Starting Lineup. Pit Assignments
Race Day 109
Good morning from IMS. I love the 5 am hour inside the Speedway- the stillness, the pent up energy waiting to burst forth at 6 am when the gates open, the silent front stretch where things will be very hectic in the next couple of hours, and most of all the ghosts of drivers past.
The latest from @Indycar_Wxman:
My weather app calls for the best chance of rain between 9 and 10 am. The rest of the day should be fine.
The 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 has many compelling storylines. How will Robert Shwartzman, the rookie polesitter, handle the start? Will we see a repeat winner? A fifth win for Helio Castroneves or three in a row for Josef Newgarden? I think the best chances for a repeat winner lie with either Takuma Sato or Scott Dixon.
Can Alex Palou continue his IndyCar victory juggernaut? Palou is still seeking his first win on oval, but I don’t think today is the day he gets it.
Will the hybrid be a factor? Will it be the difference in a last lap duel?
Five drivers-Scott McLaughlin, Colton Herta, Takuma Sato, Marcus Armstrong, and Ryan Hunter-Reay- are driving either rebuilt or back up cars. Hunter-Reay changed chassis after Friday’s fire during Carb Day.
Today’s race will come down to pit strategy and being in position to win on the final stint.
In the end, I’m sticking with my pick of Pato O’Ward. Let’s have a good, clean, safe race.
Here are some pics from this morning on pit lane.
First Look- Indianapolis 500 Race Day Schedule
Sunday, May 25
9 am: Cars To Pit Lane
10:30 am: Cars To Grid
10:40 am: Past Winners Lap
11:47 am: Driver Intros
12:06 pm: Military March
12:11 pm: America the Beautiful
12:13 pm: Military Address
12:18 pm: Invocation
12:19 pm: Rifle Volley
12:20 pm: Taps
12:21 pm: God Bless America
12:24 pm: National Anthem
12:26 pm Flyover
12:29 pm: Drivers To Cars
12:36 pm: Back Home Again in Indiana
12:38 pm: Command
12:45 pm: Green Flag
Legends Day
INDIANAPOLIS (Friday, May 23, 2025) – Information about 109th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge Legends Day Presented by Firestone track activity Saturday, May 24 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway: SCHEDULE (All times local): 8 a.m.-3 p.m.: Public Gates Open 9-10 a.m.: 2025 Indianapolis 500 Drivers’ Autograph Session, Pagoda Plaza 10:30 a.m.: Public Drivers’ Meeting, Pit Lane in front of Tower Terrace Noon-1 p.m.: Former Indianapolis 500 Drivers’ Autograph Session, North Chalet 1:30-2:30 p.m.: Former Indianapolis 500 Drivers’ Autograph Second Session, North Chalet TICKETS: General Admission tickets are $20. Children 15 and under are admitted free with a paying adult. The General Admission ticket will provide the opportunity to move between the IMS infield viewing mounds and first-come, first-served access to selected grandstands to view the Public Drivers’ Meeting. PUBLIC GATES OPEN (8 a.m.-3 p.m.): Gate 2, Gate 4, Gate 6S, Gate 7V, Gate 7S, Gate 10, Gate 10A PARKING: Free parking is available at 5th & Hulman and N Lot. Paid daily parking is available in Lot 2. Pre-Paid parking is available in Lot 1B, Lot 2, Lot 3P, and Main Gate. Free ADA accessible parking is available in West Museum Lot and Tower Terrace. Paid daily ADA accessible parking is available in Lot 2. Pre-Paid ADA parking is available in Lot 2 and Lot 3P. CASHLESS OPERATIONS: The 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. Cash-to-Card machines, which convert paper money onto a temporary debit card, will be located in the IMS Museum, Pagoda Plaza and outside Turn 1 by concessions stand 7. 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 is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Advance ticket purchases are sold out. Limited tickets are available for walk-in purchases at the Museum, but there may be a wait. Gate admission must be purchased as well as Museum admission |
Carb Day With a Serving of Hot Dogs
Josef Newgarden led a disjointed Carb Day practice which had three caution periods and saw eight different teams in the top 10. Newgarden’s best lap of 225.687 mph, just edging Takuma Sato by two tenths of a mile per hour. Pole sitter Robert Shwartzman was 29th and Pato O’Ward was eighth quick.
