INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The only Japanese driver to win the Indianapolis 500 is Takuma Sato, who’s done it twice — once in 2017 and again in 2020, when the race was held in August due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The driver known to fans as “Taku” talked about today’s race with News 8’s Andrew Chernoff.

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Stefan Wilson won’t be competing in Sunday’s Indianapolis 500 due to an injury suffered in a Monday practice crash, but he is at Indianapolis Motor Speedway for “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”

News 8’s Andrew Chernoff caught up with Stef and Graham Rahal, who will run the Indy 500 in his place for Cusick Motorsports/Dreyer & Reinbold Racing.

Rahal will start the race from the 33rd and final position.

The singing of “Back Home Again Indiana” is an Indianapolis 500 tradition.

Need a refresher on the lyrics? Here you go!

Back home again in Indiana,
And it seems that I can see
The gleaming candlelight, still shining bright,
Through the sycamores for me.
The new-mown hay sends all its fragrance
From the fields I used to roam.
When I dream about the moonlight on the Wabash,
Then I long for my Indiana home.

A majority of the cars that have won the Indianapolis 500 — 81 of them, to be exact — have done so on Firestone tires.

Hanna Mordoh caught up with a member of the Firestone team to talk tires ahead of the Indy 500.

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — It’s going to be warm on race day, meaning staying hydrated will be extra important.

If you plan on packing a few beers in the cooler, be sure to throw in some water bottles, too!

Signs of dehydration include:

• Dizziness or light-headedness.
• Headache.
• Tiredness.
• Dry mouth, lips and eyes.
• Sunken eyes.

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Wondering what the schedule is for Sunday’s Indianapolis 500? Check it out below!

Schedule of Events:

5 a.m.-1 p.m.: Ticket and Credentials Office Open

6 a.m.-4 p.m.: Public Gates Open

7 a.m.: Snake Pit presented by Coors Light Gates Open

8:15 a.m.: Snake Pit – Jauz Begins

8:45 a.m.: Borg-Warner Trophy March to the Bricks Begins from IMS Museum

8:55 a.m.: Borg-Warner Trophy Reaches Checkpoint 1 – South Pit Gate

9 a.m.: DJ Slater Begins on Pagoda 3 Stage

9:05 a.m.: Borg-Warner Trophy Reaches Checkpoint 2 – Pagoda Plaza

9:15 a.m.: Snake Pit – Valentino Khan Begins

10:10 a.m.: Borg-Warner Trophy arrives at Yard of Bricks

10:25 a.m.: “On The Banks Of The Wabash,” Purdue University Band

10:30 a.m.: Cars to Grid

10:30 a.m.: Snake Pit – Subtronics Begins

10:37 a.m.: Green Flag and Indy 500 Winners Lap

10:44 a.m.: Honorary Starter Receives Green Flag from IU Health Patient – Trackside Stage

10:54 a.m.: Historic Cars Lap

10:55 a.m.: All Cars on the Grid

11:25 a.m.: Military Appreciation Lap

11:47 a.m.: Driver Introductions Begin

12:10 p.m.: U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team Begins Descent

12:18 p.m.: Invocation, Archbishop Charles C. Thompson, Archdiocese of Indianapolis

12:19 p.m.: Rifle Volley and “Taps”

12:21 p.m.: “God Bless America,” Angela Brown

12:25 p.m.: National Anthem, Jewel

12:27 p.m.: Flyover – U.S. Air Force F-16 Vipers, 49th Fighter Wing

12:29 p.m.: “Drivers To Your Cars,” Grand Marshal Stephanie Beatriz

12:36 p.m.: “Back Home Again in Indiana,” Jim Cornelison

12:38 p.m.: “Drivers Start Your Engines,” Roger Penske

12:45 p.m.: Green Flag, 107th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge

12:50 p.m.: Snake Pit – Kaskade Begins

2:20 p.m.: Snake Pit – John Summit Begins

New York (CNN) — At long last, the White House and House Republicans have reached a tentative agreement to raise the debt ceiling. But a deal isn’t over yet: Congress still needs to vote on the deal – far from a guaranteed outcome – and President Joe Biden would need to sign it before the US defaults or misses a scheduled payment.

Every day that passes without a bill to raise the debt ceiling, the probability of the United States reaching the critical date that it can no longer meet its financial obligations steadily grows.

