2026 Indy 500 Start Time Today: Everything You Need to Know Before the Race
The countdown is almost over for one of the biggest spectacles in motorsport as the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 gets underway today at the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Racing fans from around the world are preparing for an action-packed afternoon as the stars of the NTT IndyCar Series battle for victory in one of the most prestigious races in global motorsport.
According to race organizers and broadcast schedules, the green flag for the 2026 Indianapolis 500 is scheduled to wave at approximately 12:45 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on Sunday, May 24. Fans should note that extensive pre-race ceremonies begin several hours before the race itself, making the entire event a day-long celebration of motorsport tradition.
The Indianapolis 500 remains one of the crown jewels of world motorsport, standing alongside events such as the Monaco Grand Prix and the 24 Hours of Le Mans as part of racing’s unofficial Triple Crown. Every year, hundreds of thousands of spectators pack the grandstands at Indianapolis while millions more tune in globally to witness the race known as “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”
This year’s edition carries even more anticipation because defending winner and pole sitter Alex Palou enters the race as one of the favorites after producing a remarkable qualifying performance. Palou secured pole position with an impressive four-lap average speed of 232.248 mph, earning the right to start from the front of the 33-car field.
Joining Palou on the front row are Alexander Rossi and David Malukas, both of whom demonstrated excellent pace during qualifying week. Rossi, a former Indianapolis 500 winner, overcame setbacks during practice sessions to secure a front-row starting position, while Malukas continues to establish himself as one of the rising stars of American open-wheel racing.
The strength of the field means that victory is far from guaranteed for any driver. Former winners, championship contenders, and experienced oval-racing specialists will all be aiming to challenge Palou throughout the race’s 500-mile distance. Among the major storylines entering race day is whether Palou can successfully defend his crown and add another Indianapolis 500 victory to his already impressive résumé.
Race-day festivities begin long before engines fire. Gates at the speedway open early in the morning, allowing fans to enjoy a variety of traditional ceremonies that have become synonymous with the Indianapolis 500 experience. Activities include the Borg-Warner Trophy presentation, driver introductions, patriotic ceremonies, the national anthem, and the iconic singing of “Back Home Again in Indiana,” one of the most cherished traditions in American motorsport.
Driver introductions are expected to begin shortly before noon local time, giving fans an opportunity to welcome the competitors before they strap into their machines for the demanding contest ahead. Following these ceremonies, attention will shift to the command to start engines and the pace laps that lead the field toward the green flag.
The Indianapolis 500 is renowned not only for its traditions but also for its unpredictability. Strategy, fuel consumption, tire management, pit-stop execution, weather conditions, and perfectly timed overtaking maneuvers often determine the outcome. Unlike many races where the fastest car dominates from start to finish, the Indy 500 regularly produces dramatic twists that keep fans engaged until the final lap.
Another major attraction this year is the diverse mix of veterans and newcomers on the grid. The 33-car field features experienced race winners, championship contenders, international stars, and promising rookies all competing on one of motorsport’s biggest stages. This combination of talent ensures that virtually every section of the field contains drivers capable of producing surprise performances throughout the afternoon.
Broadcast coverage of the race begins well before the green flag. In the United States, the event will be televised live by Fox Sports, while international audiences can follow through various regional broadcasters. Extensive pre-race coverage is expected to include interviews, grid analysis, feature stories, and expert predictions before racing begins.
Fans attending in person will experience one of the largest single-day sporting events in the world. The atmosphere around Indianapolis Motor Speedway on race day is unlike almost any other sporting venue, with crowds arriving hours before the start to participate in traditions that have been passed down through generations of racing enthusiasts.
As anticipation reaches its peak, all eyes will be on Alex Palou and the rest of the field when the green flag finally drops. Whether the defending champion can repeat his success, a former winner can add another victory to their record, or a new name can etch itself into Indianapolis 500 history remains to be seen. What is certain is that the 110th edition of this iconic race promises excitement, drama, and unforgettable moments from start to finish.
For fans planning their day, the key time to remember is 12:45 p.m. ET, when the race officially gets underway and the chase for Indianapolis 500 glory begins.
