The 106th running of the Indianapolis 500 is set to commence today at 4:44 p.m. ET, with track officials currently working to dry the track following a substantial rainstorm that hit the area earlier this afternoon.
Indianapolis, IN - The 106th running of the Indianapolis 500 has faced a delay in its scheduled green flag time of 12:45 p.m. ET due to heavy rainfall that drenched the Indianapolis Motor Speedway this afternoon. Track officials are currently engaged in the process of drying the 2.5-mile oval, targeting a new start time of 4:44 p.m. ET.
The rainstorm, which arrived shortly after noon ET, dropped a significant amount of rain on the speedway, leaving portions of the track standing under water. Safety is paramount at the Indianapolis 500, and the event will not proceed until officials are satisfied that the track is sufficiently dry and safe for racing.
A team of track workers, led by veteran Pace Car driver Tony Kanaan, has been deployed to utilize high-powered air blowers and specialized drying equipment to remove the water from the track surface. The process is expected to take several hours, but officials are confident that the track will be ready for racing by the revised start time.
The delay has caused some disruption to the pre-race schedule, with the scheduled Carb Day practice session being canceled. However, the Indianapolis 500 Fan Fest remains open, providing fans with entertainment and activities while they await the start of the race.
For those unable to attend the race in person, NBC will provide live coverage of the Indianapolis 500 beginning at 11 a.m. ET. The race will also be streamed live on Peacock Premium.
The Indianapolis 500 is one of the most prestigious and iconic races in motorsports, drawing hundreds of thousands of fans to the speedway each year. The event is known for its thrilling on-track action and its unique tradition of "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing."
Despite the weather delay, the 106th Indianapolis 500 is shaping up to be a memorable and exciting event. With a talented field of drivers and a track that promises to provide plenty of challenges, the race is sure to captivate fans around the world.
