Indy 500 2024: Essential information with Team Penske securing the front row in qualifying.
"The most legendary race in motorsports is back! On the 26th of May, 2024, the Indianapolis 500 will take place at the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway. With 33 skilled drivers, they'll race through 200 laps and a staggering 500 miles, pushing their limits of speed and endurance. For these participants, it's the potential to be etched into history, joining the illustrious ranks by taking part in enduring traditions - embracing the bricks at the starting line and savoring a bottle of milk in victory.
British racer Katherine Legge described the event's atmosphere: "It's the biggest sporting event in the world. The speedway just has this special feeling, like it's alive with its own pulse when it's packed with enthusiasts."
The track, affectionately termed "the Brickyard", boasts a distinctive ambiance. Josef Newgarden, the 2023 victor, added, "It's about the energy at Indy. Speak to anyone who's been or knows the experience – it's a vibe that can't be replicated elsewhere."
Watch it Live
Race fans can tune in for the 108th edition of the Indy 500 on NBC and Peacock streaming service, with live coverage beginning at 11 a.m. ET. The race is slated to commence at 12:45 p.m. ET.
Fans from other parts of the globe can refer to this page for a comprehensive breakdown of broadcasters in their region. If you're a motorsports enthusiast in a country without access to IndyCar broadcast deals, INDYCAR LIVE offers a streaming service to keep you updated.
Local viewers face a television blackout in Central Indiana to motivate them to buy tickets and attend the race. This block is lifted only if all 240,000 reserved grandstand seats are sold.
A Blanket Front Row
For the second time ever, one team has secured all of the front-row spots. Team Penske's Scott McLaughlin captured the top position with a record-breaking four-lap average pole speed of 234.220 mph.
Australian driver and 2018 race winner Will Power came in second, notching an average of 233.917 mph, while two-time IndyCar champion Josef Newgarden rounded out the front-row sweep as Team Penske's drivers dominated.
Team Penske made history in 1988 by accomplishing this feat, and now the team owns 19 Indy 500 poles. They're led by owner and chairman Robert Penske, also the proprietor of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the IndyCar racing series. It was McLaughlin's maiden Indy 500 pole, eclipsing his best qualifying stand of 14th in 2023.
"Welcome to the party," McLaughlin remarked, acknowledging his achievement, per the Indy 500's official website. "The Pennzoil Chevy was amazing. I'm giving it my all. Indy hasn't been kind to me; now it's time for payback. This is the first step."
Chevy-driven racers held the top eight spots in the 33-car field. Newgarden's dream of becoming the sixth consecutive two-time winner could become a reality this year - the first since Hélió Castroneves (who qualified 20th for this race) did it in 2002."
Kyle Larson has his eyes set on racing in two of the world's most prestigious events - the Indy 500 and NASCAR's Coca-Cola 600 - in a single day.
A full-time competitor in the NASCAR Cup Series, Larson will participate in his inaugural IndyCar race in the upcoming weekend. He firmly positioned himself in fifth for the Indy 500 and may have a legitimate shot at claiming his first victory.
After his '500 outing, Larson will jet off to the Charlotte Motor Speedway in North Carolina with the intent of "accomplishing the Double" and starting NASCAR's '600. Carl Edwards - with five triumphs - and Tony Stewart - with two consecutive Doubles - defeated the feat. It was most recently attempted by Kurt Busch in 2014."
A Race Like No Other
Holding a position amongst the most iconic races in history, the Indy 500 promises a day of excitement. With an impressive list of drivers aiming for glory and fans eagerly anticipating a memorable occasion, the atmosphere is poised to be unforgettable.
Join us as we witness the 108th running occur, showcasing the thrill, energy, and excitement the Indy 500 is globally known for."
The Double is viewed as one of the most difficult tasks in motorsport. It involves driving 1,100 miles in a single day, contending with the contrasts between open-wheel and stock cars, and enduring a tiring itinerary. This stressful event has earned it a fearsome reputation.
In 2021, Larson stated during a NASCAR event, "I don't want to simply be remembered as the best NASCAR driver or the top sprint car driver. I want to be recognized as someone who can excel in any car I drive."
Challenging Father Time
Helio Castroneves, a driver who has claimed victory at the Indy 500 four times, is set to make history this Sunday at the Brickyard, where he's competed 24 times. He plans to surpass his own record by winning the race for the fifth time.
If the Brazilian-born driver is successful, he would become the only person to have won the Indy 500 five times, but this will be an uphill battle since he's starting from the seventh row.
Castroneves, age 49, isn't ready to retire and aims to be the oldest driver to ever win the race. "I've always wanted to race at 50," he told Indy Star. "I don't want to 'do it'; I want to succeed and create a stir in the crowd. It's what I'm after right now."
There's no indication Castroneves intends to slow down anytime soon. "I'm sure this will change someday," he commented, "but I don't see it happening in the near future."
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Source: edition.cnn.com
