Alex Palou to Drive IndyCar at Memorial Stadium
Five-time IndyCar champion Alex Palou will lead the Indiana Hoosiers onto the field this Saturday.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Motorsports
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Five-time NTT IndyCar Series champion Alex Palou is set to drive an IndyCar onto the field at Memorial Stadium on Saturday. This appearance will serve as a pre-game tradition ahead of the football match between the Indiana Hoosiers and the Ohio State Buckeyes.
Why it matters
The high-profile appearance integrates professional motorsports with college football to build excitement before the noon kickoff. It provides a unique spectacle for fans at the venue and those watching the game on Fox.
Alex Palou holds a career total of 5 NTT IndyCar Series championships. The Indiana Hoosiers are scheduled to face the Ohio State Buckeyes with kickoff set for 12:00.
The players
Alex Palou
Alex Palou is a professional race car driver who has secured 5 NTT IndyCar Series championships.
Indiana Hoosiers
The Indiana Hoosiers are the collegiate football team representing Indiana University.
Ohio State Buckeyes
The Ohio State Buckeyes are a major collegiate football program based in Columbus, Ohio.
The details
Palou will be wearing an Indiana firesuit as he maneuvers the open-wheel race car onto the stadium grass. Before his role in the pre-game tradition, he is scheduled to participate in the Indy NXT Chris Griffis Memorial Test at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Timeline
Alex Palou will participate in the Indy NXT test on October 16, 2026.
Palou will lead the football team onto the field on October 17, 2026.
The Indiana Hoosiers play the Ohio State Buckeyes at 12:00 on October 17, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This event continues the established tradition of incorporating motorsports into Bloomington game day atmospheres. By featuring a five-time champion, the program highlights the intersection of local motorsports culture and major college athletics during the season.
Fans in attendance at Memorial Stadium can expect a unique spectacle prior to the noon kickoff on Saturday. Viewers watching the game on Fox will also have the opportunity to see the IndyCar tradition broadcast live.
The takeaway
The event highlights the growing synergy between professional auto racing and collegiate sports to drive fan engagement. Attendees should be prepared for typical game-day traffic and crowds around Memorial Stadium during the morning hours.
Further reading
For additional context on local racing events, explore Motorsports.
Source note: This article includes information reported by FanBuzz - Sports News - NFL | NCAA | NBA | WWE.
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