Everything to know about Indy 500: Date, time, lineups, TV and more

USA Today

19-05-2025

Everything to know about Indy 500: Date, time, lineups, TV and more
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Insider: Rookie wins pole, 2 Penske cars pulled from qualifying
Motor sports insider Nathan Brown recaps a controversial day at the Indianapolis 500 pole day.
One of racing's grand events is approaching with the Indianapolis 500.
Traditionally over Memorial Day weekend, Indianapolis Motor Speedway becomes the focus of racing as 33 drivers make their way to the historic track in hopes of winning one of the premier races not just in the United States, but in the world. Whether an IndyCar fan or not, the event attracts a large audience as people eye who will be the first one to cross the checkered flag and eventually kiss the iconic bricks.
There's already plenty of intrigue with the 109th edition of the Indy 500 as Robert Shwartzman became the first rookie since 1983 to win the pole, while the 2017 and 2020 winner Takuma Sato will start in second. Plus, two-time defending champion Josef Newgarden tries to make history with a three-peat.
Here's everything to know about the 2025 Indianapolis 500:
When is the Indy 500?
The 109th Indianapolis 500 takes place Sunday, May 25 at 12:45 p.m. ET.
2025 Indy 500 schedule
Driver introductions: 11:47 a.m. ET
11:47 a.m. ET National anthem: 12:18 p.m. ET
12:18 p.m. ET Command to start engines: 12:38 p.m. ET
12:38 p.m. ET Race start: 12:45 p.m. ET
How to watch 2025 Indy 500
The 2025 Indy 500 will air on Fox. The race can be streamed on Fubo.
Watch the Indy 500 with Fubo
Indy 500 starting lineups
(Car number in parentheses, followed by driver, team, manufacturer; R=rookie; W=former winner)
(83) Robert Shwartzman (R), Prema Racing, Chevrolet (75) Takuma Sato (W), Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, Honda (5) Pato O'Ward, Arrow McLaren, Chevrolet (9) Scott Dixon (W), Chip Ganassi Racing, Honda (60) Felix Rosenqvist, Meyer Shank Racing, Honda (10) Alex Palou, Chip Ganassi Racing, Honda (4) David Malukas, A.J. Foyt Enterprises, Chevrolet (7) Christian Lundgaard, Arrow McLaren, Chevrolet (28) Marcus Ericsson (W), Andretti Global, Honda (3) Scott McLaughlin, Team Penske, Chevrolet (76) Conor Daly, Juncos Hollinger Racing, Chevrolet (20) Alexander Rossi (W), Ed Carpenter Racing, Chevrolet (8) Kyffin Simpson, Chip Ganassi Racing, Honda (33) Ed Carpenter, Ed Carpenter Racing, Chevrolet (14) Santino Ferrucci, A.J. Foyt Enterprises, Chevrolet (30) Devlin DeFrancesco, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, Honda (77) Sting Ray Robb, Juncos Hollinger Racing, Chevrolet (21) Christian Rasmussen, Ed Carpenter Racing, Chevrolet (17) Kyle Larson, Arrow McLaren, Chevrolet (45) Louis Foster (R), Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, Honda (90) Callum Ilott, Prema Racing, Chevrolet (06) Helio Castroneves (W), Meyer Shank Racing, Honda (27) Kyle Kirkwood, Andretti Global, Honda (6) Nolan Siegel (R), Arrow McLaren, Chevrolet (23) Ryan Hunter-Reay (W), Dreyer & Reinbold Racing/Cusick Motorsports, Chevrolet (24) Jack Harvey, Dreyer & Reinbold Racing/Cusick Motorsports, Chevrolet (26) Colton Herta, Andretti Global, Honda (15) Graham Rahal, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, Honda (98) Marco Andretti, Andretti Global, Honda (66) Marcus Armstrong, Meyer Shank Racing, Honda (18) Rinus Veekay, Dale Coyne Racing, Honda (2) Josef Newgarden (W), Team Penske, Chevrolet (12) Will Power (W), Team Penske, Chevrolet
Where is the Indy 500?
The Indy 500 takes place at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Who won the 2024 Indy 500?
Josef Newgarden won the 2024 Indy 500, his second consecutive win after winning the 2023 edition. He's the sixth back-to-back champion, and he's attempting to become the first ever racer to win three consecutive Indy 500s.
What is the milk tradition?
One of the most unique traditions for winners happens at the Indianapolis 500 when the winner drinks a bottle of milk.
There's somewhat of a debate about when the tradition began. In 1933, after winning his second race, Louis Meyer said he drank milk, although there's no evidence of it. But in 1936, after winning the race an unprecedented third time, he held up three fingers in the air with his right hand while his other hand held a bottle of buttermilk. He drank it and the moment was filmed.
According to Indianapolis Motor Speedway, a dairy industry executive saw the footage of Meyer drinking the milk and jumped at the opportunity to offer milk to Indy 500 winners. The winners from 1938-41 drank milk, and after the race returned from hiatus in 1946 due to World War II, milk was given to the winner.
It took some payment to get the early winners to drink the milk, as 1956 winner Pat Flaherty was given $400 to drink it. But now it's become a sacred tradition for winners, as they'll drink the milk and often pour the rest of it on their heads in celebration.
Before the race, all drivers submit to the Dairy Association what type of milk they'd want if they win. Drivers choose from fat-free, 2% or whole milk, or no preference.