Iowa’s Clark, Ferentz named Grand Marshals for IndyCar Series Race Weekend

One of the biggest music stars in the world and one of the most successful coaches in college football history each will have prominent roles on Sunday of Hy-Vee IndyCar Race Weekend at Iowa Speedway.

Global superstar Ed Sheeran will be the official starter, while longtime University of Iowa head football coach Kirk Ferentz will be Grand Marshal for the final NTT IndyCar Series race of the event — the Hy-Vee One Step 250 presented by Gatorade.

Sheeran will wave the green flag to get the on-track action started while Ferentz will participate in pre-race ceremonies and deliver the official command of “Drivers, Start Your Engines” before Sunday’s race.

Sheeran also will perform live on the Hy-Vee concert stage following the conclusion of Sunday’s racing activities.

“We’re excited to welcome one of the most popular performers in the world — Ed Sheeran — serving as the official starter and one of Iowa’s true sports legends in Coach Kirk Ferentz as Grand Marshal for Sunday’s Hy-Vee One Step 250 presented by Gatorade,” said Anne Fischgrund, General Manager of Hy-Vee IndyCar Race Weekend. “Thanks to our partners at Hy-Vee, having these two icons featured on Sunday will be a great way to celebrate the final day of Hy-Vee IndyCar Race Weekend.”

University of Iowa basketball star Caitlin Clark has been named Grand Marshal for Saturday’s Hy-Vee Homefront 250 presented by Instacart.

Hy-Vee CEO Jeremy Gosch will be the official starter as he will wave the green flag to start the Hy-Vee Homefront 250.

National recording artist and Des Moines native Jon Mero, a former contestant on The Voice, will sing the National Anthem prior to the start of Saturday’s NTT INDYCAR SERIES race.

One of the most popular athletes in the country and already a legend in the state of Iowa, Clark will participate in activities throughout the day on Saturday at Iowa Speedway. In addition to spending time with fans of all ages, Clark will participate in pre-race ceremonies before delivering the famous command of “Drivers, Start Your Engines” prior to the opening race of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES doubleheader weekend – the Hy-Vee Homefront 250 presented by Instacart.

Sheeran is one of the most accomplished singer-songwriters in the world with five multiplatinum, critically acclaimed albums under his belt.

Known as one of the most innovative minds and one of the great leaders in college football, Ferentz is the longest-tenured head coach in the NCAA Division 1 FBS.

In 24 seasons as Iowa’s head coach, Ferentz has amassed a 198-136 career coaching record as he surpassed his mentor Hayden Fry as the winningest coach in school history back in 2018.

Ferentz has won the Big Ten Coach of The Year award three times and 25 players have received All-American honors under his tutelage.

American Idol season 16 champion, current singer/songwriter and Iowa’s own Maddie Poppe also will participate in Sunday activities during Hy-Vee IndyCar Race Weekend.

The native of Clarksville will perform the National Anthem prior to the start of the Hy-Vee One Step 250 presented by Gatorade.

With Ferentz, Sheeran and Poppe all serving in official roles on Sunday, the star power will burn bright throughout Hy-Vee IndyCar Race Weekend.

The Hy-Vee One Step 250 presented by Gatorade is part of the only doubleheader on the 2023 NTT IndyCar SERIES schedule, which also includes the Hy-Vee Homefront 250 presented by Instacart on Saturday.