In just a short two months, the greatest spectacle in racing will make two hundred laps around the illustrious Indianapolis Motor Speedway. This event is the Indy 500. 

The 107th Indianapolis 500 will take place on Sunday, May 28 this year. Last season was the first Indy 500 since 2019 that had full capacity in the grandstands. With around three hundred thousand in attendance last year, it is projected to sell out once again.  

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the race in 2020 and 2021 were held at lower levels of fan capacity, and in 2020 no fans were allowed in the stands. You can already feel the excitement around campus.  

“I already have my tickets!” sophomore Sam Slaughter said.

MU Students filled out an anonymous survey to capture if they were excited about the Indy 500.

Out of the participants:

55% said they have attended this event in the past 5 years.

75% said they plan on attending this year’s 500.

20% said that they aren’t excited about this year’s race.

Last year, the Marian Phoenix covered the entire month of May at Indianapolis Motor Speedway with the Indy Boys: Racing Podcast.

“It was a great experience covering the media at the Speedway.” said sophomore Daniel Chaney.  “I was interviewing drivers and icons that I have adored since I was a kid, so yeah, I’m itching to get back to IMS!”    

Indianapolis Motor Speedway doesn’t just feature racing and cars, however. The track hosts events leading up to the race, starting with Carb Day. 

Carb Day is a designated day for concerts, celebrity appearances, and food.  On the day of the 500, the Snake Pit will return as a massive music festival in the infield.  Thousands of people party and dance to music by famous DJ’s.

There is also the Indianapolis Motor Speedway museum which is crammed with history about the racetrack and includes many of the 106 previous winning cars.  

If you want to head out to IMS in May, here are some of the events. 

Month of May Schedule

GMR Grand Prix Practice and Qualifying — May 12th

GMR Grand Prix — May 13th

Indianapolis 500 Practice Opening Day — May 16th

Indianapolis 500 Practice — May 17-19th

Indianapolis 500 Qualifying — May 20-21st

Indianapolis 500 Practice — May 22nd

Carb Day — May 26th 

Legends Day — May 27th

Snake Pit — May 28th

Indianapolis 500 — May 28th