Marco Andretti’s mother,Sandra, was elegant in her Indianapolis 500 race day black and white Sunday.

The outfit — which included a 10-carat diamond necklace, hat, dark sunglasses and a pair of black flats — was assembled around its Chanel jacket, she said.

But an item inside her pocket likely was more important: a rosary Andretti designed.

“I will hold it and pray once (the race) starts. I pray the rosary that he’s safe, and for peace and that everyone is safe,” said Andretti, who would later watch as Marco’s car was slammed into the wall byMario Moraesin the 500’s first collision.

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Sandra also held a bottle of holy water in her hands, which she said she used to bless the car and helmets.

Minutes before the race’s start, Andretti stood near its start-finish line, greeting the other racers’ family members, who looked delighted to see her.

She paused to chat withDario Franchitti‘s wife,Ashley Judd, (who was stylish, too, in a black and white sundress) andHelio Castroneves’ sister,Kati.

Castroneves said she would do anything for her brother, Helio, a charmer who would win his third 500.

Her goal for the day: “Just to be here for him,” she said.

And let him know he is loved, added Andretti.

As time ticked before the 93rd running of the 500, more big names surrounded the start-finish line.

Racing personalityLinda Vaughnwas hobbling around on a broken foot, and in a big boot to match. Vaughn, who is known for her curvaceous figure, blonde hair and a big smile, said she stepped in a hole at the Long Beach Grand Prix several weeks ago. She wore a black cowboy boot on her healthy foot.

Vaughn credited Indianapolis Motor Speedway’sNancy Georgefor helping her avoid a more serious injury by steadying her at the time of the accident.

There was, however, an upside to the injury, Vaughn said: She was attended to by a group of good-looking men.

Indy Racing League founderTony Georgegenerally starts his day with a nutritional shake.

But Sunday was a big day, so George apparently decided to have a big breakfast. Scrambled eggs, apple wood smoked bacon, oatmeal, fruit and more were on the menu on race day, George said.

He waited for the race to begin near the start-finish line with other family members.

His mom,Mari Hulman George, was ready to give her traditional race day command, telling drivers to start their engines.

The 500 is a wonderful thing, she said, adding, “I’m glad to be part of it.”

Jim Naborsbegan his race day at about 7 a.m.

Later, Nabors — who annually sings “Back Home Again in Indiana” before the race — made his way into the media room at the Speedway to talk to journalists.

“I look forward to this every year,” he said of his part in the event.

Though he’s a regular at the Speedway, Nabors didn’t assume his performance would be smooth.

“You never know if you have a frog in your throat or not,” he said.

Does he get nervous?

“Absolutely. Look at that crowd,” he said.

“The Office” starsMelora Hardin(who plays Jan Levinson) andKate Flannery(who plays Meredith Palmer) walked around pit road before the race Sunday. Flannery, who apparently likes to be appropriately dressed, wore a pseudo racing shirt. . . . Celebrity pace-car driverJosh Duhameltook lessons from three-time 500 winner and IRL pace-car driverJohnny Rutherfordbefore his race day ride, which appeared to go off without a hitch.