Tag: NTT Indycar Series

Pato Leads Day 3

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As has been the pattern all week, a driver set the fast time of the day early. Today it was Pato O’Ward’s turn to lead the field with a lap of 227.308 mph. O’Ward is the third different driver to lead at the end of a practice day.

“We got a race run in, we got some qualifying simulations in, and the car is in good balance,” O’Ward said. “Tomorrow when the boost comes up, it does change quite a bit. Yeah, so far it’s been very smooth.”

“Today, we noticed (reaching top speeds) over the course of two corners or like half a lap, but tomorrow you’ll go from the start of the exit of (Turn) 2 to the entry of (Turn) 3 almost like full beans, so it’s cool,” O’Ward said.

O’Ward and his number 5 Arrow team had struggled on Tuesday, but found what6 they needed today.

Tomorrow could be a different story for everyone when the extra boost will increase speeds by 5 or 6 mph.

I don’t want top jinx anything, but we have had 18 incident free hours of running. The only stoppages have been for track inspections and debris.

Conor Dly was 25th Thursday after leading Wednesday and having a spot in the top 10 Tuesday. Kyle Kirkwood was 14th, and Alex Palou, Tuesday’s leader, ended the day with the 25th fastest time.

Alexander Rossi turned the most circuits, 68.

Notes

Attendance has been very strong each of the first three days this week. I’m anticipating an even larger turnout tomorrow on Fast Friday.

David Maluykas took time to sign autographs for fans in Gasoline Alley after he finished a run.

If rain interferes with qualifying on Saturday, I’m interested in what the contingency plans are for Sunday. I hope @Indyca_Wxman can keep the rain away.

Results

Today’s session. combined results, and Practice 3 non-tow results:

Practice Day 3- Bits and Pieces

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Some scattered items as Practice Day 3 begins in about an hour.

I omitted the combined non tow chart from last night’s summary:

Merch

I checked the gift shop areas and came away generally unimpressed with the designs and high prices. The shirts are very thin. R=There were thre designs I liked, but the #45 ptice is excessive.

This one is my favorite

My Favorite Sign

It is great that the speedway sold out the grandstands a week earlier than they did last year. Sellouts used to be an annual, automatic event.I hope we are getting back to that situation.

Iffy Saturday?

Concerns about Saturday weather from @Indycar_Wxman:

/Weather delays are frustrating, and IMS is very persistent in drying the track and getting some running in. At worst qualifying would finish on Sunday, and the pole shootout may have to be altered. I would be fine if the first round of what is scheduled had to be scratched since the htree slowest cars don’t even get a laurel and hearty handshake.

Notes

Conor Daly on his fast run yesterday:

“Feeling great, but we weren’t even flat on that lap,” Daly said. “The car feels pretty good. It’s going really well. Honestly, it was very exciting out there, too. I saw more side-by-side racing out there on that run than I’ve seen in practice for a long time. It seemed good.”

Programs are still not available. I will try to find out why there is a delay. Some fans only attend for qualifying. It would be a shame if they couldn’t purchase a program during t5heir only track visit.

Photos

My friend Brad Proctor took some great photos yesterday. Here are a few.

Katherine Legge
Pato O’Ward
Someone asked Conor to pass the Grey Poupon.

Unless something earth shattering happens, I will be back at the end of the day with a wrap up.

Fast Friday Eve

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From IMS

INDIANAPOLIS (Wednesday, May 13, 2026) – Information about the 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge practice track activity Thursday, May 14 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.


SCHEDULE:10 a.m.-6 p.m.: Public gates openNoon-6 p.m.: Practice (all cars)

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 1, Gate 2, Gate 4, Gate 6S, Gate 7, Gate 7S, Gate 10, Gate 10A

.PARKING: Free public parking is available in IMS Infield Turn 3 and Lot 7 (North 40) accessible only via Gate 10 from 30th Street. Free ADA accessible parking is available in West Museum Lot, Flag Lot, Tower Lot and Northwest Gravel. Free motorcycle parking is also available in the South Carousel Lot via Gate 2.

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 is open 10 a.m-5 p.m. General Admission tickets are $25 for adults, Seniors (55 or older) are $23 and Military are $18. Tickets can be purchase online at imsmuseum.org.

Greetings from a Chilly IMS

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Si just arrived at IMS where Day 2 of practice is underway. Conditions are much cooler than yesterday, with a temperature of 64 defrees. The sky is mostly cloudy.

Conor Daly leads with a 228.080 mph la2:27 pm:

p, followed by Savid Malukas at 227.139 mph. Alwx Palou is third with a bes lap of 226.968 mph. Palou set his lap in the first hour.