Yellow first flew when Graham Rahal suffered an oil fire. The second yellow was for Ryan Hunter-Reay when a fire occurred inside the cockpit. Satom brought out the final yellow with about 30 minutes left when he slowed on the backstretch and pulled into the grass in the north short chute.
From earlier:
Watching all 33 cars on track today I got the feeling that this field is one of the best looking grids I have seen for the 500. The parade lap is going to look great.
Another large crowd descended on IMS today to watch the final practice before Sunday’s race and to take in the other activities of the day, including the just concluded Weenie 500. For thse keeping score number three passed number 1 just before the finish line for the closest win in Weenie 500 history.
Practice Results
109th Indianapolis 500 Preview
It’s time to put the ugliness of the past week behind us and have a fun weekend of racing. We need a very good race and a popular winner. We need a race with no officiating controversies, and a few caution periods to keep things interesting.
What should have been one of the best qualifying stories ever at IMS was buried in an avalanche of controversy and scandal involving Team Penske’s rules violation and its aftermath. It’s time to give Robert Shwartzman his due,
Shwartzman had never driven on an oval before coming to the Speedway. His car had been sluggish early in the week, but it came alive on Fast Friday. He won the pole for the 500 on Sunday, and he was the center of attention that night and early the next day until the Penske story took a darker turn. I think Shwartzman will struggle in the dirty air of the race. I’m not sure he will even lead a lap. I just hope he doesn’t fade quickly at the start.
Elements are in place to make this a very good race. The weather forecast calls for temperatures in the 60s, which means there will be lots of grip. There are strong cars and drivers scattered throughout the field who will move forward, Starting with row 6, Kyle Kirkwood, Colton Herta, Marcus Armstrong, Josef Newgarden, and Will Power will charge forward.
In the front half of the field, Takuma Sato and Pato O’Ward will battle for the early lead with Alex Palou waiting for his opportunity to strike. Conor Daly, Christian Lundgaard, and Alexander Rossi could be factors as well. This race is wide open.
At the end of the race, one driver has been so close to winning the last three years will finally break through. he knows how to be there at the end, and I think this year he will finally get the timing correct and take the checkered flag. Pato O’Ward will win the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500.
Carb Day
From IMS:
| Friday, May 23 |
| INDIANAPOLIS (Thursday, May 22, 2025) – Information about 109th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge Miller Lite Carb Day track activity Friday, May 23 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway: SCHEDULE (All times local): 8 a.m.-6 p.m.: Public Gates Open 11 a.m.-1 p.m.: NTT INDYCAR SERIES Final Practice 2 p.m.: Wienie 500 and Concert Gates Open 2:30-4 p.m.: Oscar Mayer $150,000 Pit Stop Challenge4-6 p.m.: Miller Lite Carb Day Concert (Bret Michaels and The All-American Rejects) TICKETS:General Admission tickets are $50. Children 15 and under are admitted free with a paying adult. The General Admission ticket will provide the opportunity to move between the IMS infield viewing mounds and first-come, first-served access to selected grandstands to view racing action from different vantage points .PUBLIC GATES OPEN (8 a.m.-6 p.m.): Gate 1, Gate 2, Gate 3, Gate 4, Gate 6S, Gate 6N, Gate 6B, Gate 7 Vehicle, Gate 7S, Gate 9, Gate 10, Gate 10A, Gate 11A, Gate 12. PARKING:Free Parking Limited free parking for Miller Lite Carb Day is located in Lot 7 (North 40) and Lot 7 (North 40) for ADA. Enter through Gate 10 from 30th Street. Free parking spaces fill quickly on Miller Lite Carb Day. Paid Parking – First-Come, First-Served Basis Paid parking will be available at Lot 1B, Lot 2, Lot 3P, Lot 3G and Main Gate for $30. Parking in Lot 6A is $85. Gate 1 Lot parking, located next to Gate 1 off Crawfordsville Road, is available for $100 and $125 for tailgating. Paid ADA parking is $30 in Lot 3P and Lot 2 and $100 in Gate 1 Lot. Paid motorcycle parking in the South Carousel Lot is pre-paid only, available at the IMS Ticket Office for $30. CASHLESS OPERATIONS: The 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. Cash-to-Card machines, which convert paper money onto a temporary debit card, will be located in the IMS Museum, Pagoda Plaza and outside Turn 1 by concessions stand 7. 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 is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. General admission tickets are $25, seniors (55 and over) 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. |
The Penske File- Some Thoughts
For want of a nail… And to think IndyCar got into this mess because someone didn’t like the look of the attenuator.
