The legendary Indianapolis 500 is set to deliver another unforgettable day of speed, drama, and racing history as the 110th running of the iconic race takes over Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 24, 2026. Fans from around the world are eagerly waiting for the green flag to drop as the biggest names in IndyCar battle for victory in “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”
The 2026 Indy 500 officially begins at 12:45 p.m. ET, with live television coverage starting at 10:00 a.m. ET on FOX. The 500-mile race will feature 200 laps around the famous oval, where strategy, speed, and endurance will determine who drinks the traditional bottle of milk in Victory Lane.
2026 Indianapolis 500
- Race Date: Sunday, May 24, 2026
- Green Flag Time: 12:45 p.m. ET
- TV Coverage: FOX
- Venue: Indianapolis Motor Speedway
- Race Distance: 500 Miles (200 Laps)
This year’s event carries huge excitement after a dramatic qualifying weekend that saw several championship contenders secure strong starting positions. The front row is led by defending IndyCar star Alex Palou, who earned pole position with a stunning four-lap average speed of 232.248 mph.
Front Row Starting Lineups
| Position | Driver | Team | Manufacturer | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alex Palou | Chip Ganassi Racing | Honda | 232.248 mph |
| 2 | Alexander Rossi | Ed Carpenter Racing | Chevrolet | 231.990 mph |
| 3 | David Malukas | Team Penske | Chevrolet | 231.877 mph |
Palou enters the race as one of the favorites after showing exceptional pace throughout practice and qualifying sessions. However, experienced stars like Alexander Rossi and Pato O’Ward remain serious contenders for the Borg-Warner Trophy.
Full 2026 Indianapolis 500 Starting Grid
| Row | Position | Driver | Team | Manufacturer | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Alex Palou | Chip Ganassi Racing | Honda | 232.248 mph |
| 1 | 2 | Alexander Rossi | Ed Carpenter Racing | Chevrolet | 231.990 mph |
| 1 | 3 | David Malukas | Team Penske | Chevrolet | 231.877 mph |
| 2 | 4 | Felix Rosenqvist | Meyer Shank Racing w/ Curb Agajanian | Honda | 231.375 mph |
| 2 | 5 | Santino Ferrucci | AJ Foyt Racing | Chevrolet | 230.846 mph |
| 2 | 6 | Pato O’Ward | Arrow McLaren | Chevrolet | 230.442 mph |
| 3 | 7 | Kyffin Simpson | Chip Ganassi Racing | Honda | 230.883 mph |
| 3 | 8 | Conor Daly | Dreyer & Reinbold Racing | Chevrolet | 230.712 mph |
| 3 | 9 | Scott McLaughlin | Team Penske | Chevrolet | 230.577 mph |
| 4 | 10 | Scott Dixon | Chip Ganassi Racing | Honda | 230.347 mph |
| 4 | 11 | Rinus VeeKay | Juncos Hollinger Racing | Chevrolet | 229.585 mph |
| 4 | 12 | Takuma Sato | RLL Racing | Honda | 230.995 mph |
| 5 | 13 | Ed Carpenter | Ed Carpenter Racing | Chevrolet | 230.829 mph |
| 5 | 14 | Helio Castroneves | Meyer Shank Racing w/ Curb Agajanian | Honda | 230.811 mph |
| 5 | 15 | Christian Rasmussen | Ed Carpenter Racing | Chevrolet | 230.705 mph |
| 6 | 16 | Marcus Armstrong | Meyer Shank Racing w/ Curb Agajanian | Chevrolet | 230.701 mph |
| 6 | 17 | Marcus Ericsson | Andretti Global | Honda | 230.667 mph |
| 6 | 18 | Christian Lundgaard | Arrow McLaren | Chevrolet | 230.661 mph |
| 7 | 19 | Will Power | Andretti Global | Honda | 230.279 mph |
| 7 | 20 | Nolan Siegel | Arrow McLaren | Chevrolet | 230.213 mph |
| 7 | 21 | Louis Foster | RLL Racing | Honda | 230.212 mph |
| 8 | 22 | Ryan Hunter-Reay | Arrow McLaren | Chevrolet | 230.202 mph |
| 8 | 23 | Josef Newgarden | Team Penske | Chevrolet | 230.165 mph |
| 8 | 24 | Romain Grosjean | Dale Coyne Racing | Honda | 229.791 mph |
| 9 | 25 | Kyle Kirkwood | Andretti Global | Honda | 229.607 mph |
| 9 | 26 | Katherine Legge | HMD Motorsports w/ AJ Foyt Racing | Chevrolet | 229.456 mph |
| 9 | 27 | Mick Schumacher | RLL Racing | Honda | 229.450 mph |
| 10 | 28 | Graham Rahal | RLL Racing | Honda | 229.017 mph |
| 10 | 29 | Dennis Hauger | Dale Coyne Racing | Honda | 228.982 mph |
| 10 | 30 | Jacob Abel | Abel Motorsports | Chevrolet | 228.169 mph |
| 11 | 31 | Sting Ray Robb | Juncos Hollinger Racing | Chevrolet | 226.572 mph |
| 11 | 32 | Caio Collet | AJ Foyt Racing | Chevrolet | 230.539 mph |
| 11 | 33 | Jack Harvey | Dreyer & Reinbold Racing | Chevrolet | 229.207 mph |
Full Race Day Schedule
Race day traditions remain one of the biggest attractions at Indianapolis. Fans attending the event will experience ceremonies, concerts, military tributes, and legendary pre-race moments before engines fire.
| Time (ET) | Event |
|---|---|
| 6:00 a.m. | Gates Open |
| 8:15 a.m. | Snake Pit Concert featuring DJ Zedd |
| 9:20 a.m. | Engine Warm-Up |
| 9:30 a.m. | Red Carpet |
| 10:37 a.m. | Past Winners Lap |
| 11:25 a.m. | Military Appreciation Lap |
| 11:47 a.m. | Driver Introductions |
| 12:24 p.m. | National Anthem by Jordin Sparks |
| 12:36 p.m. | “Back Home Again in Indiana” |
| 12:38 p.m. | Command to Start Engines |
| 12:45 p.m. | Green Flag |
Drivers to Watch in the 2026 Indy 500
Several former winners and rising stars are expected to challenge for victory. Four-time winner Helio Castroneves returns looking to make more history, while veterans Scott Dixon and Josef Newgarden hope to move through the field and contend late in the race.
Rookie attention will also focus on Mick Schumacher, who makes his Indianapolis 500 debut after transitioning into IndyCar competition. Young drivers including Dennis Hauger and Jacob Abel will also try to make a strong impression on racing’s biggest stage.
Live Race Results and Leaderboard Updates
Fans can expect nonstop action throughout all 200 laps as pit strategy, caution periods, and fuel management become critical factors. Live leaderboard updates, lap leaders, caution flags, and final race results will shape one of the most anticipated motorsports events of 2026.
With packed grandstands, roaring engines, and millions watching worldwide, the 2026 Indianapolis 500 is ready to produce another thrilling chapter in motorsports history.