If lawmakers fail to pass the tentative agreement, and they don’t raise the country’s debt limit by early June, the government may confront an unprecedented challenge: determining which bills to prioritize for payment as the Treasury Department grapples with insufficient funds.

Debt vs. other payments

If the United States doesn’t raise the debt ceiling in time, the Treasury may have to decide whether to make interest payments to its debtholders or to pay its non-debt obligations, such as Social Security, veterans’ benefits, unemployment insurance, food stamps, and running government organizations like the military and the Centers for Disease Control.

The United States government makes millions of payments each day, but the overall economy would pay a far greater price if it were to miss payments on its debt, according to Mark Zandi, the chief economist at Moody’s Analytics. Moody’s Analytics is separate from Moody’s Investor Service, the credit rating agency.

If the United States defaults on its debt, it would undermine faith in the federal government’s ability to pay all its bills on time, affecting the government’s credit rating and unleashing massive turbulence in financial markets.

Countries with lower credit ratings face higher interest rate costs than those that are viewed as more trustworthy borrowers. The three largest credit rating agencies — Moody’s Investor Service, S&P Global Ratings, and Fitch Ratings — rate borrowers based on their perceived ability to pay back debt.

If America’s credit rating were downgraded, that could raise borrowing costs for millions of Americans, sending mortgage, personal loan and credit card rates higher. It could make business’ borrowing costs rise and lead to layoffs – and ultimately a recession.

What gets prioritized?

Absent a bill passed by Congress and signed by Biden, Treasury will likely do everything in its power to avoid a debt default.

In contrast to debt payments, government payments like Social Security or federal worker salaries aren’t considered debt instruments, so they are less likely to come into play when the agencies rate the United States’ debt.

Zandi acknowledged that a government decision to pay back bondholders, including foreign governments like China and Japan, over an elderly Social Security recipient will likely be politically unpopular. However, he believes the government would try to prevent a debt default for as long as it can.

“The reality is, if they don’t do that, then the economy is going to evaporate, the budget deficits are going to explode, and our interest expense is going to rise because investors are going to demand higher rates,” Zandi said.

“A grandmother 10 to 20 years from now looking for a Social Security check will be much less likely to get one. At least not one as large because we’ll be in a much more precarious financial situation.”

Yellen, however, has not said what the Treasury Department would do if the country hits the so-called X-date, when the government can no longer meet all its obligations. In March, she called prioritizing payments “effectively a default by just another name.”

Treasury will not be able to make everyone happy

On Friday, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen updated her estimate of the X-date, to June 5.

Though prioritizing debt payments might stave off an even-greater economic collapse, the United States may not emerge unscathed.

In 2011, then-Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner compared the government picking and choosing which bills to pay to a homeowner who pays their mortgage while pushing off their car loan and credit card bills: while that key housing expense is taken care of, that person would likely still have damaged credit.

Betsey Stevenson, a professor of economics and public policy at the University of Michigan, said no matter which payments Treasury decides to put first, the agency will likely be sued by those left behind.

“What should Treasury do? Should it issue new debt it’s not authorized to issue? Should it fail to pay a bill it’s required to pay? Should it fail to honor the debt that the US government has issued? There is no clear legal answer,” she said.

“Treasury doesn’t really want to answer that question, and they don’t really want to be in that position.”

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The favorites are well known after two weeks of qualifying and practice ahead of the Indy 500, which rolls off Sunday for its 107th running with one of the largest crowds in more than three decades expected to pack Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

IndyCar points leader Alex Palou, the series champion two years ago, sits on the pole to lead the powerful quartet from Chip Ganassi Racing. Palou is the betting favorite at 5-1 odds, according to FanDuel Sportsbook, ahead of Pato O’Ward, the Mexican star for the equally stout Arrow McLaren, and Ganassi teammate Scott Dixon, who is still searching for a second Indy 500 win.

Palou and Dixon have two more teammates capable of winning in defending champion Marcus Ericsson and two-time winner Takuma Sato, while O’Ward has McLaren teammates Felix Rosenqvist and former winners Alexander Rossi and Tony Kanaan.

Things rarely go according to script in “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” though. The chaos of 33 cars flying down the front stretch and into that infamous first turn at more than 230 mph, and the ensuing 200 laps, often produces some unexpected results.

