The 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 is just around the corner, and excitement is building at the legendary Brickyard. Fans from all over are gearing up for two weeks packed with high-speed action, star drivers, and time-honored traditions. Here’s everything you need to know to get ready for this year’s iconic race.
When and Where: Mark Your Calendars
The 2025 Indianapolis 500 roars to life on Sunday, May 25 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Coverage begins at 10 a.m. ET, with the green flag expected to drop at 12:45 p.m. ET. The action unfolds on the famous 2.5-mile oval, where 33 drivers will battle for 200 laps of glory.
Track Facts: The Brickyard Breakdown
- Length: 2.5 miles per lap
- Turns: Four, each banked at 9.2 degrees
- Straightaways: Each 0.625 miles long, 50 feet wide
- Turns: 60 feet wide
- Short chutes: 0.125 miles between Turns 1-2 and 3-4
Schedule Snapshot: Two Weeks of Speed
- May 13-16: Practice sessions (Noon-6 p.m.)
- May 17: Qualifying Day 1 (11 a.m.-5:50 p.m.)
- May 18: Qualifying Day 2, including Bump Day and Fast Six (4-7 p.m.)
- May 19: Final practice (1-3 p.m.)
- May 23: Carb Day-final practice and pit stop competition (11 a.m.-4 p.m.)
- May 25: Race Day-Indy 500 (Green flag at 12:45 p.m.)
Qualifying Drama: Who Makes the Field?
Qualifying is a heart-pounding affair, with 34 entries vying for just 33 spots. Drivers get multiple attempts to lay down their fastest four-lap average. The top 12 from Saturday move on to Sunday’s shootout, where the Fast Six battle for pole position. The slowest four fight for the final three spots-one will be heartbreakingly “bumped” from the field.
Carb Day: Tradition Meets Tuning
Carb Day, the final practice before the big race, is a fan-favorite tradition. Despite the name, no cars have used carburetors since the 1960s, but the day is all about last-minute tweaks and the always-exciting pit stop competition.
The Machines: Chassis, Tires, and Power
- Chassis: Dallara
- Tires: Firestone
- Engines: Chevrolet and Honda
2025 Entry List: Who’s Racing?
A star-studded field is ready to take on the Brickyard, including:
- Team Penske: Josef Newgarden, Scott McLaughlin, Will Power
- Arrow McLaren: Pato O’Ward, Kyle Larson, and more
- Chip Ganassi Racing: Scott Dixon, Alex Palou
- Andretti Global: Colton Herta, Kyle Kirkwood, Marcus Ericsson, Marco Andretti
- Ed Carpenter Racing: Alexander Rossi, Ed Carpenter
- And many more!
Seven drivers are part-time IndyCar racers making a special run at the 500, including legends like Helio Castroneves and Takuma Sato.
Favorites, First-Timers, and Underdogs
- Josef Newgarden aims for a third straight Indy 500 win, a feat never achieved before.
- Pato O’Ward and Alex Palou are hungry for their first Brickyard victory.
- Kyle Larson attempts the legendary “Double”-racing both the Indy 500 and NASCAR’s Coke 600 on the same day.
- Santino Ferrucci and Conor Daly are the dark horses with a knack for Indy magic.
Legends on the Grid: Past Winners
This year’s field includes eight former champions, from Helio Castroneves (four-time winner) to recent victors like Marcus Ericsson and Josef Newgarden. If weather intervenes, Tony Kanaan-another Indy legend-could make a surprise appearance.
The Snake Pit: Party Central
The infield Snake Pit is as famous as the race itself, with a massive EDM concert headlined by Illenium and other top acts. The party starts at 8 a.m. and keeps the energy high all day.
Celebrities and Traditions
- Michael Strahan will drive the pace car.
- Rob Gronkowski will help host the Snake Pit festivities.
- The winner will sip milk in Victory Lane-a tradition dating back to 1936.
- The champion’s face will be immortalized on the iconic Borg-Warner Trophy.
The Prize
While the official purse won’t be revealed until after the race, last year’s winner took home over $4 million from a record $18.4 million pot.
Ready for Racing History?
The Indy 500 is more than a race-it’s a celebration of speed, tradition, and the relentless pursuit of glory. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or tuning in for the first time, the 2025 edition promises unforgettable moments at every turn. Buckle up-the greatest day in racing is almost here!
