Good morning from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The key words this morning are weather and whether. Weather will decide whether we get the full race in. IndyCar can be quite deliberate in deciding how to proceed. In the ned, they will make the best decision for everyone involved,

I haf a bit of an emotional moment as I entered the Speedway roundabout and saw the words to “Back Home Again in Indiana” lit up. You would think after 58 previous races, thingslike that wouldn’t affect me. I’m ready to get the day going.

The schedule:

5 a.m.-1 p.m.: INDYCAR Credentials Office Open

6 a.m.-4 p.m.: Public Gates Open

6 a.m.: Cannon Blast & Pyrotechnics

7 a.m.: Coors Light Snake Pit Gates Open

8:15 a.m.: Wax Motif Begins – Coors Light Snake Pit

8:55 a.m.: Borg-Warner Trophy March to the Bricks Begins

9 a.m.: DJ Slater Hogan Begins on Pagoda 3

9:05 a.m.: Borg-Warner Trophy reaches Checkpoint 2 – Pagoda Plaza

9:10 a.m.: Borg-Warner Trophy reaches Checkpoint 3 – IMS Midway

9:15 a.m.: It’s Murph Begins – Coors Light Snake Pit

9:20 a.m.: All Cars to Pit Lane, Engine Warm Up #1 Begins

9:38 a.m.: Borg-Warner Trophy reaches Checkpoint 4 – Band Gate

10:10 a.m.: Borg-Warner Trophy arrives at Yard of Bricks

10:26 a.m.: “On the Banks of the Wabash” – Purdue University Band

10:30 a.m.: Crankdat Begins – Coors Light Snake Pit

10:36 a.m.: Green Flag Lap Rolls Out

10:37 a.m.: Indy 500 Winners Lap

10:43 a.m.: Honorary Starter Receives Green Flag form IU Health Patient – Trackside Stage

10:55 a.m.: All Cars on the Grid

10:59 a.m.: Historic Cars Lap

11:25 a.m.: Chevrolet Military Appreciation Lap

11:47 a.m.: Driver Introductions Begin

12:07 p.m.: U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team Begins Descent

12:07 p.m.: “God Bless America” by Indiana National Guard Quartet with Purdue Band – Victory Podium

12:08 p.m.: Military March on Pit Lane

12:13 p.m.: Military Address by Lt. Gen. Jonathan Stubbs, U.S. Army – Victory Podium

12:17 p.m.: Invocation by Indianapolis Archbishop Charles Thompson – Trackside Stage

12:18 p.m.: Rifle Volley and “Taps” – Victory Podium

12:20 p.m.: “America the Beautiful” by Ephraim Owens – Pylon Stage

12:24 p.m.: National Anthem by Jordin Sparks

12:26 p.m.: Flyover – F-16 Jets of the 175th Fighter Wing

12:33 p.m.: Drivers to Your Cars Command by Caitlin Clark

12:37 p.m.: “Back Home Again in Indiana” by Jim Cornelison

12:38 p.m.: Second Flyover – F-16 Jets of the 175th Fighter Wing

12:38 p.m.: “Drivers, Start Your Engines” – Roger Penske, Victory Podium

12:39 p.m.: Flyover Lap, 38th Combat Aviation Brigade, Indiana Army National Guard

12:45 p.m.: Green Flag, 110th Indianapolis 500 by Gainbridge. Honorary Starter Brendan Fraser

12:50 p.m.: Zedd Begins – Coors Light Snake Pit

2:20 p.m.: Wooli Begins – Coors Light Snake Pit

A Word about The Start

Last year, the pace laps were ruined by the presence of several army helicopters which followed the field around the track, at times dipping dangerously low. With all due respect to our brave men and women in the military, I sincerely hope we don’t see this again. The parade and pace laps at the start of the Indianapolis 500 is, in my opinion, the most beautiful moment in sports. It does need any so-called enhancement. It is amazing by itself.

The helicopters added nothing except concern for safety. they were distracting. I heard of some veterans in the stands who were triggered by the sight of guns on the bottom of the copters.

My opinion may be in the minority, and I’m fine with that. The military is honored throughout the opening ceremonies in a beautiful, respectful presentation. When the drivers start their engines. it is time to focus on the race. End of rant.

I am staying with my pick of Alexander Rossi today, but I will watch out for Conor Daly, David Malukas, and Pato O’Ward.

I will post weather updates as I receive than and keep you posted on any rescheduling. Have a great race da. Stay safe and dry.