BSU Hoops Coach Lewis: Honorary Starter at IMS

May 17, 2023 | Men's Basketball

Ball State men's basketball coach Michael Lewis is accustomed to giving direction on the basketball court. Wednesday, though, he took a green flag into his hands and directed Indy 500 race cars to begin practice!

#WeFly…the green flag!

Thanks for waiving the green flag and getting #Indy500 practice started today, @CoachMikeLewis!#INDYCAR | #ThisIsMay pic.twitter.com/uET8gMF0Ba
— Indianapolis Motor Speedway (@IMS) May 17, 2023

Donning a red Ball State jacket and black BSU cap as the Indianapolis Motor Speedway's honorary starter for the day, Lewis waved the green "start" flag to signify the official start to practice rounds – not just for the day, but for the Month of May!

Following a day of scattered rain on Tuesday in which the opening practice round was canceled, Lewis' green flag marked the official start to Day 1 of practices leading up to the 107th running of the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 30.