Sports stars, war vets hit Indy 500 red carpet
Before the roar of the engines, howling fans who flanked the Indianapolis 500 Red Carpet filled the track with cheers as they waved and stretched to get a glimpse of their favorite celebs.
A few highlights from the pre-race hot spot:
Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts quarterback: For Luck, taking in the 99th running of the Indy 500 was the ideal way to spend one of his few off days.
Rocking a big smile and a show-stealing elephant-patterned shirt, Luck said he was loving every moment of the year's biggest race.
"I think it's one of the great events in America," Luck said. "It's fun for us to be a fan at things and not always have to play, and I'm just too stoked to be here."
He added that although the Colts have already started practicing, he's not ready to make any predictions about whether or not they will outperform last season's 11-5 record.
"It's too early," he said. "We've got a lot of work to do. We'll see if we can get better and see if we can keep improving."
Perry Farrell, lead vocalist for Jane's Addiction: Fresh off an intense Carb Day performance with Jane's Addiction, Farrell was joined by his wife and kids.
Ferrell said his first trip to the Indy 500 was very much a family outing, and they will all head home with great memories.
"We all took our turns out on the track, driving pace cars … it was the thrill of a lifetime. I've never been in a car that fast," he said. "We love speed and fast cars. We've got fast cars and motorcycles at home, but I've never topped out at any kind of speed close to that."
Ferrell said he also planned to check out some of the wild action over at the Snake Pit, where friends Steve Aoki and Kaskade performed.
"You do rock really hard, and you're really open too," Ferrell said of Indianapolis music fans. "You know, we're a pretty wild group ... but if you can handle the speed and the G-forces of these cars, you can certainly handle Jane's Addiction."
Jeff Gordon, pace car driver: Despite five NASCAR wins at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Gordon disputed the suggestion that he's the most experienced pace car driver in Indianapolis 500 history.
Before Sunday's race, Gordon noted that three-time Indy 500 champion Dario Franchitti drove the pace car in 2014. Gordon also highlighted the attributes of this year's model, the Chevrolet Corvette Z06.
"I've certainly got a lot of laps around here," Gordon said. "My (NASCAR ride) might be a little bit more like a Chevrolet Corvette Z06. The amount of power that car has and how awesome it is, it's not just a thrill to be here and be the pace car driver. I get to drive a very cool car."
Patrick Dempsey, actor: Dempsey brought more than just a "McDreamy" face to Indianapolis. He also brought along a deep appreciation for the sport and a few predictions about who would take the checkered flag.
Dempsey also waved the green flag at the start of the race.
"There's just so much history and you feel that, especially in the grandstands and when you walk around the track," he said. "I mean, it's been 100 years already and it's pretty remarkable. You feel that heritage, and it's just as alive and well with the spirit of the track."
Jerry Yellin, World War II Veteran: During the singing of the national anthem at the Indy 500, Yellin was trackside standing shoulder-to-shoulder with a group of 11 other World War II veterans being honored during the race.
Yellin, a pilot who flew during the final WWII mission, said his weekend at the track was a time to reflect.
"When I look back ... I look at the 16 million of us that served our country, 10 percent of the population, and the 8 million women who went to work," Yellin said. "It was a unified effort against evil.
"I flew with 16 young guys that didn't come back, and it's just an honor to now represent 16 million people at the Indianapolis 500."
WWE Diva Cameron: As a member of the World Wrestling Entertainment roster, Cameroon said she is accustomed to large crowds of of passionate fans. But even she was blown away by the response and turnout at IMS.
"It's my first time so I'm very excited. This is like, bananas. There's so many people here," she said. "WrestleMania is like our Super Bowl, and this is like their Super Bowl, and it's crazy."
As far as comparing race fans to wrestling fans, she wasn't ready to declare either group heavyweight champ.
"I've never been to a race so I can't say. But I will say WWE fans are pretty out of control, so today will be the test to see who is rowdier."
Adam Carolla, podcaster: Comedian Carolla came to Indianapolis this weekend to promote "Winning: The Racing Life of Paul Newman."
Carolla directed the new film documentary about the late actor who was perhaps more passionate about auto racing than Hollywood.
Carolla, who owns several of Newman's old competition cars and drives in vintage races, said Newman struggled when he started racing in his 40s. Eventually, the Oscar-winning actor won four Sports Car Club of America championships.
"Who's awesome at the beginning," Carolla asked. "Actually, I was good at the beginning and I haven't gotten any faster. That's actually worse than being bad and then progressing."
The Indiana State Museum hosted a local premiere for the film on Friday.
Call Star reporter Justin L. Mack at (317) 444-6138. Follow him on Twitter: @justinlmack. Star reporter David Lindquist contributed to this report.