| Public Gates Open at 6 a.m. ET on Race Day, Sunday, May 24 INDIANAPOLIS (Tuesday, May 19, 2026) – With the massive and historic grandstand sellout crowd announced for the 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on Sunday, May 24 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, fans should plan ahead and arrive early. To ensure a smooth entry into the facility, fans are encouraged to arrive earlier than usual, even as early as 6 a.m. ET, when gates open. This is the best way to ensure a smooth and quicker entry into the facility with time to visit activations and be in seats for the green flag. Race fans are encouraged to “Plan Ahead” through IMS.com/PlanAhead, an interactive web page that serves as a home base for fans headed to the track this weekend The “Plan Ahead” page features detailed information about the entire fan experience at IMS, including directions, parking, schedule, gate regulations, digital ticket guide, ADA accessibility and much more. Race fans are encouraged to download the IMS App and use technology from NTT INDYCAR SERIES title sponsor NTT and its Smart Solutions platform, which will update the IMS App every 30 seconds with wait time information at each gate to allow race fans smoother entry into the facility. IMS is offering a whole morning of thrills and entertainment for ticketholders looking to beat traffic and avoid longer lines by coming to the track early. Gates open at 6 a.m. following the traditional infield blast.Many enjoyable opportunities are available to fans right as the gates open or shortly after, including: Sam’s Club Fan Midway Experience Open at 6 a.m.This year’s Sam’s Club Fan Midway features several exciting, fan-friendly activities. The Midway will open at 6 a.m. and be available for enjoyment until the green flag flies to start “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” Shopping and FoodExclusive and commemorative 110th Running attire will go fast, so don’t miss out! Grab breakfast at one of the many concession stands open throughout the facility, and then shop for family and friends while supplies last. Retail and food options are available at 6 a.m. Epic Pre-Race, Be in Your Seat for It!This year’s pre-race festivities for the Indianapolis 500 are a carefully organized and choreographed show that will entertain race fans at any moment they are in their seats. It will feature moving military tributes, former Indy 500 winner and historic race car laps around the famed 2.5-mile oval, the heartfelt singing of “Back Home Again in Indiana” by Jim Cornelison, “America the Beautiful” performed by Indianapolis-native Ephraim Owens, the return of Jordin Sparks to sing the national anthem and so much more.Additionally, all Speedway patrons should be aware of the following facility information and regulations to ensure a successful day at the track: Cashless OperationsIMS is a cashless facility. Please be prepared to complete ticket, credential, parking, concession and merchandise purchases with ease via debit or credit card.Tap-to-pay phone payments will be accepted, as will credit and debit transactions. A Cash-to-Card machine, which converts paper money to a temporary debit card, is located in Pagoda Plaza. These funds can be spent inside the venue, outside the venue, online or anywhere in the world where Mastercard/Visa debit cards are accepted. Cooling/Water StationsIMS will have cooling buses located in the infield on the corner of Fifth Street and Hulman Boulevard, Seventh Street and Hulman Boulevard, B Stand near Gate 1 and Northwest Vista in Turn 4. Misting stations will be located in the Midway, Pagoda Plaza, concert area inside Turn 3, west of the IU Health Emergency Medical Center in the infield, outside Turn 1 and outside Turn 4 between the Northwest Vista and J Stand. There will also be six water bottle filling stations located throughout the facility on Race Day in each of the four turns, as well as behind Tower Terrace and in the Garage Area. Public Parking Parking for the Indianapolis 500 is sold out, including ADA and motorcycle parking. All IMS exterior parking lots open at 5 a.m. on Race Morning, while interior lots open at 6 a.m. BODYARMOR Flash I.V. Bike to the 500 and Bike ParkingIMS and Central Indiana Cycling have collaborated to offer race fans a safe and healthy way to commute to the track on Race Day. The commute starts at the AMP at 16 Tech and follows a police escort to the racetrack, where cyclists will then park outside the famed Gate 1. Race fans can register for Bike to the 500 here.Bike parking is available for all cyclists at Gates 1, 6 and 9. Rideshare LocationRace fans who are not planning to park at the racetrack should consider using a rideshare program, such as Uber or Lyft, when traveling to or from the facility on Indianapolis 500 Race Day. Guests using rideshare services like Uber, Lyft or taxis will be dropped off at the corner of 10th and Polco streets. Guests also will be picked up at this location after the race.The Race Day IMS