Casey Irsay Foyt Named Honorary Starter for 2025 Indy 500

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway just announced that Casey Irsay Foyt, daughter of the late Colts owner Jim Irsay, will serve as honorary starter for the 109th Indianapolis 500. This comes only days after Jim Irsay passed away at age 65.

The Speedway plans to honor Irsay’s major contributions to Indianapolis and Central Indiana during the event. Casey Irsay Foyt, who works in marketing and community relations for the Colts, is married to former IndyCar driver A.J. Foyt IV—so, yeah, there’s some serious racing lineage here.

Jim Irsay’s influence on Indianapolis and the entire region really can’t be overstated. As owner of the Colts, he transformed the team and built a strong bond with the city.

He poured his energy into philanthropic work and made Central Indiana better in so many ways. His passing leaves a big hole for everyone who knew him.

Under Jim Irsay, the Colts had wild success, with plenty of playoff runs and a Super Bowl win. Off the field, he worked hard to make the fan experience better and always backed local causes.

He brought vision and passion to the game, and honestly, he’s one of the NFL’s most influential figures.

Irsay’s generosity showed in his support for mental health, addiction recovery, and education. He made a difference in so many lives, and it’s hard not to feel inspired by that.

Casey Irsay Foyt: A Link to Racing Royalty

Casey Irsay Foyt stepping in as honorary starter feels like a perfect tribute to her dad. Through her marriage to A.J. Foyt IV, she’s part of a family with a legendary history at the Speedway.

A.J. Foyt’s four Indy 500 wins tie him for the most in the event’s history. That’s a pretty wild family connection for Casey to bring to the role.

Role at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Casey’s involvement as honorary starter really highlights her deep ties to both the Colts and the IndyCar world. She’ll stand at the center of an event that means a lot to her family and the city.

Her presence will remind everyone of her dad’s contributions to both the sport and Indianapolis. It’s a chance to celebrate Jim Irsay’s life in a way that feels both meaningful and personal.

Family Legacy in Racing

The Foyt family’s story in racing is legendary, thanks to A.J. Foyt’s accomplishments. Casey’s connection to that legacy brings something special to her role at the 500.

Having her as honorary starter feels like a living symbol of the bond between the Irsay and Foyt families—and their shared impact on the Speedway.

Honoring Jim Irsay at the Indianapolis 500

The Speedway’s decision to honor Jim Irsay during the 109th Indianapolis 500 says a lot about his lasting impact. In their statement, they called Irsay an incredibly kind, brilliant, and dedicated leader whose generosity changed countless lives in Central Indiana.

Community and Sports Connection

Jim Irsay’s reach went way beyond the Colts. The relationship between the Colts and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is unique—Colts players at the racetrack, drivers at the stadium, that sort of thing.

It’s a sports scene you don’t see everywhere, and honestly, that’s thanks in large part to Irsay’s vision for a connected, vibrant community.

The 109th Indianapolis 500 is shaping up to be a big deal, not just for racing fans, but for anyone who feels connected to the city. This year, Casey Irsay Foyt will step in as honorary starter—a role that means a lot, especially given her family’s history.

She’ll wave the green flag, and honestly, it’s hard not to think about her father, Jim Irsay, and what he’s meant to Indianapolis. People around here still talk about his impact on sports and the community, and this tribute feels fitting.

Want to know more? Check out the full story on CBS Sports.