The 2026 open-wheel racing season is reaching its absolute peak as drivers head to the track for the 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500. Widely known as “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” this year’s event is seeing an unprecedented surge in popularity, driven in part by massive crossover interest from Formula 1 and global motorsport fans. We have the 2026 Indy 500 Schedule for you here.
Defending champion and reigning open-wheel powerhouse Alex Palou is back to defend his crown. In a thrilling final qualifying session last weekend, Palou secured the pole position with a staggering four-lap average speed of 232.248 mph, positioning himself perfectly to lead the field down to the green flag.
Below is the live-updated 2026 Indy 500 schedule, confirmed broadcast channels, post-qualifying front-row highlights, and the link to download our printer-friendly PDF tracking sheet.
🏁 2026 Indy 500 Race Day Info:
- Matchup: The 110th Indianapolis 500 Field
- Date: Sunday, May 24, 2026
- Pre-Race Coverage: 10:00 AM ET / 7:00 AM PT
- Green Flag Time: 12:30 PM ET / 9:30 AM PT
- Location: Indianapolis Motor Speedway (Speedway, IN)
- TV Network: FOX
- Live Stream: FOX Sports App / FOX One
- Official Tickets: Available online at ims.com
Also See: 2026 Monaco Grand Prix Schedule | 2026 NASCAR Coca-Cola 600 Hub
How to Watch the 110th Indy 500: New TV & Streaming Guide
There is a big change for race fans to keep in mind this year: The Indianapolis 500 has officially moved to FOX. FOX is pulling out all the stops for its debut broadcast, delivering an expansive coverage window on Sunday morning. If you are watching from home, here is how to map out your race day viewing:
- The Pre-Race Show (10:00 AM ET): Tune in early on FOX for exclusive pit lane interviews, full engine tuning sessions, and the legendary pre-race pageantry.
- The Main Event (12:30 PM ET): Main race coverage and the official drop of the green flag will air live nationally on FOX.
- Streaming Exclusives: Cord-cutters can stream the entire broadcast live via the FOX Sports App, FOX One, or through live TV streaming providers carrying local FOX affiliates (Fubo, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV).
Confirmed 2026 Indy 500 Front Row Lineup
Following last Sunday’s Fast Six qualifying shootout, the front row is locked in for the 110th running.
| Starting Position | Driver | Team | Engine | 4-Lap Qualifying Avg |
| 1 (Pole) | Álex Palou | Chip Ganassi Racing | Honda | 232.248 mph |
| 2 | Alexander Rossi | Ed Carpenter Racing | Chevrolet | 231.990 mph |
| 3 | David Malukas | Team Penske | Chevrolet | 231.877 mph |
Memorial Day Weekend: The Ultimate Racing Triple Header
For race purists, Sunday, May 24th represents the single greatest 24 hours in motorsports. The Indy 500 serves as the anchor leg of a massive holiday weekend racing matrix:
- Morning: The F1 Monaco Grand Prix opens the day with tight, tactical street racing.
- Afternoon: The 110th Indy 500 takes over with blistering, high-speed open-wheel oval action on FOX.
- Evening: Hard on the heels of the Indy checkered flag is more fast-paced stock car action at the NASCAR 2026 Coca-Cola 600, also airing live on FOX.
📊 DID YOU KNOW? Indy 500 Trivia & Fun Facts
- The Ultimate Marathon: The longest Indy 500 in history took place in 2004 when persistent rain delays halted the action three times. The network stayed on the air for the entire duration, clocking a record-breaking 8-hour, 22-minute broadcast window.
- Why it’s called the “Brickyard”: The nickname stems from 1909, when 3.2 million street-paving bricks were laid to secure the track surface. Today, an iconic, single yard of that historic brickwork remains completely exposed at the start-finish line. Drivers still kiss the bricks after a victory.
- A Massive Footprint: The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is the largest spectator sporting facility on earth, boasting over 250,000 permanent seats. To put its size into perspective, the Roman Colosseum, Yankee Stadium, the White House, Vatican City, the Taj Mahal, the Rose Bowl, and Churchill Downs can all fit inside the 253-acre infield oval at the same time.
- The Closest Margin: The ultimate nail-biter finish happened in 1992 when Al Unser Jr. managed to edge out Scott Goodyear by a mere .043 of a second.
- Age Limits: The youngest driver to ever win the Indy 500 was Troy Ruttman, who was just 22 years old during his 1952 victory. Conversely, the oldest driver to hoist the trophy was Al Unser Sr., who won at 47 years old in 1987.
🙋 2026 Indianapolis 500 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What date is the 2026 Indy 500? The 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500 is scheduled for Sunday, May 24, 2026. The race anchors the legendary Memorial Day weekend triple-header in motorsports.
What time does the 2026 Indy 500 start? Official pre-race coverage begins at 10:00 AM ET (7:00 AM PT). The green flag is officially scheduled to drop at approximately 12:30 PM ET (9:30 AM PT).
What TV channel is the Indy 500 on this year? For the 2026 season, the Indianapolis 500 has moved exclusively to FOX. This marks a major broadcast shift from previous years, and the entire race window will be televised live nationally on your local FOX network.
How can I stream the 2026 Indy 500 without cable? Cord-cutters can stream the live FOX broadcast using the FOX Sports App or the FOX One platform with verified TV provider credentials. Additionally, you can stream the race live through subscription services that carry local FOX affiliates, including YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, FuboTV, and DirecTV Stream.
Who won the pole position for the 2026 Indy 500? Defending race champion Álex Palou of Chip Ganassi Racing captured the pole position during last Sunday’s Fast Six qualifying shootout. Palou blazed through his four-lap qualifying run with a blistering average speed of 232.248 mph.
Who is starting on the front row of the 2026 Indy 500 field? The three-wide front row features Álex Palou (Chip Ganassi Racing) in the pole position, Alexander Rossi (Ed Carpenter Racing) starting second in the middle, and David Malukas (Team Penske) starting third on the outside.
How many laps is the Indianapolis 500? The race is exactly 200 laps around the 2.5-mile rectangular oval at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, totaling 500 miles.
Why do drivers kiss the bricks at the Indy 500? The tradition pays homage to the track’s original 1909 surface, which was paved with 3.2 million street bricks. While the track has since been asphalted over, a symbolic one-yard strip of the original brickwork remains exposed at the start-finish line. Championship teams and drivers kiss the strip post-race to honor the track’s historic heritage.
Where can I buy official tickets for the 110th Indy 500? If you are planning to attend the race in person, gate admissions and grandstand tickets are available directly online through the track’s official portal at ims.com.