Asked for a surprise contender, Colton Herta of Andretti Autosport replied: “Canapino.”

That would be Agustín Canapino, one of the most popular athletes in Argentina, who is making his Indy 500 debut. He has been fast in practice and, despite qualifying in the ninth row, showed plenty of speed in Friday’s final shakedown.

“I think he’s still got a little bit to learn from following him and whatnot on his gaps and his timing,” Herta said, “but he seems like he has a fast car. I think if he can make some adjustments driving-wise, it could be really good for him.”

Josef Newgarden, the Team Penske driver still searching for his first Indy 500 win, also said Canapino stood out to him.

“You put Canapino in position at the end and, oh, he would go for it,” Newgarden said. “He’s very, very impressive this year, and people wrote him off before he even started. He’s done tremendously well for no experience. I can’t speak highly enough.”

Santino Ferrucci is another driver who has come out of nowhere in May. He joined A.J. Foyt Racing, which has struggled for years but underwent an operational overhaul in the offseason, and along with rookie Benjamin Pedersen has turned heads all month.

Ferrucci, who will start fourth, has never finished worse than 10th in four previous starts.

“Yeah, I think Santino can be fast if they all get it right in the pits and stuff,” Kanaan said. “He finished up front here in the past, he ran up front, and he has a really good car, so I think he’s going to be tough.”

Two of the more high-profile teams have had quiet Indianapolis 500 preps before making a statement in final practice.

Andretti Autosport has flown under the radar but sent a warning shot on Friday when Kyle Kirkwood was fifth-fastest on the speed chart, with Herta two spots behind him and Romain Grosjean giving the team a third car in the top eight.

Meanwhile, the Penske team seemed to find some speed — and confidence — during final practice after putting just one driver in the first four rows in qualifying. Will Power turned the third-fastest lap in practice while Newgarden and Scott McLaughlin also were in the top 10.

Practice is one thing, though. One of the most iconic races in motorsports is something else entirely.

“It’s really hard to single anyone out these days,” Newgarden said. “Anyone can win this race, genuinely. The strategy can flip on its head with 50 to go and all of a sudden the front-runners are in the back and vice versa. You just don’t know how it’s going to shape up. It could be a normal day; it could be a crazy day. It’s always a guess when you come into these things.”

The 107th running of the Indianapolis 500 is underway.

See results on News 8 at 6 p.m., 10 p.m. and 11 p.m., and Sunday Night Sports Locker at 10:30 p.m. Watch the livestream.

Share your race day photos with us wishweb@wishtv.com or on Twitter at @WISH_TV!

4:13 p.m.

Joseph Newgaden, driver of the No. 2 PPG Team Penske Chevrolet, wins the 107th running of the Indianapolis 500. He won by 0.974 of a second with 21 contenders left on the track.

Marcus Ericsson is second. Santino Ferrucci is third.

4:12 p.m.

Green flag, last lap!

4:11 p.m.

The 26 remaining racers leave the pits on yellow flag, with two laps to go.

4:02 p.m.

Race control is auditing the lineup of the race, Indianapolis Motor Speedway announces, as cars prepare for a possible restart.

4 p.m.

Marcus Ericksson, who was leading the race, received a red flag.

3:58 p.m.

Green flag with four laps to go, followed by a yellow flag before in a crash of Benjamin Pederson and Ed Carpenter crashed on restart before crossing the yard of bricks. Pederson and Carpenter join 10 others who have left the race, 11 of them due to contact.

3:56 p.m.

On yellow flag, drivers return to the track in anticipation of the restart.

3:46 p.m.

Cars line up for a restart as an ambulance heads toward the medical center from the crash. Cars will restart on Lap 195. Pato O’Ward, Simon Pagenaud and Agustin Catapino are out of the race, joining seven others. A total of 23 drivers remain. None of the three were seriously injured.

3:42 p.m.

The second red flag of the race comes about 25 minutes after the first red flag.

3:41 p.m.

Scott McLaughlin hits Simon Pagenaud, causing Pato O’Ward crash into the wall in Turn 2, then Agustin Catapino’s damaged car comes to rest next to O’Ward’s car.

3:40 p.m.

Green flag!

3:38 p.m.

Yellow flag continues with nine laps to go. Pato O’Ward leads the 26 remaining cars.