To recap- The Team Penske cars of Josef Newgarden and Will Power were excluding from qualifying Sunday because they failed technical inspection. On Monday the two cars were moved to the rear of the field, crew chiefs were suspended, and each car assessed a $100,000 fine.
Roger Penske took appropriate action yesterday in firing Tim Cindric, Rob Ruzewski, and Kyle Moyer. After two scandals in 14 months, and a growing sense of favoritism toward Team Penske cars in the paddock, there was little else he could do. The team has divested itself of nearly 50 years of experience.
Time will tell if Penske’s actions today are sufficient or too little, too late. The series needs to accelerate plans for the new car and engine formula, and an independent body to operate the races. Positive momentum needs to get reestablished, and a good race on Sunday would be a start.
For me, the optics of the situation exacerbated what I thought to be sketchy rulings at times favoring the Penske cars. At the same while I agree with the penalties assessed, I’m wondering if the series was bending too far to look as if no favoritism was shown. Again, it’s all about optics.
Doug Boles said today that inspections focus on per4formance features and not safety features. While I understand that priority, shouldn’t safety components get a look once in a while too? What if a part is mounted incorrectly? What if a part is damaged or worn? We do not want safety compromised.
Marshall Pruett of RACER is reporting tonight that an independent group to govern the race events- technical inspections and on track activities- is n the process of being formed. The target date was set for 2027, but as Pruett suggested, next year would be a much better starting point.
Why, wondered this humble blogger, was this not done the day after Penske bought the series? I actually had this thought while I attended the press conference announcing Penske’s purchase of IMS, the IndyCar series, and IMS Productions. Conflict of interest was my first thought, and how to avoid it was my second one.
The IndyCar series is entering what should be its greatest Indianapolis 500 weekend in years. The grandstands are sold out, and the momentum surrounding this year’s race is the strongest since 2016.
Sunday’s green flag cannot come soon enough.
Grandstand Sellout Crowd for Indy 500 Encouraged To Arrive Early, ‘Plan Ahead’ with IMS.com
Editor’s Note: In a just concluded media availability Doug Boles emphasized arriving between 6 am and 9 am for easiest entry, and patience throughout the day.
Boles was adamant about not bringing and flying drones, warning of a visit by a federal officer if caught.
I have added bold face to some key points in this story from IMS.
| Public Gates Open at 6 a.m. ET on Race Day, Sunday, May 25 INDIANAPOLIS (Wednesday, May 21, 2025) – With the massive grandstand sellout crowd announced for the 109th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on Sunday, May 25 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: Fan Midway Experience Open at 6 a.m. This year’s 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 Food Exclusive and commemorative 109th 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, the “G.O.A.T.” drive of Tom Brady and Jimmie Johnson in the Fastest Seat in Sports, “God Bless America” performed by acclaimed opera singer Arturo Chacón-Cruz 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 Operations IMS 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. Cash-to-Card machines, which convert paper money onto a temporary debit card, will be located in Pagoda Plaza and outside Turn 1 by concessions stand 7. 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 Stations IMS 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 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. Bike to the 500 and Bike Parking IMS and Bike Indianapolis 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 Location Race 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 or at Gate Ten Events and Parking, located across the street from Lucas Oil Stadium. Guests who already purchased shuttle passes will be dropped off and picked up from the Main Gate parking lot on Race Day. Pedestrian Gate Entry Public pedestrian gates open are: Gate 1, Gate 1B.1, Gate 1C, Gate 2, Gate 3, Gate 4, Gate 5N, 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 Parking Race 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 Closures Race fans should be aware of multiple road closures before making their way to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway 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 is 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 Information Drivers 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. Public Gates Open at 6 a.m. ET on Race Day, Sunday, May 25 |
The Pit Window by Mike Silver 