109th Indy 500 expecting its first sell-out crowd in almost a decade
(NewsNation) — The countdown is on for the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 where drivers will start their engines in two days at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday. Who will etch their name into Indy immortality?
About 350,000 race fans are expected to fill the grandstands in Indianapolis, the first sellout for the race in nearly a decade.
Alongside the excitement, controversy also surrounded this year's race. Two Team Penske drivers received major penalties after facing a cheating scandal.
NASCAR's Katherine Legge urges young girls to 'never, ever give up'
Back-to-back champ Josef Newgarden and teammate Will Power were each found to have an illegally modified part on their cars. Three executives from Team Penske were fired, and the two drivers were moved to the back of the field for Sunday's race.
Newgarden is hoping to make history this weekend by becoming the first driver in history to win three consecutive Indy 500s, but to do that, he'll have to do the impossible; no driver since the first race in 1911 has ever won starting from the last row.
'I feel really good about our car. For Sunday, I feel great about our team. I've always got the best of the best around me when I go into a race,' Newgarden said at a news conference. 'So it's a bigger mountain starting from the back, but you know, that doesn't discourage me. I think we can climb it together.'
Newgarden is one of 33 drivers who will compete.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Indianapolis Star
2 hours ago
- Indianapolis Star
See Matt Dial's photos through the years for IndyStar
Submitted By Todd Parrish Matt Dial, 48, picks up a camera inside the home of the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse while attending Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals, May 31, 2025. Dial, who photographed the Pacers when he worked at IndyStar, has terminal colon cancer. Matt Kryger Matt Dial, a former Pacers photographer who is in the late stages of colon cancer, was able to attend Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals with the help of friends. He poses with Pacers player Obi Toppin. Matt Kryger Matt Dial (left) with his wife, Shelley, at Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Submitted By Todd Parrish Noah Dial (right) at his first Indiana Pacers game with his dad, Matt Dial, during the 2005-2006 season. Noah Dial Dan Wheldon (98), driver for Bryan Herta Autosport, celebrates his win with son Sebastian, after winning his second Indianapolis 500. The 100th running of the Indianapolis 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Speedway, Ind., on May 29, 2011. Matt Dial/IndyStar Sister Cheryl Miller hugs Reggie Miller during his retirement ceremony. Indiana Pacers vs. Chicago Bulls at Conseco Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN, April 20, 2005. Pacers win 85-83. Matt Dial/IndyStar Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Skylar Diggins, right, jumps into the arms of Devereaux Peters, left, as they defeated Connecticut. Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Skylar Diggins shouts with excitement at the conclusion of the game at mid-court after defeating Connecticut. Notre Dame defeats Connecticut 72-63. Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. Connecticut Huskies, 2011 Women's Final Four at Conseco Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Ind. on April 3, 2011. Matt Dial/IndyStar Rock musician John Mellencamp. Wednesday's NFL kickoff press event featured musical performers (from Left to Right) Kelly Clarkson, Faith Hill, John Mellencamp, and Keyshia Cole. Indianapolis Artsgarden, Circle Centre Mall, Indianapolis, IN, Wednesday, September 5, 2007. Matt Dial/IndyStar Indiana Pacers guard T.J. Ford (5), right, scores a layup over Atlanta Hawks guard Mike Bibby (10), left, during the second quarter. Pacers defeat the Hawks 113-96. Indiana Pacers vs. Atlanta Hawks, Indianapolis, Ind., Tuesday, November 18, 2008. Matt Dial/IndyStar Opening turn in the first lap of the race resulted in a collision among cars in the middle of the pack. The crash resulted in Ralf Schumacher exit from the race. The 8th running of the United States Grand Prix, Indianapolis, IN, Sunday, June 17, 2007. Matt Dial/IndyStar Indianapolis Colts head coach Tony Dungy speaks to the media, NFL Scouting Combine 2007, Indianapolis, IN, Friday, February 23, 2007. Matt Dial/IndyStar Rider J.W. Kaler, of Benton Harbor, MI, rides bull "WHITER TRASH" during the first round of tonight's event. Professional Bull Riders Touring Pro Division at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Ind., Saturday, February 23, 2013. Matt Dial/IndyStar Roger Penske, team owner of Penske Racing, watches from Sam Hornish Jr.'s pit box during Carburation Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Indianapolis, IN, Friday, May 25, 2007. Matt Dial/IndyStar Larry Bird, President of Basketball Operations for the Indiana Pacers spoke with the media prior to the 2008 NBA Draft at Conseco Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Ind., Tuesday, June 24, 