The Indianapolis 500 was delayed 12 minutes by rain.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway announced at 2:22 p.m., after 105 laps were in the books (making it official), that rain delayed the Indianapolis 500. Scott Dixon led with Chip Ganassi Racing teammate Alex Palou in second, followed three Team Penske cars: David Malukas, Josef Newgarden and Scott McLaughlin.
Engines re-fired at 2:35 p.m. and racing resumed for a few laps before drizzle in Turn 4 brought out a caution, though cars remained on track. The race resumed again on Lap 126.
Rain delayed the race start the past two years, but the full 500 miles were run.
Indy 500 rain delay: Indianapolis weather radar from National Weather Service
Here’s National Weather Service radar for the Indianapolis area:
Indianapolis Motor Speedway president J. Douglas Boles watches the sky
J. Douglas Boles, president of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, joined IndyStar’s “Pit Pass Live” on Sunday morning and said he was watching weather patterns for the 10:30-11:30 a.m. range.
“Fingers crossed. We remain hopeful,” he said. “If it rains, we’ll probably get drying equipment on the track even while it’s raining.”
Boles said track officials discussed moving up the race start time, but considering the late-morning rain chances, that didn’t make sense.
The decision-making process is geared toward getting in a full 500 miles, not just getting to an official race at 101 laps, Boles said.
Does the Indy 500 run in the rain?
No. The cars use Firestone tires with no grooves, and moisture would send them careening out of control. So why not use grooved tires? That would slow the cars and send water cascading onto trailing cars. And who wants to watch the Indy 500 at less than top speed?
How do they dry the Indy 500 track?
An armada of trucks and powerful dryers circle the track to dry the 2.5-mile oval for as long as it takes to make surface race-worthy.
How long does it take to dry the Indy 500 track?
That varies. If rain and humidity have cleared out and the sun is shining, it can take about 90 minutes. However, if clouds and humidity linger, it can take much longer, perhaps 3 hours.
When is the Indy 500 official?
Running 101 laps of the scheduled 200 constitutes an official race.
How can Indy 500 fans get weather updates?
Text “Indy500” to 67283 for venue updates, including weather and track conditions.
What year did the Indy 500 get rained out?
The race was shortened and/or postponed by weather 12 times in 109 editions of the race (with race winner)
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indy 500 race delayed by rain. When will Indianapolis 500 green flag drop at IMS?
Reporting by Scott Horner and Chris Sims, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
