Indianapolis Motor Speedway ready for first day of Indy 500 practice
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – Engines will be roaring at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Wednesday as day one of practice for the 104th running of the Indy 500 begins.
First on the schedule is the unveiling of this year’s pace car with IMS President Doug Boles at 10 a.m.
And then it’s back to the track at 11 a.m. for veterans practice, followed by rookie orientation and refresher tests at 1 p.m. and then open practice kicking off at 3 p.m.
Open practice will run Wednesday through Sunday, Aug. 16 with qualifications on Aug. 15 and 16.
The first day of practice was originally scheduled for Aug. 11, but that date was pushed back by one day. That push was one of the many changes to the Indy 500 this year because of the pandemic.
After reducing capacity inside the track to 25%, IMS announced that all on-track activity during the month of August, including practice and qualifications, would take place without fans.
It was also announced the local TV blackout of the race would be lifted.
“We tried really, really hard to get fans here. It was really important for us to have fans have here. We are now focused on 2021 and ready to get fans back out here. So, we want people to celebrate, stay safe and social distance, wear a mask, don’t want anyone getting sick. Let’s get through this so we can have a great 2021,” said Boles on Wednesday morning.
The next big event before the green flag waves on Aug. 23 will be Carb Day happening Friday, Aug. 21.
For a full schedule of Indy 500 events, click here.