2008. Matt Dial /The Star Penske driver Ryan Briscoe (6) signals to the crowd as the safety crew helps him exit his crash vehicle on the front stretch. Team Ganassi driver Dario Franchitti (10) wins his second Indianapolis 500. The 94th running of the Indianapolis 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Speedway, Ind. on May 23, 2010. Matt Dial/IndyStar Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning is surrounded by media for their final day of interviews with the media before Super Bowl Sunday. Media descends on the Indianapolis Colts, AFC Championship winners, speak to the media at their Marriott Harbor Hotel in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. on February 1, 2007. Matt Dial/IndyStar Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Brittany Mallory raises her arms at mid-court after defeating Connecticut. Notre Dame defeats Connecticut 72-63. Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. Connecticut Huskies, 2011 Women's Final Four at Conseco Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Ind. on April 3, 2011. Matt Dial/IndyStar Driver Danica Patrick after her final practice on Carburation Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Indianapolis, IN, Friday, May 25, 2007. Matt Dial/IndyStar Andretti-Green driver Danica Patrick enters pit row after her early practice laps. Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Indianapolis, IN, Thursday, May 10, 2007. Matt Dial/IndyStar The Cirque Du Soleil pre-game show before Super Bowl XLI. Indianapolis Colts vs. Chicago Bears in Super Bowl XLI on February 4, 2007 at Dolphins Stadium in Miami, Fla. Matt Dial/IndyStar Davey Hamilton takes a break from his practice runs under the shade of the pit box. Hamilton is attempting a comeback after suffering career ending injuries at Texas in 2001. Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Indianapolis, IN, Thursday, May 10, 2007. Matt Dial/IndyStar Nicky Hayden (69) team Repsol Honda led the early part of the race as the riders tried to avoid puddles on the track. Valentino Rossi (46) team Fiat Yamaha wins the rain shortened 2008 inaugural Red Bull MotoGP at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Speedway, Ind., Sunday, September 14, 2008. Matt Dial/IndyStar Matt Dial/IndyStar Hot Wheels' "Fearless at the 500" record-breaking jump was successful as the car flies past fans in the fourth turn. The 100th running of the Indianapolis 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Speedway, Ind., on May 29, 2011. Matt Dial/IndyStar The WNBA Indiana Fever named Lin Dunn, left, head coach this afternoon. Speaking to the media about her decision to make Dunn the new head coach is Chief Operating Officer and General Manager Kelly Krauskopf, right. The former assistant coach for the Fever is replacing Brian Winters. Regarded as one of the most successful women's basketball coaches in history, Lin Dunn has been named as the fourth head coach in Indiana Fever franchise history. Conseco Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN, Wednesday, December 12, 2007. Matt Dial/IndyStar Democratic Presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama (D-Illinois) held a town hall meeting at Plainfield High School, Plainfield, Ind., Saturday, March 15, 2008. Matt Dial/IndyStar Indiana Pacers forward-center Jermaine O'Neal (7), discusses a foul call with a referee. Pacers defeat the 76ers, 102-85. Indiana Pacers vs. Philadelphia 76ers. Conseco Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Ind., Wednesday, December 19, 2007. (Matt Dial / Staff Photo) Matt Dial/IndyStar Indianapolis 500 champion Scott Dixon celebrates with his team and team owner Chip Ganassi, right. Pole sitter Scott Dixon wins the 92nd running of the Indianapolis 500. The 92nd running of the Indianapolis 500, Speedway, Ind., Sunday, May 25, 2008. Matt Dial/IndyStar Matt Dial/IndyStar Jimmie Johnson and his teammates celebrates with champagne in Victory Lane. Jimmie Johnson wins his second Brickyard 400. Allstate 400 at the Brickyard, Indianapolis, Ind., Sunday, July 27, 2008. Matt Dial/IndyStar Pat McAfee (1) was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the 7th round. McAfee is a punter out of West Virginia. Colts draft choices were available to talk to the media at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center, Indianapolis, Ind., Friday, May 1, 2009. Matt Dial/IndyStar Penske driver Will Power, after his qualifying run. Pole Day qualifications at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Speedway, Ind., Saturday, May 18, 2013. Matt Dial/IndyStar Construction is wrapping up at Lucas Oil Stadium, the new home of the Indianapolis Colts. The public opening for tours on August 16 is a litte over a week from this date. This is an aerial skyline view of downtown Indianapolis from WTHR Chopper 13. Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Ind., Wednesday, August 6, 2008. (Matt Dial / The Star From WTHR Chopper 13) Deflation of the RCA Dome started at 10:50 a.m. in this photo sequence. The dome roof took about 40 minutes to settle. (Photo 4 of 6) RCA Dome deflation, Indianapolis, Ind., Wednesday, September 24, 2008. Matt Dial/IndyStar Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra sits dejected on the bench as his team fails to get back into the game. Pacers defeat the Heat, 114-103. Indiana Pacers vs. Miami Heat, Conseco Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Ind., Friday, January 30, 2009. Matt Dial/IndyStar Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade (3) does a few pull-ups on the rim as part of his pre-game ritual. Pacers defeat the Heat, 114-103. Indiana Pacers vs. Miami Heat, Conseco Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Ind., Friday, January 30, 2009. Matt Dial/IndyStar Pop artist Kelly Clarkson during the press event. Wednesday's NFL kickoff press event featured musical performers (from Left to Right) Kelly Clarkson, Faith Hill, John Mellencamp, and Keyshia Cole. Indianapolis Artsgarden, Circle Centre Mall, Indianapolis, IN, Wednesday, September 5, 2007. Matt Dial/IndyStar Rossi sprays Champagne to celebrate the victory on the podium. Valentino Rossi (46) team Fiat Yamaha wins the rain shortened 2008 inaugural Red Bull MotoGP at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Speedway, Ind., Sunday, September 14, 2008. Matt Dial/IndyStar Dario Franchitti leads the pack around lap 70. Team Ganassi driver Dario Franchitti (10) wins his second Indianapolis 500. The 94th running of the Indianapolis 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Speedway, Ind. on May 23, 2010. Matt Dial/IndyStar Zionsville quarterback Parker Dunshee (10) is sacked by McCutcheon defensive end Taylor Miller (86) in the first half. Zionsville defeats McCutcheon, 24-3. Zionsville Eagles vs. McCutcheon Mavericks at Zionsville Community High School on August 27, 2010. Matt Dial/IndyStar 1986 Indy 500 champion Bobby Rahal walks off the court after participating in a game during a timeout. Tonight's game was Indianapolis Motor Speedway night. Pacers defeat the Heat, 114-103. Indiana Pacers vs. Miami Heat, Conseco Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Ind., Friday, January 30, 2009. Matt Dial/IndyStar Super Bowl XLVI is kicked off by the New England Patriots to the New York Giants in Lucas Oil Stadium. Super Bowl XLVI, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012, at Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Ind. Matt Dial/IndyStar
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Yahoo
Bubba Wallace Shuts Down Reporters, Refuses to Answers Question About Future
Bubba Wallace Shuts Down Reporters, Refuses to Answers Question About Future originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Bubba Wallace finished sixth at Nashville last Sunday and snapped a rough stretch of racing that included three consecutive DNFs. Advertisement On Saturday at Michigan when meeting with the media, the 23XI Racing driver was happy to talk about his previous result or the upcoming race on the two-mile track. He also made it clear that he didn't have anything to say about the lawsuit ruling this week in favor of NASCAR that produces questions about the future of the three-car organization and its drivers. 'Focus on fast cars today, fellas,' Wallace started. 'So that's the question you're gonna get, Jordan." Bubba Wallace looks on during qualifying at Michigan International Speedway.'I'm gonna ask anyway,' The Athletic's Jordan Bianchi replied. 'That's the answer,' the driver responded. 'What'd Kyle Busch say, 'I'm here so I don't get fined. And everything's great, right?' There you go.' Advertisement 'Are you concerned about the future?' Fox's Bob Pockrass questioned. 'Everything's great. You know the answer already,' the No. 23 driver suggested. 'You can let Denny (Hamlin) comment on that stuff. You're not gonna get an answer that you want to hear from me.' 'Can I ask this one?' Bianchi asked. 'Do you pay attention to everything going on or just noise to you?' 'You just go out and race," Wallace answered. "That's what I pay attention to.' After answering a couple of questions on racing, including one on his top-10 result at Nashville, Pockrass circled back to the off-limits topic. Advertisement 'Are your contract negotiations being stalled?" he asked. 'Bob, come on now," Wallace said. "Let's talk about Michigan, dog. You ain't getting no comment. Come on. Jesus Christ.' Wallace and the Cup Series return to action on Sunday. Race coverage begins at 2 p.m. ET on Prime. Related: Bubba Wallace Admits He Disagreed With 23XI Racing Decision Not to Defend Him This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 7, 2025, where it first appeared.
Washington Post
7 hours ago
- Washington Post
Carson Hocevar living the dream back home in Michigan as aggressive, headline-grabbing NASCAR driver
BROOKLYN, Mich. — Carson Hocevar grew up 80 miles west of Michigan International Speedway, where he attended his first race at the age of 5. As a kid in Portage, he dreamed of becoming a NASCAR driver that people talked about. The 22-year-old Hocevar got his wish. He knocked Ricky Stenhouse Jr. out of last week's race at Nashville and his aggressive style has created a buzz in a sport that traditionally has young drivers trying to find the line between aggressive and reckless driving.
