What time does the Indy 500 race start?

The Indianapolis 500 typically goes green at 12:45 p.m. Eastern Time, with U.S. television coverage beginning late morning (often around 11 a.m. ET). The race is held on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and exact timings can shift slightly for broadcast windows, pre-race ceremonies, or weather. For the 2025 running (May 25, 2025), the scheduled green flag was 12:45 p.m. ET, consistent with recent years.

Key timings at a glance

Here are the core time anchors fans can expect most years, noting that the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) and broadcasters may adjust specifics as race day approaches.

• Green flag: Approximately 12:45 p.m. ET (subject to operational or weather-related changes)
• U.S. TV coverage: Late morning (commonly 11 a.m. ET), with the race on NBC in recent years and streaming on Peacock
• Radio: IMS Radio Network (available via the IndyCar app/website and SiriusXM; exact channel may vary)
• Pre-race ceremonies: Late morning, leading into the command to start engines shortly before the green
• Date pattern: The Sunday before Memorial Day each year

While these times are reliable guides, always verify the final schedule during race week, as broadcasters and IMS publish precise minute-by-minute rundowns.

Time zone conversions for the scheduled green flag

Because the Indy 500 is a global event, fans often plan around regional time zones. Below are typical conversions for a 12:45 p.m. ET start.

• Pacific Time (U.S.): 9:45 a.m.
• Mountain Time (U.S.): 10:45 a.m.
• Central Time (U.S.): 11:45 a.m.
• United Kingdom (BST, late May): 5:45 p.m.
• Central Europe (CEST, late May): 6:45 p.m.
• UTC (late May): 4:45 p.m.

If your location observes different daylight saving rules or you’re watching from the Southern Hemisphere, double-check local conversions for your specific year.

What can affect the start time

While the Indy 500 is meticulously scheduled, several factors can nudge the green-flag time earlier or later on race day.

• Weather: Rain or lightning can delay ceremonies, warm-up laps, or the green flag; severe weather may trigger postponement.
• Broadcast windows: Networks may fine-tune timing to accommodate pre-race coverage and live programming blocks.
• On-track operations: Incidents during pace laps or formation could prompt additional laps before the start.
• Ceremonial elements: The timing of national anthems, tributes, and flyovers can shift the exact minute the race begins.

These variables are monitored in real time by IMS officials and broadcasters, who will communicate any adjustments across official channels.

How to confirm the start time for your year

To lock in the precise start time for the race you’re planning to watch, use official sources during race week.

1. Check the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s official schedule page for the Indy 500.
2. Visit the IndyCar website’s event page for broadcast and timing details.
3. Consult your local TV listings; in the U.S., NBC and Peacock have carried the event in recent seasons.
4. Follow IMS and IndyCar social feeds for day-of updates, especially if weather threatens delays.

Verifying through these channels ensures you have the latest minute-by-minute plan, including any weather-related adjustments.

Summary

The Indy 500 customarily starts at about 12:45 p.m. ET on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend, with U.S. TV coverage beginning late morning and global times adjusted accordingly. While that green-flag target is consistent year to year, always confirm the exact schedule with IMS and broadcasters during race week, as weather and broadcast logistics can prompt changes.

Who is favored to win the Indy 500?

Pato O’Ward (No.
Eventually, the Arrow McLaren driver is going to win this race. O’Ward has had two runner-up finishes in the last three years, with four top-six results in five tries. He starts third, from where the “500” winner has come 14 times. Only the pole winner has won more, 21 times.

What channel will the Indy 500 be on?

The Indy 500 airs on FOX in the United States, with live streaming available on the FOX Sports website and FOX Sports App. For those without cable, it can also be streamed through live TV services that carry FOX, such as YouTube TV, Sling TV, Hulu + Live TV, and fuboTV. 
How to Watch:

• Television: Tune into your local FOX station. 
• Streaming:
  • Use the FOX Sports website (foxsports.com) or the FOX Sports App. 
  • Utilize live TV streaming services like YouTube TV, Sling TV, Hulu + Live TV, or fuboTV. 

For Specific Times:

• The 2025 Indy 500 race was scheduled for Sunday, May 25. 
• Pre-race coverage began at 10 a.m. ET, with the green flag dropping at 12:45 p.m. ET. 

What time does Indy 500 actually start?

The Indianapolis 500 race green flag waved at 12:45 p.m. ET on Sunday, May 25, 2025, with pre-race coverage starting at 10 a.m. ET and the event televised on FOX. The event is held annually at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
 
2025 Indy 500 Schedule

• 10 a.m. ET: Pre-race coverage begins on FOX. 
• 12:20 p.m. ET: The National Anthem is performed. 
• 12:45 p.m. ET: The green flag waves, signaling the start of the race. 

What time is the green flag for the Indy 500 today?

12:45 p.m. ET
The green flag drops at 12:45 p.m. ET.