The Indy 500 is revving up for its 109th running on May 25, 2025, and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is buzzing with anticipation. Just hours ago, the final practice session on Carb Day set the stage for a thrilling race, with Josef Newgarden posting the fastest lap at 227.685 mph, despite starting from the back due to a Team Penske scandal. This iconic event, known as the Greatest Spectacle in Racing, is delivering drama, speed, and surprises, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. From a rookie pole-sitter to quirky traditions, here’s everything you need to know about this year’s Indy 500, packed with the latest updates to fuel your excitement.
Indy 500 Qualifying Shocks and Surprises
The qualifying rounds for the Indy 500 were nothing short of historic. Rookie Robert Shwartzman stunned the motorsport world by clinching the pole position, the first debutant to do so since 1983. His four-lap average speed of 233.447 mph secured him the top spot, joined on the front row by veteran Takuma Sato and Arrow McLaren’s Pato O’Ward, the first Mexican-born driver to start in this coveted position. However, controversy erupted when Team Penske’s Josef Newgarden and Will Power were penalized for modified rear attenuators, relegating them to 32nd and 33rd on the grid. Scott McLaughlin, also from Penske, avoided penalties but expressed frustration over the fallout, which cost three team leaders their jobs. Kyle Larson, attempting the Indy 500-NASCAR double for the second year, will start 19th, hoping to complete both races despite a looming rain threat.
Indy 500 Traditions and Quirky Moments
The Indy 500 isn’t just about speed—it’s steeped in tradition and charm. Pato O’Ward, chasing his first victory after two runner-up finishes, embraced the quirky superstition of milking a cow on Carb Day, hoping to shed his bad luck. The event, a nod to the race’s milk-drinking victory tradition, saw O’Ward join pole-sitter Shwartzman in this lighthearted ritual. Meanwhile, the Oscar Mayer Wienermobiles took to the track in a playful “Wienie 500,” showcasing six hot-dog-shaped vehicles representing regional U.S. styles. This spectacle, part of a DraftKings partnership with a $10,000 prize pool, added a fun twist to the weekend. Off the track, Grammy-nominated singer Natalie Grant is set to perform the national anthem, bringing her powerful voice to the pre-race ceremonies.
Behind-the-Scenes Drama at the Indy 500
A cheating scandal has cast a shadow over the Indy 500, with Team Penske at the center. Roger Penske, who owns the team, IndyCar, and the Speedway, fired team president Tim Cindric, managing director Ron Ruzewski, and general manager Kyle Moyer after the attenuator violations. The penalties, including $100,000 fines and loss of qualifying points, have sparked debates about fairness, especially since Penske’s team has won the last two races. Fans and journalists noted similar modifications on Newgarden’s 2024 car, raising questions about the team’s integrity. Despite the controversy, Newgarden remains confident, citing his car’s speed in practice as a sign he can still chase a historic three-peat.
What to Expect on Race Day
The Indy 500 kicks off Sunday at 12:45 p.m. ET, with driver introductions at 11:47 a.m. and the national anthem at 12:18 p.m. FOX will broadcast the race live, with streaming available for fans on the go. Weather could play a role, with a 44% chance of rain based on historical data, though forecasts suggest the heaviest precipitation may stay south of Indianapolis. The 200-lap, 500-mile race will see 33 drivers battle for the Borg-Warner Trophy, with eight former winners in the field, combining for 13 victories. Carb Day also highlighted reliability issues, with Ryan Hunter-Reay escaping a fire in his No. 23 car. The pit stop competition at 2:30 p.m. today will add to the excitement, showcasing crew skills before the big day.
Key Indy 500 Highlights to Watch
- Rookie Sensation: Robert Shwartzman’s pole position marks a new chapter for Indy 500 history.
- Penske Fallout: Can Newgarden and Power climb from the back to contend?
- Larson’s Double: Will Kyle Larson complete both the Indy 500 and Coca-Cola 600?
- Tradition Meets Fun: From milk-drinking to Wienermobiles, the Indy 500 blends heritage with entertainment.
The Indy 500 remains a thrilling mix of speed, strategy, and spectacle. Whether you’re cheering for a veteran like Sato or a rising star like Shwartzman, this race promises heart-pounding action. Stay tuned as the Speedway gears up for a day that could rewrite racing history.
Get ready for the Indy 500! Watch live on FOX or stream the action to catch every lap. Share your predictions and join the conversation with fellow fans!