INDIANAPOLIS – With the threat of rain in the forecast Sunday morning, Indianapolis Motor Speedway president Doug Boles said the start of the 108th Indy 500 could be affected.
During a press conference at 6:20 a.m. ET, Boles said IMS will likely make a decision between 9 and 10 a.m. on how to handle the schedule of pre-race ceremonies.
“We’ve had several conversations since last night with our internal team, our security team and NBC,” Boles said. “Our plan is to continue monitoring the storm. At some point we will have some weather. Our biggest concern is not so much the rain as the lightning.
“The next few hours will really define when the storm could hit Indianapolis. We have a couple more hours to monitor the weather and make another decision on what’s right to keep our customers safe.”
How to watch the 2024 Indy 500 on NBC: start times, live stream, schedule for race number 108
Here are the start times, full schedule, TV and streaming information to watch the 108th Indy 500 on May 26 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
IMS clears the stands when lightning strikes within 8 miles of the track.
Boles said that once the expected storm passes, the weather looks good to continue the race for the rest of Sunday. He also noted that even though there was a 100 percent chance of rain in 2019, the race started on time and finished after a brief morning rain shower.
“That’s why we’re waiting,” Boles said. “We’re really hoping to get a window.”
Boles said the storm was on track to arrive as early as noon or as late as 1 p.m.
The green flag is scheduled for 12:45 pm ET.
Boles said the track considered moving the start up 30 minutes, but decided at 4:45 a.m. ET to stick with the original schedule.
“Moving the start time to 12:15 was considered, but it didn’t make any sense to do it,” Boles said. “The last thing we want is to move it until 12:15 and have customers waiting and then ask them to leave because of the weather. Because of where (the storm) is tracking, that doesn’t make sense and would maybe put us in a worse situation.” .
Coverage of the Indy 500 will begin at 11 a.m. ET on NBC and Peacock.