The wait is over for racing fans as the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 takes place today, Sunday, May 24, 2026. Thirty-three drivers are prepared to compete for 200 laps around the iconic 2.5-mile oval at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
For those planning their viewing schedule, the official green flag to start the race is scheduled to wave at exactly 12:45 p.m. Eastern Time.
The day features a strictly timed lineup of pre-race traditions leading right up to the start. Public gates at the speedway opened at 6:00 a.m. this morning, and the official pre-race television broadcast began at 10:00 a.m.
According to the track schedule, driver introductions will begin at 11:47 a.m. Eastern Time. Following the introductions, the invocation will take place at 12:18 p.m., with the singing of the National Anthem scheduled for 12:24 p.m. The traditional performance of “Back Home Again in Indiana” is set for 12:36 p.m., nine minutes before the cars officially start racing.
Series points leader Álex Palou secured the pole position for today’s race after setting a qualifying speed of 232.248 mph, and will lead the field to the start line looking for his first career Indy 500 victory.
The live television broadcast of the event is being carried by FOX.
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