{alltv} Celebs part of race -- for a short time

Mark Wahlberg joined "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing" – at least for a short time.

The award-winning actor/producer was the passenger in the IZOD IndyCar Series two-seater driven by Michael Andretti that paced the field on parade laps and then caught up to the 33-car grid on the green flag lap.

Wahlberg agreed with the name of the program that will continue for the remainder of the IZOD IndyCar Series season -- the "IZOD Fastest Seat in Sports."

"This is so much speed, it was crazy," said Wahlberg, who attended his first IZOD IndyCar Series race in mid-April at Long Beach.

For videos and images, head to www.racetotheparty.com.

"This sport is incredible," continued Wahlberg. "I was blown away at the Long Beach Grand Prix by the speed and skill of these drivers -- I've had the racing bug ever since. My career has taken me down many amazing roads, but nothing compares to this."

Honorary Pace Car driver has ride of her life

Robin Roberts didn't want to be relieved by Johnny Rutherford as the Pace Car driver, but the three-time Indy 500 winner had some pressing business on the track.

The No. 21 HP de Ferran Dragon Racing car driven by Davey Hamilton made contact with the Turn 2 SAFER Barrier on the green flag lap.

"Well, it wasn't me," the "Good Morning America" co-host said after taking a deep breath from her high-speed duties.

Roberts conducted multiple interviews for "Good Morning America" segments on Miller Lite Carb Day and May 29 and practiced after the IPL Festival 500 Parade.

"I have been a part of Super Bowls, Final Fours, presidential inaugurations, have traveled the world," she said. "The people here at Indy and the people who run this race are so superior over any people that I have been associated with an event. Their passion, their hospitality, their gratitude, they really get you excited about being here. I just really appreciate being a part of it."

The laps in the Pace Car were "exhilarating."

"Oh, man! That was one of the most incredible things I have ever done or will ever do," she said. "120 miles per hour coming in, it doesn't get much better than this. I hope I set the bar pretty high for all the other people going to drive. With my military background, it comes a little easier. But J.R. (Rutherford), everyone at the track puts safety first."

Nicholson likes the view

Honorary starter, award-winning actor Jack Nicholson, enjoyed being in the starter's stand overlooking the Yard of Bricks that he remained there 31 laps after his duties.

In fact, Nicholson got to wave the green flag on two restarts.

He said it

"There are not many things that here in 2010 that have the exact same value and meaning as an American icon and institution as the Indy 500. It is every bit as exciting in 2010 as it was when I was a kid growing up in the 1950s. And if you have an opportunity to come as I did, you have to come, you have to experience it at least once. I'm pretty excited, and I don't get that excited anymore." – Ron Perlman, actor ("Sons of Anarchy")

Of note

The FAZZT Race Team car of Bruno Junqueira was scheduled to be serviced on pit stops by the Sarah Fisher Racing crew of Jay Howard. Junqueira exited the race before the first round of stops. … Ambient temperature at the green flag was 90 degrees and the track temp 126.

American

Sunday, May 30, 2010