When Is the Indy 500? Schedule, Start Time & How to Watch

The Indianapolis 500 field is set. The 110th edition of the Indy 500 draws ever closer. 

So, when is the Indy 500? The grandest of all races, right down to the traditional Indy 500 milk, takes place on Sunday, May 24, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Race coverage begins on FOX at 12:30 p.m. ET, and pre-race coverage commences at 10:00 a.m. ET on FOX.

Before that, there is Carb Day, which includes one final practice, a pit-stop competition, and more.

Below, we’ll highlight the weekend schedule, start time, and how to watch IndyCar’s crown jewel of racing. 

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When is the Indy 500? Schedule, Start Time

Most assume the race starts when FOX goes on air at exactly 12:30 p.m. ET. That is not quite the case, as seen below.

Here’s the full weekend Indy 500 schedule, beginning with Carb Day on Friday, May 22, followed by a jam-packed schedule for race day on Sunday, May 24.

Friday, May 22 (Carb Day)

• 11:00 a.m. ET - 1:00 pm ET: Indy 500 final practice
• 2:00 p.m. ET: Wienie 500
• 2:30 p.m. ET - 4:00 pm ET: Oscar Mayer Pit Stop Challenge
• 4:00 p.m. ET - 7:00 pm ET: Miller Lite Carb Day Concert

Saturday, May 23

• 10:30 a.m. ET: Public Drivers’ Meeting

Sunday, May 24

• 10:00 a.m. ET: Indy 500 pre-race coverage begins on FOX 
• 11:47 a.m. ET: Driver introductions
• 12:24 p.m. ET: National Anthem
• 12:29 p.m. ET: “Drivers, to your cars”
• 12:30 p.m. ET: The Indy 500 official television coverage begins on FOX
• 12:36 p.m. ET: Back Home Again In Indiana
• 12:38 p.m. ET: Call for ladies and gentlemen to start their engines by Roger Penske
• 12:45 p.m. ET: The green flag drops, signifying the official start to the Indy 500.

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2026 Indy 500 Carb Day Schedule

While everyone is waiting for race day, the Indy 500 has a packed schedule for Friday, May 22, too.

Carb Day is a unique experience for fans. The day starts with the final Indy 500 practice at 11:00 a.m. ET. This spans two hours as drivers and teams take their last laps before the big race. Like all events, this can be streamed on FOX ONE. 

Next is the second annual Wienie 500. Do not laugh. The inaugural event was ridiculously popular and a hot-dog good time. Andy Richter has been named “Commander In Beef” of the event, which can be caught on FOX and FOX One starting at 2:00 p.m. ET. Six Wienermobiles race around the track for two laps. Who will win? Tune in to find out. 

Finally, the Oscar Mayer Pit Stop Challenge ends the afternoon, followed by a concert afterward. The fastest pit stop wins over a series of rounds, and the winning team takes home $150,000. The intensity cranks up starting at 2:30 p.m. ET. 

How to Watch the Indy 500

There are a couple of options for watching the Indy 500 on Sunday, May 24. Most will likely tune in on FOX, but the race can also be streamed on FOX ONE. Other ways to watch or stream the Indy 500 include INDYCAR Live and Fubo.

Will Buxton will provide the play-by-play call on FOX, with James Hinchcliffe and Townsend Bell providing the analysis. 

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Make Your Indy 500 Predictions on PrizePicks

Sunday’s Indy 500 finishes off a great month at Indianapolis. This weekend will showcase a little of everything, from the highly anticipated Indy 500 to Carb Day’s festivities on Friday.

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Stay geared up on Playbook for IndyCar Indy 500 predictions, news, and picks every day, all the way through to this Sunday.