3:36 p.m.

Yellow flag with 11 laps to go.

3:33 p.m.

Twelve laps to go, still under yellow flag.

3:30 p.m.

The race is restarting under a yellow flag with 13 laps to go. Ryan Hunter-Reay leads, but his team says he will pit.

3:25 p.m.

Cars are lining up in pit road for a restart. No injuries have been injured.

Rosenqvist, Kirkwood and David join four other drivers out of the race. Six have left the race over contact.

3:16 p.m.

Red flag after cars of Felix Rosenqvist and Kyle Kirkwood are moved to the pits with 14 laps to go. It’s the first red flag of the race.

3:11 p.m

Yellow flag: Felix Rosenqvist hits Kyle Kirkwood. The yellow flag is the third of the race.

3:08 p.m.

Leaders at 180 laps: Ryan Hunter-Reay, Callum Illott, Colton Herta, Agustin Canapino, Pato O’Ward, Marcus Ericsson, Felix Rosenqvist, Josef Newgarden, Alexander Rossi and Santino Ferrucci.

3:02 p.m.

Santino Ferrucci will get a warning and fine for a tire rolling in front of the car in the pits.

3 p.m.

Here are the leaders in Lap 170: Marcus Ericsson, Kyle Kirkwood, Josef Newgarden, Felix Rosenqvist, Alexander Rossi, Alex Palou, Scott Dixon, Takuma Sato, Pato O’Ward and Ryan Hunter-Reay.

2:53 p.m

Here are the leaders in Lap 160: Santino Ferrucci, Marcus Ericsson, Josef Newgarden, Felix Rosenqvist, Alexander Rossi, Kyle Kirkwood, Alex Palo, Conor Daly, Scott Dixon and Takuma Sato.

The green flag is back out after the second yellow flag of the race.

2:46 p.m.

Leaders of Lap 150: Marcus Ericsson, Josef Newgarden, Felix Rosenqvist, Alexander Rossi, Pato O’Ward, Santino Ferrucci, Kyle Kirkwood, Ed Carpenter, Alex Palou, and Takuma Sato.

2:41 p.m.

Yellow flag for No. 28 car of Romain Grosjean. He hit the wall coming off Turn 3. He’s the fourth driver to leave the race; the third due to contact. It’s the second straight Indy 500 that he’s had to leave early.

Here are the leaders in Lap 140: Marcus Ericsson, Josef Newgarden, Felix Rosenqvist, Alexander Rossi, Pato O’Ward, Santino Ferrucci, Kyle Kirkwood, Ed Carpenter, Alex Palou and Takuma Sato. Many drivers went into the pits after the crash.

2:34 p.m.

Leaders in Lap 140: Marcus Ericsson, Josef Newgarden, Felix Rosenqvist, Alexander Rossi, Santino Ferrucci, Pato O’Ward, Ed Carpenter, Conor Daly, Kyle Kirkwood, and Alex Palou.

2:30 p.m.

Teammates Colton Herta and Romain Grosjean collide coming out of the pit. Herta received a drive-through penalty.

2:27 p.m.

Here are the leaders in Lap 130: Felix Rosenqvist, Santino Ferrucci, Marcus Ericsson, Josef Newgarden, Alexander Rossi, Colton Herta, Conor Daly, Kyle Kirkwood, Takuma Sato, and Scott Dixon.

2:19 p.m.

Here are the leaders at Lap 120: Pato O’Ward, Felix Rosenqvist, Santino Ferrucci, Josef Newgarden, Marcus Ericsson, Colton Herta, Alexander Rossi, Conor Daly, Kyle Kirkwood and Callum Ilott.

2:08 p.m.

Leaders at Lap 105: Felix Rosenqvist, Pato O’Ward, Santino Ferrucci, Callum Iliott, Josef Newgarden, Marcus Ericsson, Colton Herta, Alexander Rossi, Tony Kanaan and Conor Daly.

2:06 p.m.

The green flag is back out, and Felix Rosenqvist and Callum Ilott battle for the top spot.

Rinus VeeKay is issued a drive-through penalty for the contact made in pit lane. VeeKay in Lap 103 was in seventh spot.

2:02 p.m.

Rinus VeeKay had swerved to miss Agustin Canapino in the pits and then hit Alex Palou’s car. Canapino’s No. 78 car will be put at the back of the pack at the green flag.

