Two departure times provide more flexibility for fans who want to commute to the track on their bike on Race Day. Read More>
This partnership represents the first time a major athlete's sponsorship has been decided by a vote using blockchain technology. Read More>
e.l.f. is believed to be the first beauty brand to serve as a primary sponsor for an entry in “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” as Legge will drive the No. 51 e.l.f. Honda on Sunday, May 26 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Read More>
View images from the shortened first day of the Indianapolis 500 Open test at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. View Photos>
View images from the once-in-a-lifetime Total Solar Eclipse event at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. View Photos>
Josef Newgarden unveils the 2024 Indianapolis 500 Ticket View Photos>
On this episode of Behind the Bricks, IMS President Doug Boles truly goes behind the bricks of the IMS Museum and checks in on the renovation progress. He also gets an exclusive look at the vision of the refreshed Museum, which opens a year from this week. The Museum is a separate entity from IMS and is a 501c3 nonprofit organization. Consider supporting the Museum by visiting imsmuseum.org Watch Video>
On this episode of Doug and Drivers, 2016 Indy 500 winner Alexander Rossi talks his chances to win "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing" again, adjusting to Arrow McLaren, getting married over the offseason and so much more. Watch Video>
On this episode of Doug and Drivers, IMS President Doug Boles sits down with four-time Indy 500 winner Helio Castroneves. The modern legend discusses his historic Drive for Five, his transition to an ownership role within Meyer Shank Racing, the loss of his dear friend Gil de Ferran, and more. Watch Video>
August 27, 2021 | By Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Today’s question: What do you remember most about the 2020 Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on Aug. 23, 2020, the first “500” held outside of May and without spectators due to the COVID-19 pandemic?
Curt Cavin: The obvious answer is the Indy 500 held amid empty grandstands, but I suspect Zach and Paul will focus on that. I’ll remember Takuma Sato draped in a Japanese flag, fully comprehending the magnitude of his accomplishment. Honestly, I was glad it wasn’t a first-time winner because it would have been a tempered celebration. But since Sato had been there – to victory lane – in 2017, he knew how to do that.
Zach Horrall: When I look back on the 2020 Indianapolis 500, I will obviously think of the lack of race fans and how monumental that race was for its empty grandstands and for being in August. But it’s the way in which I remember that: The race had just ended, and Takuma Sato has been lifted onto Victory Podium. I was walking down pit lane toward Turn 4, and I could hear Takuma and the Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing team celebrating as clear as day. I was somewhat confused as to what I was hearing until I looked back and realized it was the post-race celebration, which I only heard because it was bouncing off the empty, metal grandstands and nobody was there to cheer him on. That was the moment I truly understood the gravity of a spectator-less Indy 500 and how I never wanted to experience that again.
Paul Kelly: First, the 104th Indianapolis 500 was a great race, with a popular winner in Takuma Sato, which made the lack of fans in the stands even more of a shame. But the moment that still sticks with me is hearing Dr. Elvis Francois and Dr. William Robinson singing the national anthem during their soundcheck Saturday afternoon, Aug. 22, in preparation for the pre-race festivities the next day. That’s not uncommon: The “Star-Spangled Banner” artist always does a soundcheck performance the day before the race that must be a treat for people living in the neighborhoods surrounding the Speedway. But then it hit me: The beautiful sound echoing off the empty grandstands during the soundcheck would be almost the same on Race Day due to the lack of fans. That was a bummer. Thankfully the 2020 race was fantastic, and we were able to welcome fans back to “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” in May 2021.