Severe weather will sweep across Indiana on Sunday, which delayed the start of the 108th running of the Indianapolis 500.
Storms hit the Indianapolis area around 12 p.m. ET, 45 minutes before the scheduled start of the Indy 500. According to the IndyStar, rain accumulation could reach three quarters of an inch, which means it could be hours until the track is dry enough.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway has at least a 34% chance of rain every hour through midnight, so it’s possible that there won’t be any dry window to begin the race on Sunday. Monday’s forecast calls for a cloudy day with less potential for rain.
Lightning could also be an issue for track officials. The track announced that fans will be asked to leave the grandstands if lightning is approaching, even if the immediate area around the track is clear.
What would a weather delay mean for Kyle Larson’s attempt at The Double? The IndyStar reports that Larson will remain in Indianapolis through the weather delays, and that Rick Hendrick is “committed” to Larson’s run in the 500.
Storms chasing a boundary towards Indianapolis. Good news is development ahead of that line appears to be limiting severe potential. I think track drying could get underway as early as 2:30 EST pic.twitter.com/fUqmf6PIZy
— Daniel Nyman (@DanielNymanTV) May 26, 2024
UPDATE 11:25 a.m. ET: Indianapolis Motor Speedway is clearing the grandstands and other spectator areas because of the weather, and the start of the 2024 Indy 500 will be delayed.
Given the proximity of lightning moving toward the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, a decision has been made to pause the pre-race ceremonies and move fans out of the grandstands and Snake Pit.
Spectators are encouraged to follow the instructions of IMS team members. They should… pic.twitter.com/Yk9W2AVOpr— Indianapolis Motor Speedway (@IMS) May 26, 2024
UPDATE 1:55 p.m. ET There is a weather window approaching the track, with the potential for the track to be ready around 4:30 to 5 p.m. ET.
Good news! Hopefully this means they can get the track dried and they can race by 4:30ish. https://t.co/HGzUZwYagA
— Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) May 26, 2024
UPDATE 3:50 p.m. ET: Here is the updated schedule of events with the green flag now set for 4:44 p.m. ET.
What do you say we do this thing? 😤
Pre-Race for the 108th Running of the #Indy500 presented by @GainbridgeLife is coming up next!#ThisIsMay | #INDYCAR pic.twitter.com/otcdIVrIme
— Indianapolis Motor Speedway (@IMS) May 26, 2024
