The 2026 Indy 500 hits the track on Sunday, May 24, 2026, with FOX coverage beginning at 10 a.m. ET and the green flag expected at 12:45 p.m. ET.
Start your engines—Sunday, May 24, 2026 is when the Indy 500 rolls into Indianapolis Motor Speedway again, ready to turn Memorial Day weekend into a full-speed celebration for racing fans across the country.
This year’s race is the 110th running of the Indy 500. The day’s promise is simple: drivers will go for one of motorsports’ most elite titles in a 500-mile race around the legendary 2.5-mile oval track. with the usual build-up of pre-race ceremonies. celebrity appearances. and the singing of “Back Home Again in Indiana.”.
The 2026 Indy 500 is scheduled for Sunday, May 24, 2026, and it’s set for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway during Memorial Day weekend.
When to watch live
FOX will carry the 2026 Indy 500 live coverage. The pre-race broadcast is set to begin at 10 a.m. ET, and the green flag is expected to drop at 12:45 p.m. ET on Sunday.
If you prefer streaming, the race will be available via FOX One, the FOX Sports app, and FOXSports.com. Cord-cutters can also stream through services that carry FOX, including YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, and Fubo.
Race day timing and what to expect
The Indy 500 doesn’t just run on speed—it runs on routine. Beyond the start, the day includes additional festivities such as national anthem performances and driver introductions.
In terms of length. the race is 500 miles long and consists of 200 laps around the 2.5-mile oval at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Most Indy 500 races typically last about three hours. though the total runtime can vary depending on caution flags. crashes and/or weather delays. There are no overtime laps in the Indy 500, so the race ends once drivers complete all 200 laps.
Just before the weekend fully takes over, INDYCAR on FOX posted a reminder that coverage begins on FOX and @foxone on May 24, 2026—bringing the focus back to one moment every fan waits for: the green flag at 12:45 p.m. ET.
2026 Indy 500 start time Indy 500 green flag 12:45 p.m. ET FOX Indy 500 FOX One FOXSports.com YouTube TV Hulu + Live TV Sling TV Fubo Indianapolis Motor Speedway May 24 2026
12:45 is kinda late lol I always miss it.
So FOX starts at 10am but green flag at 12:45… got it. Can we still stream it on regular YouTube or is it only that YouTube TV thing? Also why does it take so long for 200 laps?
No overtime laps?? That seems weird, like how do they decide the winner if something crazy happens near the end. I swear I heard Indy 500 always goes longer if there’s an accident, maybe I’m mixing it up with NASCAR.
Back Home Again in Indiana is gonna be painful, but I’ll still watch. Memorial Day weekend racing is the only reason I can tolerate the crowds at the mall. Also 2.5 mile track, so that’s like… math times… 200 laps means like a whole summer? Idk I’m just excited for the green flag.