’m thrilled to be a part of the program and to see the stands full one more time. I’m extremely honored to come back and do it and to be able to also share this experience with another seven-time champion."
How to watch ‘Fastest Seat in Sports’
What's next:
Fox Sports is in its first year as IndyCar's broadcast partner and has vowed to make the Indianapolis 500 its biggest televised event of the year.
It kicked off the season with baseball analyst Alex Rodriguez in the Fastest Seat in Sports at the opener in St. Petersburg, Florida.
The 2025 Indy 500 race will be broadcast on FOX and available to be streamed live on the FOX Sports website and the FOX Sports App.
The ride will occur just before the green flag, scheduled for 12:45 p.m. Eastern on May 25. The FOX coverage of the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 begins at 10 a.m. Eastern.
How to watch the 2025 Indianapolis 500
The 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 will take place on Sunday, May 25, 2025, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana.
Jimmy Johnson, Tom Brady’s careers
Dig deeper:
Johnson, who transitioned to IndyCar for two seasons after retiring from NASCAR, was named the Indy 500 top rookie in 2022.
A NASCAR Hall of Famer, Johnson spent 19 seasons behind the wheel of the No. 48 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports. He now serves as the majority owner of Legacy Motor Club, a NASCAR team that recently formed a partnership with Knighthead Capital Management—a private equity firm in which Tom Brady holds a stake.
After giving Brady his high-speed ride at the Indy 500, Johnson will fly to North Carolina to race in the Coca-Cola 600, marking his 700th career NASCAR start. Brady is expected to join him at the event.
Brady considered one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history with seven Super Bowl championships. He is also a five-time Super Bowl MVP, three-time Associated Press Most Valuable Player, 15-time Pro Bowler and the 2007 Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year.
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The Source: This story was reported from Los Angeles. The Associated Press and FOX Sports contributed. This station is owned by FOX.