The Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League is just around the corner. The upcoming 108th edition of the Indianapolis 500 may not be as spread out as it once was, but it still offers plenty of on-track action. This event holds the record for the highest attendance in a single day, making it the largest sporting event in the world. Here, we provide a breakdown of the main on-track events of the Indy 500, along with some additional details to enhance your understanding.
Please note that all times mentioned are in local Eastern Time. If you are in the UK, simply add five hours to the listed times to determine the start time.
Practice sessions:
– 0900-1100
– 1300-1800
– 1200-1800
– 1200-1800
During the first three practice sessions of the week, teams have the opportunity to focus on race running, qualifying adjustments, or a combination of both. It is common for teams to use these sessions to fine-tune their strategies based on the previous year’s race. It is crucial for teams to avoid any crashes that could hinder their chances of qualifying for the race.
Qualifying draw:
– 1200-1800
– 1815-1900
Fast Friday allows teams to utilize the extra turbo boost for qualifying. This means they have six hours to practice running at higher speeds in preparation for the qualifying laps that count the following day. The qualifying draw, which takes place after Fast Friday, adds an element of excitement as drivers or their representatives draw numbers to determine their qualifying order. The order in which they qualify can have superstitious implications for some drivers.
Qualifying:
– 0830-0930
– 1100-1750
On Saturday, the grid is set for positions 13th to 29th, while the remaining drivers proceed to Sunday’s qualifying. The top 12 drivers will compete in the Fast Six to determine the pole position for the race. The drivers ranked 30th to 34th participate in the Last Chance qualifying, where one team will be eliminated from the Indy 500. Each driver gets a chance to complete a four-lap qualifying run in the order determined by the random draw on Friday. There is also an opportunity for drivers to make a second attempt, with the queue system determining their position in the qualifying order.
Last Chance qualifying:
– 1300-1400
– 1505-1605
– 1615-1715
– 1725-1755
In the Last Chance qualifying session, drivers have one four-lap run to set their time for the Indy 500. The teams in this group use the same queue system as on Saturday until the session time expires. Last year, Jack Harvey bumped his teammate Graham Rahal out of the race during the Last Chance event, while Alex Palou secured pole position.
Practice:
– 1300-1500
This practice session allows teams to transition their setups from qualifying to race trim. It is crucial for teams to ensure that this transition is executed correctly.
Pitstop challenge:
– 1100-1300
– 1430-1600
Carb Day, a tradition dating back to the 1960s, provides teams with the opportunity to make final adjustments to their carburetors before race day. It is the last practice session before the Indy 500 and focuses on ensuring that everything is in order for the main event. The pitstop competition held during this time is highly regarded in the paddock. Teams must execute flawless pitstops during the race if they want their driver to have a chance at victory. The winning crew even receives its own press conference.
Race Day:
– 0900-1000
– 1030-1100
– 1030
– 1147
– 1217
– 1228
– 1245
On Race Day, there are various events leading up to the green flag for the Indy 500. From a literal cannon firing to open the gates for spectators at 6 am, to driver introductions, invocation and national anthem performances, and the presence of A-list celebrities, the build-up to the race is full of pomp and ceremony. Make sure to tune in early to witness these exciting pre-race activities.