Sting Ray Robb is seen leaving the race’s hospital facility.

1:56 p.m.

Rinus VeeKay hits teammate Alex Palou’s car, forcing it into a pit wall, as both and many other drivers were exiting the pits.

1:54 p.m.

Rookie Sting Ray Robb crashes into wall, the day’s first yellow flag. He’s the third driver to leave the race. His best lap in the race: 223.824 mph.

1:51 p.m.

Rookie RC Enerson is out of the race with mechanical problems.

1:37 p.m.

Here are the leaders in Lap 70: Pato O’Ward, Felix Rosenqvist, Rinus VeeKay, Alex Palou, Santino Ferrucci, Alexander Rossi, Will Power, Josef Newgarden, Marcus Ericsson and Takuma Sato.

1:35 p.m.

Colton Herta takes the lead in Lap 68 as race leaders go to pits.

1:30 p.m.

Here are the leaders in Lap 60: Alex Palou, Rinus VeeKay, Felix Rosenqvist, Santino Ferrucci, Pato O’Ward, Alexander Rossi, Will Power, Marcus Ericsson, Josef Newgarden and Takuma Sato.

The car of Katherine Legge is returning to the garage after completing 40 laps. Her best lap speed was 217.276 mph.

1:26 p.m.

Through Lap 55, leader Alex Palou’s best lap so far: 222.244 mph. Temperature at the track is 76 degrees.

1:23 p.m.

Here are the leaders in Lap 50: Alex Palou, Rinus VeeKay, Felix Rosenqvist, Alexander Rossi, Santino Ferrucci, Pato O’Ward, Will Power, Marcus Ericsson, Josef Newgarden and Takuma Sato.

1:16 p.m.

Here are the leaders in Lap 40: Rinus VeeKay, Alex Palou, Felix Rosenqvist, Alexander Rossi, Pato O’Ward, Santino Ferrucci, Will Power, Marcus Ericsson, Josef Newgarden and Takuma Sato.

1:12 p.m.

Alex Palou returned to the lead in Lap 37. Katherine Legge returns to the pits.

1:11 p.m.

Katherine Legge, coming out of the pits, briefly hits the pit wall before returning to the race, which is in Lap 36.

1:08 p.m.

Leaders at Lap 30: Rinus VeeKay, Felix Rosenqvist, Alexander Rossi, Pato O’Ward, Will Power, Marcus Ericsson, Takuma Sato, Josef Newgarden, Tony Kanaan and Scott McLaughlin.

1:07 p.m.

Scott Dixon and Helio Castroneves make stops in the pits.

1:03 p.m.

Linus VeeKay retakes the lead on Lap 24 over Alex Palou.

1:02 p.m.

Leaders at Lap 20: Alex Palou, Rinus VeeKay, Felix Rosenqvist, Santino Ferrucci, Alexander Rossi, Pato O’Ward, Scott Dixon, Will Power, Takuma Sato and Marcus Ericsson.

12:58 p.m.

Alex Palou overtakes Rinus VeeKay, leading laps 15 and 16. Palou’s best lap speed so far also is 219.538 mph.

12:55 p.m.

On Lap 11, Rinus VeeKay led the race, go ahead of Alex Palou. VeeKay’s best lap after Lap 14: 219.538 mph.

12:50 p.m.

Graham Rahal has returned to the track, two laps behind the leader, Alex Palou.

12:47 p.m.

The green flag is out, and the race is on!

12:45 p.m.

Graham Rahal stalls, then refires and stalls again. No green flag yet.

12:39 p.m.

Roger Penske salutes veterans prior to saying “Drivers, start your engines.” The roar of engines quickly followed. Less than 2 minutes later, pace car driver Tyrese Haliburton, a member of the Indiana Pacers team, led drivers in an initial lap of the track.

12:45 p.m.

The green flag is out, and the race is on!

12:38 p.m.

 Jim Cornelison sings “(Back Home Again) in Indiana” for the seventh time before a jet flyover.

12:25 p.m.

Performing singer Jewel, strumming a guitar, sings a bluesy rendition of the National Anthem.

12:22 p.m.

