When is Indy 500 2023 start time? What to know from schedule, TV blackout, race time, more

The 2023 Indianapolis 500 is coming soon. The drivers from the IndyCar Series will seek auto racing's greatest prize at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Here's what fans should know, including the race date and time, how to get tickets, who won last year's race, what's happening at the track throughout May, and much more. More details will be available as the race nears.

When is the Indy 500?

The 107th running of the Indianapolis 500 is scheduled for Sunday, May 28, 2023.

What is the Indy 500 start time?

The green flag is scheduled to drop at 12:45 p.m. ET on May 28. But there's a lot happening on the track before the race begins. Here are the details.

Indy 500 tickets

Here's what seats are available at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Officials report that just a few seats remain.

Meet the starting grid: A complete guide to the 33-car starting lineup

What is the Indy 500 race day schedule?

Tickets start at $40

Public gates open at 6 a.m., and there is a celebrity red carpet, prerace on-track activity and the infield Snake Pit concert. Here's what you should know.

When is Carb Day at IMS for the Indy 500?

Tickets start at $30

Friday, May 26: Gates open 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; practice is 11 a.m.-1 p.m.; pit stop contest is 2:30-4 p.m. Bryan Adams and Sonic Youth are playing the Carb Day concert starting at 4 p.m.

When is Legends Day at IMS for the Indy 500?

Tickets start at $10

Saturday, May 27: Gates open 8 a.m.-3 p.m.; full-field autograph session 9-10 a.m.; public drivers' meeting 10:30-11 a.m. Brad Paisley will headline a downtown concert that evening.

Why is the Indy 500 so famous?

The Indy 500 quickly caught on after its inaugural race in 1911 as a way to test drivers, engineers and cars, which had been under mass productions for just a few years. French auto maker Peugeot joined several U.S. companies by entering cars starting in 1913, and members of the Chevrolet came from Switzerland, founded a car company and won the race in 1920. It has been a destination race since.

Indy 500 celebrity sightings: 10 people who have attended the Indy 500 who can match Shaquille O'Neal's celebrity

How many laps is the Indy 500?

200 laps on the 2.5-mile Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval. The track is flat on the straightaways, with gentle 9.2-degree banking in its four turns.

How much does it cost to enter the Indy 500?

In 2023, there are 27 full-time IndyCar Series cars that require up to $10 million to run for a full season. For cars competing only in the Indy 500, it's believed the cost to in the $1 million-$2 million range.

Is the Indy 500 sold out? How do I get Indy 500 tickets?

Indy 500 tickets for 2023 are available here. The Speedway doesn't reveal attendance figures, but in recent years the crowd has been estimated at 300,000, though a complete sellout is rare.

Indianapolis 500 winners

74 drivers from 12 nations, representing five continents, have claimed race wins. Marcus Ericsson of Sweden won in 2022. The full list of race winners is here.

'I still have that fire': Helio Castroneves leads list of nine active Indy 500 winners

Don't forget the newcomers: Indy 500 rookies come from 3 continents

Indianapolis 500 milk

Indy 500 winners drink milk. Louis Meyer did so first in 1936, asking for buttermilk after crossing the finish line in steamy conditions. Drivers celebrated with milk intermittently until the mid 1950s, when milk producers became a race sponsor. A gulp from a bottle and a large pour over the winner's head have been a tradition since.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway museum

The museum, located inside the 2.5-mile oval, features historic and race-winning cars and is open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Indy 500 vs. Formula 1

The cars that compete in the Indy 500 are part of the IndyCar Series, a North American open-wheel series. Formula 1 is a worldwide series. Cars competing in the Indy 500 exceed 240 mph on the straightaways at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. F1 cars don't reach such speeds because they race on road and street courses with frequent turns. Here's more on the differences between the series.

Is Indy faster than NASCAR?

Stock cars can top 200 mph, but they don't reach the speeds Indy cars reach. Alex Bowman earned the pole position at the 2023 Daytona 500 with a lap of 181.686. Here's more on the differences between the series.

Indy 500 Snake Pit

This year's lineup of EDM stars includes Grammy-nominated DJ Kaskade. Also on the bill: Subtronics, John Summit and Jauz.

But why the Snake Pit? It used to be more of an informal title of an infield area where almost anything – anything – could happen. Though Speedway officials made the facility more family friendly, the name lives on in the concert.

What is the Indy 500 pace car?

A hardtop convertible Chevrolet Corvette Z06, the 20th iteration of the famous Chevy sports car, will lead the field of 33 to green. It's Chevy's 34th 500 pace car overall (dating to 1948). Indiana Pacers All-Star Tyrese Haliburton will be behind the wheel.

Celebrities at the Indy 500

∎ Stephanie Beatriz, best known for roles in "Encanto" and "Brooklyn Nine-Nine," is the Indy 500 grand marshal. She will tell drivers to report to their cars and will also walk the red carpet.

∎ Jewel will sing the national anthem. Her performance in Indianapolis coincides with May as Mental Health Awareness Month, a cause that Jewel has long supported.

∎ Oscar-nominated actor Adam Driver, who grew up in Mishawaka, Ind., gets the honor. He attended the University of Indianapolis.

How long does the Indy 500 take?

Helio Castroneves completed the 2021 race at 190.690 mph and in 2 hours, 37 minutes and 19.38 seconds, the fastest in race history. Three of the past five races have taken between 2:50 and 3 hours. The more caution-flag laps, or red-flag stops, the longer it takes.

Speed reading: Here are the five fastest races in Indy 500 history

What channel is the Indy 500 on?

NBC broadcasts the race, but it won't air live in the Indianapolis area. Here's more on the return to the Indy 500 blackout.

Viewing/listening options: NBC | Peacock | SiriusXM

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This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: When is the Indy 500 2023? Everything you need to know about the race