Conor Daly knows Indianapolis sports.
The 33-year-old Noblesville native will try to qualify for his 12th Indianapolis 500 this weekend at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. He’s also a rabid Indiana Pacers fan, and he’s ready for the full “Pacers and Racers” treatment on May 25.
The 109th Indy 500 is scheduled for a 12:45 p.m. ET start. The Pacers will likely play Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals at 8 p.m., against the winner of the New York Knicks-Boston Celtics series.
A lot of fans plan to attend both, and Daly would love to join the fun at Gainbridge Fieldhouse after the race. Here’s how he sees it playing out:
“If I win the Indy 500, I’m going to that game. Someone is going to have to find me tickets. Wearing the wreath, showing up, ready to go. I’m passing out milk to the players.
“That day, I’ll tell you what, there will be a lot of people going through it that day. They’ll be pushing from 4 a.m., all the way through the evening.”
Pacers schedule in Eastern Conference finals
Game 1: Wed., May 21, at Knicks or Celtics, 8 p.m., TNT (possible series move up to May 19)
Game 2: Fri., May 23, at Knicks or Celtics, 8 p.m., TNT
Game 3: Sun., May 25, at Pacers, 8 p.m., TNT
Game 4: Tues., May 27, at Pacers, 8 p.m., TNT
Game 5: Thurs., May 29, at Knicks or Celtics, 8 p.m., TNT (if necessary)
Game 6: Sat., May 31, at Pacers, 8 p.m., TNT (if necessary)
Game 7: Mon., June 2, at Knicks or Celtics, 8 p.m., TNT (if necessary)
Indy 500 schedule for race day, Sunday, May 25
6 a.m.: Gates open
9-9:20 a.m.: Cars to pit lane
10:30 a.m.: Cars to grid on front stretch
11:47 a.m.: Driver introductions
12:20 p.m.: National anthem
12:38 p.m.: Command to start engines, Roger Penske
12:45 p.m.: Green flag for 109th Indy 500, 200 laps on the 2.5-mile Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval.
TV: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Fox (subject to blackout in Indianapolis area)
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Conor Daly on Pacers, Indy 500 on May 25: ‘If I win … I’m showing up … passing out milk’
Reporting by Scott Horner, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
