Robin Roberts to drive Indy 500 pace car

Robin Roberts, co-anchor of ABC's Good Morning America, will drive the Indianapolis 500's pace car on May 30.

The former college basketball player who made her broadcasting mark on ESPN will be only the second woman to have the ceremonial position. The first was Elaine Irwin-Mellencamp in 2001. Morgan Freeman was the first black to drive the pace car, in 2004.

The official pace car is driven by three-time 500 winner Johnny Rutherford.

Roberts was confirmed as the pace car driver today on the morning news program. Reigning 500 winner Helio Castroneves, who won Dancing with the Stars on ABC in 2007, was on hand when the news was given. Castroneves' former dance partner, Julianne Hough, was also there.

GMA has won three consecutive Emmys for best morning program during Roberts' time as co-anchor.

The 500 will air on ABC for the 46th consecutive year. Indianapolis Star