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The countdown is over for the 2026 Indy 500, and racing fans across the world are asking the same questions: when does the Indy 500 start, what time does the Indianapolis 500 start today, what channel is the Indy 500 on, and where to watch Indy 500 live coverage.
The 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500 is officially underway at the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway, with massive crowds, weather concerns, and championship drama surrounding one of the biggest races in motorsports history.
Fans searching for the 2026 Indy 500 start time, Indy 500 TV schedule, Indy 500 lineup, and how to watch Indy 500 can find everything they need right here.
When Does the Indy 500 Start Today?
The official green flag for the 2026 Indianapolis 500 is scheduled for 12:45 p.m. EDT on Sunday, May 24, 2026.
FOX59 began live pre-race coverage at 5 a.m. EDT before switching to national FOX Sports coverage leading up to race time. The Indianapolis 500 start time today remains one of the most searched sports topics in America as fans prepare for another historic day at IMS.
Anyone asking “what time does Indy 500 start,” “what time is the Indy 500 today,” or “what time does the Indianapolis 500 start” should mark 12:45 p.m. EDT as the official race start. Rain delays remain possible because scattered showers are expected in Indiana during the afternoon.
What Channel Is the Indy 500 On?
The 2026 Indy 500 will air live on FOX affiliates nationwide, including FOX59 in Indianapolis.
For viewers wondering “what channel is the Indy 500 on,” the answer is FOX. Local Indianapolis viewers are especially excited because officials lifted the local blackout after reserved seating sold out at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
That means local fans can finally watch the Indy500 live in real time from home if they are unable to attend the race in person.
Where to Watch Indy 500 Live
Fans asking where to watch Indy 500 or how to watch Indy 500 have several options:
- FOX broadcast television
- FOX Sports app
- Live TV streaming services carrying FOX
- FOX59 local coverage in Indianapolis
- Evening replay coverage at 7 p.m. on FOX59
The Indy 500 TV schedule includes hours of pre-race coverage, driver interviews, pit lane reporting, and ceremonial traditions before engines fire at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Alex Palou Headlines the 2026 Indy 500
One of the biggest stories entering this year’s Indianapolis 500 is Álex Palou.
Palou has dominated the 2026 IndyCar Series season and enters the Indy 500 as one of the top favorites. Fans searching simply for “Palou” ahead of the race are eager to see whether the Spanish superstar can finally capture victory in “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”
Palou’s consistency, strategy, and speed throughout the IndyCar season have made him one of the most dangerous drivers on the grid. A win at the Indianapolis 500 would further cement his status among modern IndyCar legends.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway Ready for Massive Crowd
Indianapolis Motor Speedway once again becomes the center of the motorsports world for the 110th Indianapolis 500.
The historic oval, often called IMS, remains one of the most iconic racing venues ever built. More than 300,000 spectators are expected around the massive facility, making it one of the largest single-day sporting events on Earth.
The atmosphere at the track includes:
- Packed grandstands
- Massive infield crowds
- Traditional driver introductions
- Military flyovers
- “Back Home Again in Indiana”
- The famous winner’s milk celebration
Every year, the Indianapolis 500 delivers unforgettable moments, emotional finishes, and dramatic crashes that define motorsports history.
Rain Could Impact the Indy 500 Start Time
Weather is a major concern entering race day.
Forecast models show scattered showers moving into western Indiana between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. EDT. Officials hope precipitation clears by mid-afternoon, but delays remain possible.
Fans checking “when does the Indy 500 start today” should continue monitoring updates throughout the day because changing weather conditions at Indianapolis Motor Speedway could alter the race schedule.
Rain strategy could also become a critical factor for teams and drivers.
Indy 500 Lineup and Starting Grid
The 2026 Indy 500 lineup features some of the biggest names in racing, including:
- Álex Palou
- Josef Newgarden
- Pato O’Ward
- Scott Dixon
- Will Power
- Colton Herta
The Indy 500 lineup combines former champions, rising stars, and international racing talent all competing for immortality at the Brickyard.
Qualifying drama earlier in the month helped shape a highly competitive starting grid, with teams pushing speeds above 230 mph around the famous oval.
Why the Indy 500 Is Still One of the Biggest Sporting Events in the World
The Indianapolis 500 is more than just a race. It remains one of the most prestigious events in global motorsports alongside:
- Monaco Grand Prix
- 24 Hours of Le Mans
- Daytona 500
For more than a century, the Indy500 has delivered legendary performances, heartbreaking finishes, and unforgettable moments.
The combination of speed, danger, history, and tradition continues to attract millions of viewers every year.
Final Indy 500 Start Time Reminder
For anyone still searching:
- When does the Indy 500 start?
- What time does Indy 500 start?
- What time does the Indianapolis 500 start today?
- What time is the Indy 500 today?
The official 2026 Indianapolis 500 start time is 12:45 p.m. EDT on FOX.
With Álex Palou chasing glory, weather threatening delays, and hundreds of thousands of fans packed into Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the stage is set for another unforgettable chapter in IndyCar history.