Indy 500 pre-race blog: Weather delays push back Indy 500
WISH-TV’s pre-race coverage wrapped up by 12:30 p.m. We will keep you covered on all the latest storm information ahead of the Indy 500 as the weather goes on.
WISH-TV live newscast | Interactive radar | Latest forecast | Traffic watch | Previous Month of May coverage
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The 108th running of the Greatest Spectacle in Racing is just hours away from beginning its course around the track at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway – the Indianapolis 500 is finally here.
WISH-TV has you covered with the latest pre-race action on race day. Join us as we begin our countdown to the green flag.
2:04 p.m. – Lightning has cleared the area around the track; gates have re-opened
1:57 p.m. – Rain almost wrapping up
1:54 p.m. – When we can expect things to start drying out
1:12 p.m. – Special weather statement has been issued for Carmel, Fishers, and Noblesville until 2 p.m.
1:11 p.m. – Parts of eastern Indiana are under a severe thunderstorm watch until 8 p.m.
12:58 p.m. – IMS Update
All pedestrian gates and vehicle gates inbound are closed.
12:46 p.m. – Severe thunderstorm warning in place for Hamilton, Hendricks and Marion counties
12:33 p.m. – Lightning detected in the vicinity of the Speedway
Midday weather forecast with Tara Hastings
Tara’s Midday Race Day forecast
11:15 a.m. – Fans are leaving the track to shelter from the storm
(WISH Photos/Adele Reich)
UPDATE: IMS President Boles discusses weather
IMS Pres. Doug Boles said in a press conference Sunday morning that with severe weather moving into central Indiana, the race will face delays.
Boles says that fans will be asked to leave the track at 11:15 a.m., but remains hopeful that the race can begin by 2 p.m.
Rain was projected to roll over Speedway around noon, 45 minutes before the green flag waves.
Boles says if lightning is spotted within eight miles of the track, fans will be asked to leave the grandstands and follow their own safety plans. Those who leave the stands will be allowed to return to the facility after the weather calms. A communications spokesperson with IMS confirmed to News 8 that fans’ tickets will be rescanned for reentry.
Boles later said that they will not start pre-race ceremonies until they believe they can start the race.
10:35 a.m. – INDYCAR teams on hold
News 8 has confirmed that teams are on hold due to weather. The cars will not roll out to the pits as previously scheduled. It wasn’t clear when the cars would be given the green light to enter pit lane.
10:30 a.m. – Hanna and Scott with the Borg-Warner in pit lane
News 8’s Scott Sander and Hanna Mordoh with the Borg-Warner in Pit Lane
Celebrities have hit the red carpet
The Purdue marching band has hit the track
It’s getting windy
Cars roll out at 10:30 a.m.
News 8 has learned that the cars are set to roll from the garage to the track at 10:30 a.m.
Mayor Hogsett joins Daybreak
Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett joined News 8’s Dakarai Turner at the end of our 9 a.m. show this morning to talk racing and the weather.
Dakari Turner and Mayor Hogsett
Traffic update 9:40 a.m.
We’re taking a little sneak peek at how traffic’s looking around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway this morning. Remember to drive safe! 
Parade of Princesses 👑
The Indy 500 Princesses have made their way on the track.
9:13 a.m.
9:11 a.m.
The shops and food stands are packed this morning!
The Borg-Warner Trophy is heading to the track
PHOTOS | Wild times in the 2024 Indy 500 Snake Pit 🐍
A little bit of rain can’t scare these Snake Pit partiers.
Indy 500 pre-race blog: Weather delays push back Indy 500
(WISH Photo/Danielle Zulkosky)
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb drops by on Daybreak
News 8’s Dakari Turner and Governor Holcomb
8:30 a.m. weather forecast from Storm Track 8
Marcus’ 8:30 a.m. weather update of severe rain
BEYOND THE BRICKYARD | FAN FUN AT THE 108TH INDY 500
Catch a glimpse of fan fun beyond the track!
Indy 500 pre-race blog: Weather delays push back Indy 500
Tailgaters were out bright and early to watch fireworks go off, indicating the gates of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway were finally open. (WISH Photo/Danny Quijano)
8:30 a.m.
Be careful, Hanna 😬
ISP Superintendent Doug Carter joins News 8 to talk safety
Dakari Turner and ISP Superintendent
News 8’s Andrew Chernoff catching up with Ed Carpenter ahead of the race
Ed Carpenter interview
8 a.m.
Traffic on the west side of Indianapolis looks delightful so far.
IMPD Chief Bailey discusses safety plan for Indy 500
News 8’s Dakari interviewing Chief Bailey
The latest weather forecast from Storm Track 8
Marcus’ 7:30 a.m. weather update on rain threatening to delay Indy 500
7:40 a.m.
WISH-TV’s reporting partners at WIBC caught some backup on I-465 ramps around Speedway.
7:26 a.m.
Our tailgating king Colin Baillie interviewed a group of fans getting in the Indy 500 spirit outside the track.
News 8’s Colin interviews tailgaters getting in Indy 500 spirit
7:25 a.m.
Traffic’s starting to back up around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Drive safe today, Indy!
7:20 a.m.
THE MILK HAS ARRIVED! 🏁🥛
Milk arrives at the Brickyard
7:15 a.m.
News 8’s Phil Sanchez and Brittany Noble checked in with a family from Columbus, Ohio, outside Gate 1 who say this is their very first Indy 500.
News 8’s Phil and Brittany talk to Indy 500 first timers from Columbus, Ohio
7:07 a.m.
It looks like smooth sailing outside the IMS so far this morning. Here’s a look at the track from News 8 digital journalist Ashley Fowler.
7 a.m.
News 8’s Hanna Mordoh got to see the pace car up close and personal in the pit lane 👀
News 8′ Hanna Mordoh reporting in the Pace Car
6:46 a.m.
News 8’s Colin Baillie interviewed a longtime Indy 500 fan from South Carolina. He says despite the distance and confusion from neighbors, he has his checkered flags hanging up during the Month of May in honor of the race.
Colin interviewing longtime Indy 500 fan South Carolina
6:30 a.m.
6:17 a.m.
Fun fact from Storm Track 8 meteorologist Ryan Morse…
6:10 a.m.
Storm Track 8’s Marcus Bailey caught these skydivers enjoying an early morning jump over the track.
6:07 a.m.
6:04 a.m.
Take a peek behind the scenes of IMS before the gates opened.
Indy 500 pre-race blog: Weather delays push back Indy 500
News 8's sports reporter Andrew Chernoff interviews Vivek Ramaswamy. (WISH Photo/Riley Woodall)
6 a.m.
With the burst of a cannon, the gates have finally opened at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway! 🏁
5:55 a.m.
Lines are already forming outside of Gate 1 at IMS. News 8’s Phil Sanchez caught these folks very patiently waiting for their time to explore the Speedway. Gates open at 6 a.m.
5:50 a.m.
Tailgaters are out and about celebrating the Indy 500 in their own ways. News 8’s Colin Baillie heard from a few of them in the interview below.
Colin Bailee interviewing Indy 500 fan from Chicago
5:30 a.m.
News 8’s Phil Sanchez and Brittany Noble heard from two Indy 500 first-timers from South Dakota.