Awaiting the 12:45 p.m. start of the Indianapolis 500, Archbishop Charles C. Thompson from the Archdiocese of Indianapolis gave an invocation that honored veterans and asked God to be a presence at the race for drivers and fans. World-renown opera soprano Angela Brown, an Indianapolis native, then sang “God Bless America” for the second time before an Indianapolis 500 race.

11:40 a.m.

Will Power tells News 8’s Andrew Chernoff that he’d love to win another Indy 500 for team owner Roger Penske. Penske, who also owns IMS, has a record 18 Indianapolis 500 wins as a team owner.

11:35 a.m.

11:20 a.m.

It would be hard to find a more beautiful trophy than the Borg-Warner, let alone a taller one!

11:20 a.m.

Alex Palou will start from the pole on Sunday. If he wins, he’ll be the first driver from Spain to win the Indianapolis 500.

11:15 a.m.

Rookie driver Sting Ray Robb did the most important thing an Indy 500 hopeful has to do: he made the race.

Robb will roll off the grid 31st on Sunday. News 8’s Andrew Chernoff caught up with the Honda driver at the IMS Media Center.

11:10 a.m.

It’s hard to go wrong with matching checkered flag looks on race day at IMS!

11:05 a.m.

Spotted on the red carpet: songstress Jewel, who will sing the national anthem.

10:45 a.m.

Takuma Sato has kissed the bricks at Indianapolis twice. Is a third trip to Victory Circle in his future?

The only Japanese driver to win the Indianapolis 500 is Takuma Sato, who’s done it twice — once in 2017 and again in 2020.

10:36 a.m.

Will Marcus Ericsson win on Sunday and join a mall group of drivers who’ve ever claimed back-to-back victories in the Indianapolis 500?

10:28 a.m.

Things are still quiet on the track, but that can’t be said for the Snake Pit!

10:24 a.m.

Mayor Joe Hogsett is at IMS. He spoke with News 8’s Drew Blair at the IMS Media Center about his memories of past Indianapolis 500s.

10:20 a.m.

NASCAR star Kyle Larson, who will make his first Indianapolis 500 start in 2024, is at IMS ahead of today’s Coca-Cola 600 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

10:10 a.m.

Check out the kicks Santino Ferrucci has on this morning!

10:07 a.m.

Race fans are hitting the food and merch stands and finding their seats along the frontstretch.

10:05 a.m.

9:58 a.m.

News 8’s Andrew Chernoff caught up with two-time Indy 500 winner, Takuma Sato.

9:55 a.m.

9:50 a.m.

Are you brave enough to make racecar noises on live TV? These fans were!

9:45 a.m.

The Borg-Warner Trophy is making its way to the Yard of Bricks, where it’s set to arrive at 10:10 AM.

9:40 a.m.

Tony Kanaan is just hours away from his final Indianapolis 500.

9:34 a.m.

A lot of people in Speedway also love the Indianapolis 500 and they show their Month of May spirit by decoratin their homes.

9:32 a.m.

9:28 a.m.

News 8’s Andrew Chernoff caught up with R.C. Enerson in Gasoline Alley.

9:20 a.m.

Will 2023 finally be the year that driver-owner and fan favorite Ed Carpenter finally kisses the bricks?

News 8’s Andrew Chernoff caught up with Ed in Gasoline Alley.

9:16 a.m.

News 8 Sports Director Anthony Calhoun has a great view down in the Snake Pit!

9:13 a.m.

News 8’s Andrew Chernoff caught up with Christian Lundgaard, driver of the No. 45 Honda for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing.

9:10 a.m.

9:08 a.m.

Anybody feeling hungry?

9:05 a.m.

It wouldn’t be the Indy 500 without the Gordon Pipers!

A look at the sights in Gasoline Alley.

9:02 a.m.

Fans are having a great time down in the Snake Pit!

9 a.m.

8:55 a.m.

Gov. Eric Holcomb is at the track today! He caught up with News 8’s Drew Blair at the IMS Media Center.

8:51 a.m.

Ed Carpenter is always a fan favorite at the Indy 500. News 8’s Andrew Chernoff caught up with this owner-driver in Gasoline Alley.

8:47 a.m.

Stefan Wilson won’t be running in today’s Indy 500 but he is in Gasoline Alley to support Graham Rahal, the driver running in his place. 

8:40 a.m.

News 8’s Hanna Mordoh competed in a trike race against Paul Souza from the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis!

