Get Ready for the 2025 Indy 500 Start Time

Sunday, May 25, 2025, marks one of the biggest days in American motorsports as the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 gets underway at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Recognized as part of racing’s legendary ‘Triple Crown’ alongside the Monaco Grand Prix and 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Indy 500 draws thousands of fans to the track and millions watching from home.

The race will begin with pre-race coverage at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time, and the famous “Drivers, start your engines” command is set to be given at 12:38 p.m. The green flag officially drops at 12:45 p.m. ET, launching 33 drivers into a grueling 500-mile contest across 200 laps.

This year’s build-up has plenty of storylines, with the starting grid shuffled after technical violations. Defending champion Josef Newgarden and Will Power were both penalized and will start from the back, in 32nd and 33rd positions after unauthorized car modifications were discovered.

On the front row, rookie Robert Shwartzman from Prema Racing leads the field off pole position, marking an impressive debut at the Brickyard. Seasoned drivers and past winners like Takuma Sato and Scott Dixon line up nearby, while newer names such as Alex Palou and Felix Rosenqvist bring further excitement to the starting order.

Image credit: www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com

The day’s schedule at Indianapolis Motor Speedway is packed with traditions and ceremonies. Gates open early at 6:00 a.m., and morning activities include the Borg Warner Trophy March at 8:45 a.m. and several special laps by historic cars, former winners, and military honorees.

A series of performances builds the energy with the Purdue Band, the IU Health helicopter arrival, and patriotic songs including “America the Beautiful” and the national anthem. The driver introductions take place at 11:47 a.m., followed by the singing of “Back Home Again in Indiana,” a beloved race tradition, at 12:36 p.m.

Fans can watch the Indianapolis 500 live on FOX, which has taken over the broadcast rights for 2025. Spanish coverage is made available on Fox Deportes, while FS1 features additional pre-race events and practice sessions.

Online options are plentiful, with live streaming available through Fubo TV, DirecTV, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and Sling Blue. These streaming services cover FOX and FS1, with many offering free trial periods for new users.

The official race broadcast begins with all the pre-race coverage, ensuring viewers do not miss any of the pageantry or driver presentations.

Beyond the main event, race weekend includes Friday’s Carb Day and Pit Stop Challenge, Saturday’s Indy 500 Parade, and a post-race Victory Celebration on Monday, May 26. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s 2.5-mile oval puts drivers’ skill and nerve to the test at average speeds climbing well beyond 220 miles per hour.

For 2025, McLaren, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, Arrow McLaren, and other top teams will compete fiercely, while newcomers hope to make their mark in one of racing’s most demanding tests. McLaren in particular is a team to watch this season.

With grandstand tickets sold out, anticipation is running high for drama on and off the track. The tradition, remarkable stories, and unpredictable battles that define the Indy 500 will again be in the spotlight.

As drivers prepare for 200 laps of speed and strategy, motorsport fans around the world will be tuning in to watch “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” Also, penalties impacting top contenders like Will Power add an extra layer of intrigue to the 2025 race.