Another strong crowd is on hand to watch the action.

There have been two debris cautions so far.

The top 7 as of 2:27 pm:

I’m going to roam the grounds for awhile. I’ll be back after practice.

Grandstand Sellout Sets Stage for Epic Indianapolis 500 Race Day

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From IMS:

 Announcement Arrives Earlier than 2025, Local Delay Lifted for FOX Indy 500 Broadcast

INDIANAPOLIS (Wednesday, May 13, 2026) – As the stars of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES take center stage for the upcoming 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge, a massive and historic crowd will greet them with a thunderous roar as they take the green flag. All reserved seating for Race Day will be sold out for the second consecutive year, showcasing the continued and growing momentum fueling the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”

The final reserved seat tickets will be sold today. In addition, reserved seat tickets will continue to be available on the IMS Official Resale Marketplace through Wednesday, May 20 at 4 p.m. ET.
Last year’s grandstand sellout crowd was the first since the legendary 100th edition of the race in 2016. That announcement was made May 20, 2025.All badges and passes providing pit and garage access also are sold out.

Limited hospitality tickets are available for Indy 500 Race Day. Available space remains in the Green Flag Club and Performance Center.

In tandem with this historic update, event organizers also have lifted the local broadcast delay of the race. Expanded coverage of the Indy 500 on FOX starts on Sunday, May 24 at 10 a.m. ET across the country, with the green flag set for approximately 12:45 p.m. ET.

“Anticipation for Race Day is approaching an all-time high right here in Central Indiana and across the globe,” INDYCAR and Indianapolis Motor Speedway President J. Douglas Boles said.
“We can’t thank the world’s greatest and most loyal fans enough. The stars of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES are ready for an unparalleled showcase of speed, bravery and competition in front of a historic and massive crowd.”

IMS is the world’s largest spectator sporting facility, and the Indy 500 is annually the largest spectator sporting event on the planet, hosting a crowd of approximately 350,000 people. The massive grandstands around the 116-year-old 2.5-mile oval will be completely filled on Indy 500 Race Day.

While general admission tickets are still available in the IMS infield, fans hoping to attend Indy 500 Race Day are encouraged to purchase their tickets now by visiting IMS.com.

Tickets for PPG Armed Forces Qualifying Weekend, Miller Lite Carb Day and other practice days are still available for purchase.

Coors Light Snake Pit wristbands remain available to pair with a General Admission ticket for entry to EDM’s most unique annual event.

Fans can visit IMS.com and check IMS social media feeds for updates on all ticketing-related information. Remaining Race Weekend experiences are selling fast, and everyone is encouraged to purchase remaining inventory as soon as possible

Wednesday at IMS

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From IMS

 
INDIANAPOLIS (Tuesday, May 12, 2026) – Information about the 110th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge practice track activity Wednesday, May 13 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

SCHEDULE: (All times local):10 a.m.-6 p.m.: Public gates openNoon-6 p.m.: Practice (all cars)

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 1, Gate 2, Gate 4, Gate 6S, Gate 7, Gate 7S, Gate 10 and Gate 10A.

PARKING: Free public parking is available in IMS Infield Turn 3 and Lot 7 (North 40) accessible only via Gate 10 from 30th Street. Free ADA accessible parking is available in West Museum Lot, Flag Lot, Tower Lot and Northwest Gravel. Free motorcycle parking is also available in the South Carousel Lot via Gate 2.

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 onto 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 is open 10 a.m-5 p.m. General Admission tickets are $25 for adults, Seniors (55 or older) are $23 and Military are $18. Tickets can be purchase online at imsmuseum.org.

Day 1 Complete; Palou Fastest, but Armstrong Close

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Alex Palou turned the fast lap of the at 225.937 to just beat out Marcus Armstrong for top lap of the day. Armstrong laid down a 225.895circuit early in the afternoon as practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 began.

On a sunny warm afternoon the 33 drivers turn a combined 1,996 laps.

“Yeah, it’s good; it’s good now,” Palou said. “We had a couple of issues, but we fixed them. It wasn’t a mechanical issue or anything. It was just balance, not being super happy with it. We found something that explained what I was feeling, and it was good to go back out today before we go to sleep so we can be a bit happier.”

“You always want to do a lot more,” Palou said. “We didn’t do a many laps today, but still we understood a lot of stuff. Feeling much better than (earlier this afternoon).”