shuttle program is sold out. Shuttle services pick up and drop off from Indianapolis International Airport (1904 S. High School Road) or at the Downtown Location (402 Kentucky Ave.). Guests who already purchased shuttle passes will be dropped off and picked up from the Main Gate parking lot on Race Day. Pedestrian Gate EntryPublic pedestrian gates open are: Gate 1, Gate 1B.1, Gate 1C, Gate 2, Gate 3, Gate 4, Gate 5, Gate 5B, Gate 6N, Gate 6S, Gate 6B, Gate 7S, Gate 7 Vehicle, Gate 7N Gate 9, Gate 10, Gate 10A, Gate 11A, Gate 11B, Gate 11C, Gate 12.Security screening detection devices are installed at all pedestrian gates.As fans pass through one of the pedestrian entrances, they will walk through a CEIA OPENGATE® security device. Fans won’t need to empty their pockets or remove items of clothing, simply walk through the gate and enter the facility .Digital Tickets Race fans who order tickets in advance may select their delivery method at checkout. Digital tickets can be accessed on their smartphone’s web browser or by saving the digital ticket to their mobile device’s wallet. Fans are encouraged to ensure the brightness on their smart phone is turned up before approaching the gate for a seamless scanning of their digital ticket. Race fans are also encouraged to visit the IMS Digital Ticket guide to manage their digital tickets and enhance their at-track experience. Weekend Street ParkingRace Weekend event parking restrictions in the Town of Speedway will be enforced during the Indianapolis 500. No parking will be allowed on the south and east sides of any street bound by 25th Street on the north, Georgetown Road on the east, Lynhurst Drive on the west and Crawfordsville Road on the south from 6 p.m. Thursday through 8 p.m. Sunday. Additionally, race fans will not be able to park on Main Street in Speedway between 10th Street and 16th Street on Race Day starting at midnight.Parking will also be restricted in other areas of the Town of Speedway on Indianapolis 500 Race Weekend from 6 p.m. Thursday through 8 p.m. Sunday along several neighborhood streets. Local streets impacted by street parking can be found here. Road ClosuresRace fans should be aware of multiple road closures before making their way to IMS on Race Day. Those include:Speedway Police Department will close Georgetown Road south of 25th Street at 5 a.m. on Race Day to all vehicular traffic. Guests accustomed to driving a vehicle through Gate 7 should enter through Gate 2 or Gate 10. Local residents are encouraged to make provisions for the temporary traffic restriction. Georgetown Road will remain closed until approximately one hour after conclusion of the race.Speedway Police Department will also close 16th Street between Olin Avenue and the roundabout from approximately noon until the end of the race. Additionally, 16th Street will not be accessible from Polco Street, as it will be blocked at 10th Street.Traffic traveling east on Crawfordsville Road from the west will be turned around at the 16th Street roundabout. Traffic traveling west on 16th Street from downtown will be diverted south on Olin Avenue .Post Race Fans should continue to plan ahead as they prepare to leave IMS after the Indy 500.To keep everyone safe, vehicles will not be released from IMS parking lots until pedestrian traffic allows for clear roadways. This can take up to an hour following the end of the race. The Speedway and surrounding area are divided into four quadrants. As fans leave the Speedway, they will be directed to the nearest interstate access based on the quadrant in which they are parked – not their intended destination. Additional Resources and InformationDrivers can learn the locations of work zones and highway restrictions by calling INDOT’s TrafficWise at 1-800-261-ROAD (7623) or viewing an online map here or visiting @TrafficWise on X.No coolers larger than 18 inches by 15 inches by 15 inches can be brought into the facility, which will be strictly enforced. Fans will be allowed to bring one cooler and one standard backpack or book bag per person. Coolers are allowed inside the Snake Pit gates.For more information regarding access to IMS, visit IMS.com. For additional information, follow on Twitter the Indiana State Police @IndStatePolice, the Speedway Police Department @SpeedwayPD or listen to radio stations WFNI-FM 107.5/WFNI-AM 1070 or WIBC-FM 93.1.The Speedway Police Department can be reached for non-emergency services by dialing 311 on a cell phone. The goal of 311 is to provide an easy-to-remember number for non-emergency services while freeing up 911 lines for timely emergency response. |
Author: thepitwindow
Revised Starting Lineup, Spotters’ Guide, and a Rossi Note
We received good news about Alexander Rossi last night.
We are waiting to see when he will be cleared to drive. The team will go to a backup car and retain their starting spot if he is able to go. If not, the car moves to 31st. Callum Ilott is likely to be his replacement. Chevy will make it happen.
Revised lineup, for now.:

