It’s officially the month of May, which means you’ll be seeing lots of checkered flags for the next few weeks.
For some of you, this may be your first time “Back Home Again” — so we’re giving you everything you need to know to enjoy the greatest spectacle in racing.
Schedule of events
- Friday, May 10 — Grand Prix: Practice + Qualifying
- Saturday, May 11 — Grand Prix: Race Day
- Tuesday, May 14 — Opening Day: Indianapolis 500 Practice
- Wednesday, May 15-Thursday, May 16 — Indianapolis 500 Practice
- Friday, May 17 — Fast Friday: Indianapolis 500 Practice
- Saturday, May 18-Sunday, May 19 — Qualifying
- Monday, May 20 — Indianapolis 500 Practice
- Friday, May 24 — Carb Day
- Saturday, May 25 — Legends Day
- Sunday, May 26 — Race Day
Andretti Autosport has scaled back from four full-time cars to three in 2024. Colton Herta and Kyle Kirkwood return, while Marcus Ericsson arrives from Chip Ganassi Racing.
Photo by @goggles155
Know before you go
- IMS is a cashless facility. Be prepared to complete your ticket, credentials, parking, concession, and merchandise purchases with a debit or credit card.
- Race fans will be allowed to bring coolers + bags smaller than 18"x15"x15" inside the gates.
- Food and beverages will be allowed through the gates. This includes water, soft drinks, beer, and wine in non-glass containers.
- Carts and wagons are allowed every day except Indy 500 Race Day. Strollers, lawn chairs, and folding camping chairs are permitted but are not allowed in concert and VIP areas.
- Smoking is not allowed in IMS grandstands. If you want to smoke, you must do so 20 ft away from buildings + seating entrances. Smoking is allowed in the IMS infield.
How to get to the race
With a capacity of 230,000+, imagine how hectic it is to get in and out of the Speedway.
On Race Day, there are specific road closures + directions to help with traffic flow around IMS. Check online for all official Race Day directions and road closures.
Pro tip: If you want to skip the hassle, there’s a round-trip, air conditioned shuttle service available for Race Day from two locations — Indianapolis International Airport + Gate Ten Events & Parking (south of Lucas Oil Stadium). It’s $50 per person for a shuttle pass.
Another great method of transportation is to “Bike to the 500.” For several years, Bike Indianapolis has partnered with IMS to offer race fans a safe + healthy commute to the Speedway. The group rode starts at the AMP at 16 Tech and follows a police escort to the racetrack, where cyclists will then park outside the famed Gate 1. New this year: Bike to the 500 is expanding to allow for bike parking at IMS all month long.
