INDIANAPOLIS MOTOR SPEEDWAY

Speedway, Indiana

“Racing Capital Of TheWorld”

Final Report in a series of three reports

The Indianapolis 500 is the most prestigious auto racing event in world, hosting the first 500-mile race in 1911. No racing during World Wars I or II, this is the 104th running of this historic event on Sunday, August 23rd. The Indianapolis 500 is the largest single day sporting event in the world.  Many things have changed since last May, especially when the world has found itself in the midst of “COVID-19,” the ugly unprecedented pandemic.

Firsts at Indy this year: First year the race will be run outside of the month of May. First time the race will be run without spectators in the stands. 350,000+ potential spectators will have to watch on television, as only essential personnel will be present. First time the grandson of a previous ‘500’ winner (Mario Andretti in 1969) will pace the field from the pole position. Congratulations to Marco Andretti.

Eleven rows of 3 cars each are ready to start the race on Sunday. Eight former Indy winners are in the field. They are: Helio Castroneves (2001, 2002, & 2009), starting 28th in Car #3. Scott Dixon (2008), starting 2nd in Car #9. Tony Kanaan (2013) starts in 23rd in Car #14. Ryan Hunter-Reay (2014) in the 5th position. Alexander Rossi (2016) starts 9th. Takuma Sato (2017) in 3rd, outside of the front row. Will Power (2018) starts 22nd,and defending winner Simon Pagenaud starts from the 25th position. Five Indy 500 rookies are in the field, probably with many butterflies and reservations all previously have experienced. Techincally, four of them are true NTT INDYCAR SERIES rookies (Alex Palou, Oliver Askew, Dalton Kellett, and Rinus VeeKay), but Pato O'Ward is considered an Indy 500 Rookie, as he did not qualify in last year's event. For the first time since 1999, there are unfortunately no women are in the starting field. 

Honda engine powered machines were the fastest in qualifying, but don’t overlook the Chevrolet cars. They are fast, reliable and will probably make early moves as they slice and dice their way to the lead pack. Two-time world champion Fernando Alonso will start his second Indy 500 from the 26th position. In his rookie year in 2017, he led a number of laps, but his car suffered mechanical issues and completed only 179 laps. 

This race should be interesting and entertaining. TV coverage provided by NBC is your alternative to attending. On Sunday, August 23rd at 1 p.m Eastern on NBC, Indy 500 coverage will begin. Check with your NBC affiliate to make sure you don’t miss any of the coverage.

Our best wishes to all involved for a safe and entertaining race. This is the event none of us will ever forget.