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Indiana Governor Mike Pence, center, and his family watched as the drivers were introduced before the 97th running of the Indianapolis 500 on May 26, 2013. Kelly Wilkinson / The Star(Photo: Kelly Wilkinson / The Star)

WASHINGTON Theres nowhere else Vice President Pence would rather be Sunday than the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

"Going to the #Indy500 has been a Pence tradition for decades," Pence tweeted Thursday. "Karen & I look forward to being at @IMS for the 101st running this Sunday."

IndyStarreported TuesdayPence would be attending, but the trip was not announced by the White House until Pences tweet.

Indianas former governor has attended the race more than 30 times. His wife, Karen Pence, has gone even more often,according to Indianapolis Motor Speedway President Doug Boles.

Pence's tweeted announcement included photos of his family's attendance over the years.

Last year, Pence rode in the parade. While his office has not released his schedule for race day, its likely to be more low key.

Rumors that he would be attending had prompted speculation that he could drive the pace car to start the race. The identity of the pace car driver remained unannounced as of Thursday afternoon, but Pence seemed an unlikely choice given the security demands of such a prospect.

Pences boss, President Trump, had the chance to drive the pace carin 2011. His fame as host ofThe Apprenticegot him the nomination for pace car driver ahead of the 100th anniversary of the first race. But his accusations that then-president Barack Obama wasnt born in the United States prompted a backlash.

Trump ultimatelybowed out of the job, citing a busy schedule.

Pences presence, along with concerns caused bythe recent terrorist bombing in England, are likely to result increased security.

Pence was in Indiana Sunday todeliver the commencement addressat the University of Notre Dame.

On Friday, he's speaking at the U.S. Naval Academy's graduation.

Contributing: Martin Rogers, USA TODAY

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Vice President Pence tweets that he's attending Indy 500 - USA TODAY