Spotters’ Guide:

Rossi Medical Update
From ECR:

Weather Ends Practice Early; Rossi Accident Interrupts Action
Lightning halted what was an intense, hectic practice session after an hour and m18 minutes. The day after qualifying practice saw lots of running in traffic. Pole sitter Alex Palou was one of the last cars to get on track.
Josef Newgarden had the fastest lap,. 226.198 mph, when practice was stopped due to lightning in the area.
Thirty minutes into the session, the track’s 2026 incident free streak ended with a serious crash in turn 2 involving Alexander Rossi, Pato O’Ward, and Romain Grosjean. Rossi went too low in turn 2, spun hard into the outside wall, lifting the front of his car.
O’Ward spun trying to avoid Rossi, bit slammed into the side of Rossi’s car/ Romain Grosjean also spun to avoid the incident, brushing the wall and sliding to the grass on the inside of the track.
The older I get. the more accidents like this bother me. I am thankful for the safety innovations IndyCar has implemented. A look at Rossi’s aeroscreen after today’s incident shows that the safety features work.

O’Ward and Grosjean were seen and released by the medical staff. Rossi was sent to a local hospital for further evaluation. I will post an update as soon as I have one.
I took a couple of photos of both cars. O’Ward’s looks repairable. I’m not sure Rossi’s is. Replacing the car is allowed and if rossi is cleared to drive, he will keep his number two starting spot. If Rossi is unable to drive, the car will move to the rear of the field.
Results