8:35 a.m.

This year’s Indy 500 isn’t a sellout, but track president Doug Boles still expect one of the bigget crowds in years.

8:25 a.m.

It takes hundreds of law enforcement officers from around the state to ensure fans and drivers stay safe on race day. Drew Blair caught up with IMPD Chief Randal Taylor to talk race day safety.

8:20 a.m.

Need a sweet treat at the track? Blondie from Blondie’s Cookies can help!

8:13 a.m.

Meet Butch! He came all the way from St. Louis for his 76th Indianapolis 500!

8:10 a.m.

The singing of “Back Home Again in Indiana” is an Indianapolis 500 tradition.

Need a refresher on the lyrics? Check ’em out here: 2023 Indy 500 Back Home Again in Indiana

7:55 a.m.

IMS President Doug Boles might be more excited about today’s Indy 500 than anyone else at the track.

7:50 a.m.

One of the most important race day responsibilities falls to the person who delivers the milk to the winning driver in Victory Circle.

7:48 a.m.

It may be early, but a few fans are already in the stands!

7:43 a.m.

Race fans are known for their unique fashion choices, but it’s hard to beat this group down at the Snake Pit!

7:40 a.m.

Two of the best in the business!

7:36 a.m.

The gates at IMS opened at 6 a.m. sharp and fans are streaming through the gates.

7:30 a.m.

Tony Kanaan says today will be his final Indianapolis 500.

Here’s what TK had to say on Twitter.

7:20 a.m.

Here’s a look at the backup at I-465 and West 38th Street on the west side.

7:15 a.m.

Drew Blair kicked her feet up and relaxed for a few minutes in the IMS Media Center.

7 a.m.

A majority of the cars that have won the Indy 500 have done so on Firestone tires.

Hanna Mordoh caught up with a member of the Firestone team to talk tires.

6:57 a.m.

6:55 a.m.

Argentine racer Agustín Canapino is a rookie who is paving the way for Latino race car drivers. He says being able to compete in the Indy 500 is a dream come true.

6:50 a.m.

6:48 a.m.

Feeling a bit thirsty? Hanna Mordoh stopped by Maui Wowie, one of the many vendors at the track, for a smoothie!

6:45 a.m.

There’s much more to race day than the race itself! Check the race day schedule to make sure you don’t miss a single moment!

6:40 a.m.

There are still a few tickets available to the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”

Reserved seats are still available at various prices from $69-$144. $50 for General Admission only, no grandstand access and no Snake Pit entry. Kids 15 and under are admitted free when accompanied by a General Admission adult ticketholder. All Snake Pit presented by Coors Light attendees must also hold a valid Indianapolis 500 Race Day ticket. 

Visit the IMS website to snag yours.

6:35 a.m.

6:32 a.m.

6:31 a.m.

6:30 a.m.

Lena and Hanna are race ready!

6:23 a.m.

6:20 a.m.

6:15 a.m.

Plan ahead! Today’s crowd is expected to be one of the biggest in 25 years!

6:05 a.m.

6 a.m.

5:55 a.m.

Phil Sanchez and Alexis Rogers are ready for the gates to open!

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Hoosiers, it’s time to cool off!

Public swimming pools located inside Indiana State Parks will open this weekend, as well as several Department of Natural Resources swimming beaches.

Take a dip in the pool

The following state park pools will open Saturday:

• Brown County
• Clifty Falls
• McCormick’s Creek
• O’Bannon Woods
• Prophetstown
• Shakamak
• Spring Mill
• Turkey Run
• Versailles

The public pool at Cagles Mill Lake (Lieber State Recreation Area) will open on Sunday. The Cagles Mill Lake swimming beach opens Saturday.

Time to hit the beach

The beach at Indiana Dunes State Park will open Saturday, with lifeguards on duty.

Several state park beaches that offer swimming with no lifeguards will also open this weekend:

• Chain O’Lakes
• Lincoln
• Ouabache
• Pokagon
• Potato Creek
• Summit Lake
• Whitewater Memorial

The beaches at Monroe and Patoka Lakes, the Ferdinand State Forest, and several other state properties will open for the season on Saturday.

Applications are still being accepted for lifeguard positions, which are open to qualified applicants ages 15 and older. Visit stateparks.IN.gov to learn more.