Indy 500 Schedule: Watch Times, Start & Entry List

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The Indianapolis 500 is nearly here, bringing top motorsport excitement to fans around the world. This year, the 109th running of the race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway features 34 drivers vying for 33 starting spots on the grid.

Eight past winners and four rookies are set to compete, with drivers representing 14 different countries. Each session has a set schedule, but weather could change the starting times for practice, qualifying, and the main event.

The action begins on Tuesday, May 13, with practice at noon Eastern, followed by rookie orientation and more track time through the afternoon. Wednesday and Thursday bring six-hour practice sessions, giving teams a chance to prepare their cars.

By Friday, known as Fast Friday, drivers and teams work to find extra speed ahead of the weekend’s qualifying runs. Saturday, May 17, is packed with a morning practice and a long qualifying session that stretches into the evening.

On Sunday, May 18, the spotlight turns to the Fast 12, last chance qualifiers, and the Fast 6. These sessions set the critical positions at the front of the field and decide who squeezes into the final row.

Monday, May 19, continues with another practice session, giving teams one extra chance to fine-tune cars before race prep shifts into high gear. Friday, May 23, marks Carb Day, an Indy 500 tradition.

Practice runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by the popular pit stop challenge in the afternoon. It’s the last pit-lane rehearsal before the green flag.

Race day is Sunday, May 25. The schedule starts early, with teams moving their cars to the pit lane by 9 a.m., then to the frontstretch shortly after 10:30 a.m.

Driver introductions begin at 11:47 a.m., the National Anthem is performed at 12:20 p.m., and the command to start engines comes at 12:38 p.m. The green flag is scheduled for 12:45 p.m., signaling the start of this year’s Indianapolis 500.

Big names are set to compete this year. Josef Newgarden returns in the No. 2 Team Penske Chevrolet, joined by teammates Scott McLaughlin and Will Power.

Other teams like Chip Ganassi Racing and Andretti Global bring talent such as Scott Dixon, Alex Palou, Colton Herta, and Marcus Ericsson. Rookies like Kyffin Simpson and established names like Helio Castroneves add even more excitement.

Notably, NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Larson is also entered, racing for Arrow McLaren. Fans have a variety of ways to watch.

In the United States, FOX Sports carries the coverage, while TSN airs the race in Canada. UK viewers can tune in through Sky Sports, and numerous international broadcasters are set to air the event.

These include STAN Sport in Australia and ESPN in parts of Latin America and Africa. Major networks and channels will deliver every lap and pit stop to race fans.

The stakes are high at the Indianapolis 500, with drivers and teams focused on every detail of preparation. From practice sessions to the rush of qualifying, and finally, the roar as the green flag waves, this event delivers high-speed drama every year. For those interested in drag racing, Buddy’s Funny Cars nomination offers additional motorsport thrills.

With experienced champions and new challengers all aiming for victory, anticipation builds for another memorable chapter in Indy 500 history.