Post Qualifying Practice
It’s a very short day.
From IMS:
| INDIANAPOLIS (Sunday, May 17, 2026) – Information about the 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge practice track activity Monday, May 18 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. SCHEDULE (All times local):11 a.m.-3 p.m.: Public Gates Open1-3 p.m.: Indianapolis 500 Practice TICKETS: General Admission tickets are $25. The General Admission ticket will provide the opportunity to move between the IMS infield viewing mounds and first-come, first-served access to select grandstands to view racing action from different vantage points. Children 15 and under are admitted free with paying adult. PUBLIC GATES OPEN: Gate 2, Gate 4, Gate 6S, Gate 7, Gate 7S, Gate 10, Gate 10A PARKING: Free parking is available in N Lot. Free motorcycle parking in South Carousel Lot. Free ADA-accessible parking is available in West Museum Lot, Flag Lot and Tower Terrace Lot. CASHLESS OPERATIONS: Indianapolis Motor Speedway is a cashless facility. Please be prepared to complete your ticket, credentials, parking, concession and merchandise purchases with ease during your event via debit or credit card.Tap-to-pay phone payments will be accepted, as will credit and debit transactions. A Cash-to-Card machine, which converts paper money to a temporary debit card, will be in Pagoda Plaza. These funds can be spent inside the venue, outside the venue, online or anywhere in the world where Mastercard/Visa debit cards are accepted. MUSEUM: The IMS Museum from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. General Admission tickets are $25, seniors (55 and older) are $23 and military (former and active) are $18. Tickets can be purchased online at https://imsmuseum.org/tickets/. Gate admission must be purchased as well as Museum admission. |
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INDYCAR Officiating Announces Indianapolis 500 Post-Qualifying Technical Violations and Penalties
From IndyCar Officiating:
INDIANAPOLIS (Sunday, May 17, 2026) – INDYCAR Officiating has announced post-qualifying technical inspection penalties for the entries of No. 4 of A.J. Foyt Enterprises and No. 24 of Dreyer & Reinbold Racing.During post-qualifying inspection of car Nos. 4 and 24, INDYCAR Officiating discovered modifications to the Dallara-supplied Energy Management System (EMS) covers and cover-to-A-arm mounting points with unapproved hardware. According to the INDYCAR rulebook, EMS covers must be used as supplied. A.J. Foyt Enterprises and Dreyer & Reinbold Racing were in violation of :Rule 14.12.1.1. EMS must be used as supplied by Dallara and approved by INDYCAR .Rule 14.12.1.6. EMS covers may only be attached with the supplied hardware and Helicopter Tape. Both cars (Nos. 4 and 24) have had their qualifying results disallowed and have been re-ordered to the rear of the field in order of entrant points. Additionally, Car No. 4 had its three Indy 500 qualification points also disallowed. Subsequently, Car Nos. 9 and 76 will be awarded 10th and 11th place Indy 500 qualification points. Car No. 75 is ineligible for qualification points as it did not participate in Top 12 qualifying. Car Nos. 4 and 24 also will forfeit their pit positions and will select their pit boxes after the remainder of the field has an opportunity to adjust accordingly. Members may contest the imposition of the penalties detailed in the review and appeal procedures of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES rulebook. |
Palou is Inevitable
Pole position for Alex Palou seemed improbable, but inevitability beat improbability as Palou won the pole for next Sunday’s 100th running of the Indianapolis 500. Palou drew number 31 in the qualifying order, which may have resulted in a different outcome had qualifying gone off as scheduled on Saturday.
The 2025 winner ended the first round in 11th, then finished second in the Fast 12. Alexander Rossi went out first in nthe Fast Six and set down a time of 231.990 mph, which held until made his run. Palou finished with an average speed of 232.248 mph win his second Indianapolis pole in four years. Palou also started first in 2023.
Felix Rosenqvist, who dominated the first two qualifying rounds, had nothing for Palou. Rosenqvist will start fourth.
I will have the full lineup up in post late tonight.
Notes
Drivers battled sstrong winds all day on their runs.Tgere were several close calls, but no incidents.
Speeds were down from last year, as they have been all week.
It was another heavy attendance day today, with the crowd spread through the grounds.
Biggest surprises: Josef Newgarden in 24th; Takuma Sato in 13th.
I will have a more complete wrapup tomorrow. Thanks for following along this weekend.
Fast 12 Set
In ana efficieint, incident free first round of qualifying, positions 13-33 are locked in for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500.
Felix Rosenqvistr set a blistering lap to post the fastest four lap average in the first round.
Rows 5-11
Row 5: Sato, Carpenter, Castroneves
Row 6: Rasmussen, Armstrong, Ericsson
Row 7: Lundgaard, Power, Siegel
Row 8: Foster, Hunter-Reay, Newgarden
Row 9: Grosjean, Kirkwood, Legge
Row 10: Schumacher, Harvey, Rahal
Row 11: Hauger, Abel, Robb
The Fast 12:
Felix Rosenqvist 232.599 mph
David Malukas 231.813
Conor Daly 231.744
ScottMcLaughlin 231.623
Rinus VeeKay 231,591
Alexander Rossi 231.580
Caio Collet 231.413
Scott Dixon 231.411
Pato O’Ward 231.248
Santino Ferrucci 231.224
Alex Palou 231.195
Kyffin Simpson 231.085
Sting Ray Robb had the slowest time-226.572 mph.
The biggest surprises of 5he session were Caio Collet making the second round, Takuma Sato not advancing, and Josef Newgarden falling to 24th.
Thde Fast 12 begins at 4 pm Eastern. Palou wil,be the second car on track, and he willset the bar for the 10 remaining cars.
I will be back after qualifying is complete.
It’s Pole Day
Good morning from IMS:
Television schedule

Qualifying order

Much better weather conditions are in store for today’s postponed qualifying. The temperature should be just above 80 degrees by the time qualifying ends for the 33 entrants. The drivers who drew early numbers may have an advantage with the coolest track conditions.
fans lined up early waiting for the gates to open this morning to witness a packed day of qualifying. A fan on line last night pointed out that there will be 51 qualifying runs today.
The first practice group is about to take the track. track temperature is currently 74 degrees and the air temperature is72. The air will be about 10 degrees warmer when qualifying begins.
After the 12th qualifier completes their run, things will get interesting. Alex Palou is 31st in line, Alexander Rossi goes out 20th, Pato O’Ward is 18th in line, followed immediately by David Malukas. Takuma Sato is the 26th driver to make a run. Heat and track conditions could play a big role in the way the field lines up next Sunday.
I will be posting occasionally, and be back with a report of the qualifying results and to mset up the Fast 12 shootout.

INDIANAPOLIS (Sunday, May 17, 2026) – INDYCAR Officiating has announced post-qualifying technical inspection penalties for the entries of No. 4 of A.J. Foyt Enterprises and No. 24 of Dreyer & Reinbold Racing.