Indianapolis 500 for the year 2024 is celebrated/observed on Sunday, May 28th. There are until the next observance.

There’s a reason they call it “the greatest spectacle in racing.” The Indianapolis 500 is the most famous motor race in the world. Indy cars, as opposed to NASCAR stock cars, race around the 2.5-mile oval circuit at speeds in excess of 200 mph for a total distance of 500 miles. The event, which began in 1911, is presently conducted on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, well known as the Brickyard to racing enthusiasts all over the world. If you go, arrive early, wear sunscreen, and prepare to see racing history.

📆 When is Indianapolis 500?

This year, Indianapolis 500 is on May 28th. It is the 4th Sunday in May; in 2024, it is on Tuesday.

Countdown to Indianapolis 500

Did you know: Troy Ruttman won the Indy 500 at the age of 22 in 1952.

You can also see all fun things you didn’t know about and facts about May 28, 2023.

📜 History of Indianapolis 500

☑️ Indianapolis 500 facts

Whoosh!
In 1996, Arie Luyendyk set a qualifying lap speed of 237.498 mph.

Four trophies
Al Unser, AJ Foyt, and Rick Mears are the only drivers to have won the Indy 500 four times.

Got milk?
Indy 500 champion In 1936, Louis Meyer sipped a glass of buttermilk in Victory Lane following the race. Every year afterward, it’s been a tradition.

Things to do on Indianapolis 500

Watch
Last year, over 5 million people tuned in to watch the Indy 500 on ABC. Pop some popcorn, settle up on the couch, and enjoy the show. In the unpredictable spectacle of Indy car racing, you never know what will happen.

Join the fun at the Brickyard
Even those who aren’t great followers of motor racing want to attend the Indy 500. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime event, similar to the Kentucky Derby, Super Bowl, or Masters golf tournament.

Learn about the history of the race
Many books document pivotal occurrences in the history of the Indianapolis 500. Start with “Black Noon: The Year They Stopped the Indy 500,” a book about the 1964 race that began with a huge crash that killed two drivers.

📅 Indianapolis 500 Observances

YEAR DATE DAY
2023 May 28 Sunday
2024 May 28 Tuesday
2025 May 28 Wednesday
2026 May 28 Thursday
2027 May 28 Friday

Learn all May holidays, including Special Interest and other Festivities holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and cool facts about Indianapolis 500. So be sure to check back soon.