Palou was 31st on the chart in the middle of the afternoon when the car went back to the garage. The defending 500 champion returned and took over his accustomed spot on the pylon.

Conor Daly was third fastest. His best lap was 225.839.

Kyle Kirkwood led the non-tow speed chart with a lap of 222.062 mph. Palou was 16th without a tow.

Results

Speed chart and non-tow charts

From earlier

Just Don’t Say Bumping

Just Don’t Say Bumping

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Ther new qualifying format:

I knew there would be a change to Sunday’s Pole Day format. I’m not sure that this is the best way to go, There will be no bumping as inly 33 cars are entered for the 110th running, which left a couple of hours of programming to fill on Day 2.

The pole eligible field on Sunday has grown from 6 to 9 to 12. I think it should be capped at 9. 15 is reaching new NCAA basketball tournament levels.

Some of the consequence of the new format:

Cars that finish Saturday in 13th, 14th, 15th need to use an extra set of tires. Assuming a car from this group makes to the final six, that team and driver will make three qualifying runs on Sunday, four for the weekend. That is assuming the driver did just one run on the first day and did not try again.

I am also by the fact that the three cars knocked out in the first round get nothing-no points, no extra money- just a “thanks for playing” from the series and IMS. These three cars should at least get a point for having to run an extra day.

Suggestions

If IMS needs to fill a time slot. perhaps an IndyNXT race would be a nice way to pass the time.

A vintage Indycar parade would also make for an enjoyable 30 minutes between sessions.

As many of you know, I have never been a fan of the new qualifying format, for reasons I will discuss on Friday. We need to get through this year with the rles as they ae set.

I ask just one thing of the track and PA announcers. Please don NOT use the term “Bumping” this coming weekend.

IndyCar Revises Full Course Yello0w Protocols

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Editor’s Note: The following announcement from IndyCar details a long overdue change as to when a full course yellow is thrown. I applaud this change, and I am anxious to see how it affects the races.

INDYCAR Officiating

INDYCAR, INDYCAR Officiating Announce Operating, Process Update Following IMS Road Course Race Review

I

INDYCAR and INDYCAR Officiating have announced an operating practice and process update following a review of the on-track incident involving car No. 20 during the Saturday, May 9 race on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course.

On Lap 21, car No. 20 lost power and stopped on the front straightaway on drivers’ right of the track – off the racing line. Course marshals followed standard flagging protocol and deployed a standing yellow condition at Marshal Panel 14, with a corresponding waving yellow condition at Marshal Panel S/F (start-finish) to alert competitors to the stationary car. The escalation to a full course yellow (FCY) was made on Lap 22 as the driver began to exit the race car.

Following race control practice, the assessment of whether and when to escalate a local yellow to a FCY included the weighing of the following standard factors: driver egress, vehicle position, recovery vehicle access, safety team locations, laps remaining and the timing of approaching traffic to the incident. Additional factors on timing of a FCY also included pit windows and the running order of cars on track.

Effective immediately, INDYCAR Officiating will no longer take into consideration pit windows and the running order of cars on track before deploying a FCY. While there is no change to local yellow procedures, initiation of a FCY will be based primarily on: driver status, vehicle position and condition, the location and readiness of safety personnel, recovery access, and the speed differential between affected cars and approaching traffic.

“The Lap 21 incident on Saturday made clear that there needs to be a cleaner standard for how race control moves from a local to a full course yellow,” INDYCAR Officiating’s Independent Officiating Board chair Raj Nair said. “INDYCAR Officiating, with INDYCAR’s full support, has made this change of approach to ensure that the only inputs to the full course yellow escalation are safety ones. Streamlining the assessment will also save time as competitive considerations are no longer a factor.”

Added INDYCAR President J. Douglas Boles: “The most important job in race control is to ensure the safety of our drivers, crews, safety workers and fans. Saturday highlighted that we must not waver from that central mission, and aligning everyone on that philosophy was critical to discuss over the last 48 hours. The Independent Officiating Board, the new managing director of officiating, race director and INDYCAR are all in agreement and the metrics used to determine when to initiate a full course yellow will now ensure that when there is any risk to driver safety that race control will initiate a full course yellow.”

The race result from Saturday’s race on the IMS road course stands as posted. The updated flag escalation standard has been communicated to teams and drivers.

The next NTT INDYCAR SERIES race is the 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge Sunday, May 24. Coverage begins at 10 a.m. ET on FOX, FOX Deportes and FOX One. Audio coverage is available via INDYCAR Radio powered by OnlyBulls on SiriusXM channel 218 and the INDYCAR App powered by NTT DATA.