So much preparation goes into an Indianapolis 500 — by the race teams, drivers, vendors, entertainers and, mostly, Indianapolis Motor Speedway officials. But one thing can throw all that effort out the window on race day — rain.
Inclement weather has caused postponements or cut the race short of the scheduled distance on several occasions (details below). Rain delayed the race in 2024 (about 4 hours) and 2025 (less than 1 hour), but both reached the full 500 miles.
Here is the Indianapolis weather radar from the National Weather Service.
Will rain impact the 2026 Indy 500? Indianapolis weather forecast for Sunday, May 24
The Indianapolis weather forecast for Sunday, May 24, calls for cloudy skies throughout with possible rain or thunderstorms throughout the day.
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)
Zion Brown is IndyStar’s motorsports reporter. Follow him at @z10nbr0wn. Get IndyStar’s motor sports coverage sent directly to your inbox with our Motor Sports newsletter.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indianapolis 500 weather forecast, radar: Does the Indy 500 run in the rain?
Reporting by Scott Horner, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
