indy 500 information

VS SUITE Tower Terrace #32

HOURS - 7:30 AM - 7:00 PM

11:45 - 12:10 PM - IndyCar Warm Up

12:00 PM - 2:00 PM - Lunch Served

4:30 PM - 5:30 PM - Snack Served

4:55 PM - Indy Grand Prix

VS SUITE Tower Terrace #32

HOURS - 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

12:30 PM - 2:30 PM - Snacks Served

12:00 PM - 6:00 PM - Practice

5:00 PM - 6:00 PM - Dinner Served

VS SUITE Tower Terrace #32

HOURS - 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

8:00 AM - 10:00 PM - Breakfast Served

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM - Practice

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM - Lunch Served

2:00 PM - Wienie 500

2:30 PM - 4:00 PM - Pit Stop Challenge

2:30 PM - 3:30 PM - Snack Served

4:00 PM - 6:00 PM - Carb Day Concert

  Next to the Indy 500 Carb Day is the biggest event in the month of May. Carb Day, short for “Carburetion Day” is the final practice session before race day. Carb Day is currently held on the Friday before the race. In 1969- 1972, it was held the Wednesday before the race. The name originally came from the fact that is was the final session where teams could tune their carburetors in conditions similar to those that might be encountered on race day. The name has remained even though no qualified car has used a carburetor since 1963. Carb Day gives teams and drivers the opportunity to “shake down” the car and make sure it is mechanically sound before the race. 

The Pit Stop Challenge was added in 1977. The race team crews go through a full pit stop and adjust get familiarized with their spot on pit road. As many as twelve top teams in the field compete in a single- elimination, tournament-style competition, two teams at a time. Under the current rules format, during each heat, two cars line upside by side in a specially constructed pit lane, which resembles a drag racing layout. The cars go from a standing start and race into the pit box. Pit crews must change four tires and hook up a dummy fuel hose to simulate a refuel. 

 Legends Day honors the immortal names and machines of more than a century of the Indianapolis 500. This special day in the month of May features autograph sessions with current and past drivers and historic car laps. 

A ceremonial drivers meeting is held at the track, which is open to the public, and is popularly attended. This tradition dates back many decades. During the meeting, the 33 starting drivers are presented with their starter’s ring and various awards and trophies are handed out (such as trophies from the previous year’s race, qualifying awards, lifetime achievement awards, etc.) The drivers are usually seated on a platform situated in the eleven rows of three, and numerous other celebrities and special guests may be honored or give remarks. Rules clarifications, instructions for the race, and other pertinent information is also discussed in the open forum.unique needs.

The 500 Festival Parade is one of the most iconic traditions of the Indianapolis 500, held annually in downtown Indianapolis on the day before the race.

The parade began in 1957, when four Indianapolis civic leaders created a community celebration to connect the city more closely with the Indy 500. What started as a simple parade and gala has grown into one of the largest festivals in the country. 

Today, the parade is part of the broader 500 Festival, a month-long series of events celebrating the spirit and legacy of the Indy 500. 

Each year, the parade features:

• All 33 starting drivers 
• Elaborate floats and giant helium balloons 
• Marching bands from across the country 
• Celebrities and distinguished guests 

With over 200,000–300,000 spectators lining the streets, it ranks among the most prominent parades in the United States—alongside events like the Rose Parade and Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.