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Indy 500 Pre-Race Blog: Blackout lifted

Track Team 13 updates of events leading up to the race, including fans arriving at the track, the Snake Pit opening, red carpet appearances and pre-race traditions.
Credit: Rob Peeters/WTHR
The scoring pylon at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway prior to the 108th Indianapolis 500, Sunday, May 26, 2024 in Indianapolis.

INDIANAPOLIS — Happy Race Day! The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is ready for the 108th Running of the Indianapolis 500

Here's where you'll find Track Team 13 updates of events leading up to the race, including fans arriving at the track, the Snake Pit opening, red carpet appearances and pre-race traditions.

Updates

4:26 p.m. - This concludes our pre-race coverage. Please follow our Live Race Blog here.

4:24 p.m. - Jordin Sparks is singing the National Anthem.

4:20 p.m. - The race will have to be done by 8:15 p.m. 

4:18 p.m. - Phillip Phillips is singing "God Bless America."

4:01 p.m. - We're just over a half an hour away from those engines revving up!

3:50 p.m. - Driver introductions are underway.

3:39 p.m. - Cars are heading to the track.

We have cars headed to the track!

Posted by WTHR-TV on Sunday, May 26, 2024

3:28 p.m. - We're only a few minutes away from the start of coverage for the 108th Running of the Indianapolis 500 on WTHR Channel 13.

3:22 p.m. - Here is an updated timeline of when the race could start.

3:15 p.m. - The race could start before 5 p.m.!

3:04 p.m. - For those unable to be at the track — watch the race live on WTHR Channel 13.

2:52 p.m. - Get it DRY! Let's race!

2:39 p.m. - The blackout has lifted for central Indiana. You will be able to watch the race live with coverage starting on WTHR Channel 13 beginning at 3 p.m.

2:05 p.m. - Great news! Let's get people back inside and ready to race!

1:46 p.m. - But...it should be gone around 2:30 p.m.

1:30 p.m. - This would be amazing. Let's get it out of here, get the track dry and get racing.

1:14 p.m. - The Thunderstorm Warning for Marion County has expired.

1:00 p.m. - Hail and strong winds are being reported at IMS along with the rain.

12:55 p.m. - A Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Hamilton and Marion counties is in effect until 1:15 p.m. 

12:53 p.m. - The National Weather Service reports gusts up to 55 mph at the Indianapolis International Airport.

12:33 p.m. - Rain has arrived at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Credit: WTHR

12:18 p.m. - Here's the Track Team 13 picks to win the Indy 500...whenever it gets going.

12:05 p.m. - Here is the latest update on the weather forecast.

12:00 p.m. - Our on air broadcast has ended. We will continue with weather and race updates here.

11:44 a.m. - Jordin Sparks talks about singing the National Anthem before the 2024 Indy 500.

11:35 a.m. - Here is the official announcement from IMS:

11:33 a.m. - While we are in a weather delay...How about some Flavor Flaaaaaavvv!!!!

11:29 a.m. - Fans are leaving the stands at IMS after a delay was issued due to weather.

11:18 a.m. - IMS has announced it is delaying the start of the race. Fans are asked to leave the grandstands and Snake Pit.

11:14 a.m. - We expect an announcement any minute now.

11:05 a.m. - Austin Butler, Jodie Comer to wave the green flag at 2024 Indy 500.

11:01 a.m. - Very nice.

10:50 a.m. - The Borg Warner Trophy arrives at the yard of bricks.

10:43 a.m. - IMS President Doug Boles is giving an update on the weather plan for the 108th Running of the Indianapolis 500. 

Boles said the storm is expected to arrive at IMS around noon to 12:30 p.m.

He said if the storms continue on the path they are now, they will ask fans to leave the grandstands at 11:15 a.m. 

Boles said that should give them time to make plans to get to somewhere safe.

Boles said they are planning to dry the track on the back side of the storms and maybe start up around 2:30-3 p.m.

10:30 a.m. - Colts JuJu Brents and Jaylin Simpson visit Gasoline Alley and makes their Indy 500 picks.

10:29 a.m. - Hey...it's not raining yet!

10:25 a.m. - This is what we were worried about.

10:18 a.m. - Actor Drew Powell talks last season of 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' and his pick for the Indy 500.

10:15 a.m. - Weather is what we are all watching.

10:00 a.m. - Catching up with sports broadcaster Lindsay Czarniak at the Indy 500 red carpet

9:59 a.m. - The Red Carpet is going on now.

9:55 a.m. - Good morning!

9:50 a.m. - 2019 Indy 500 winner Simon Pagenaud will honor former winner Gil de Ferran before today's race.

9:37 a.m. - You're never too young to become a race fan.

9:25 a.m. - Look at Gov. Eric Holcomb in his checkered jacket.

9:07 a.m. - Wouldn't want to be sitting behind her!

9:00 a.m. - Loving the good vibes!

8:55 a.m. - James Trinkle attending his 62nd Indy 500!

8:47 a.m. - Graham Rahal is hoping for a top 10 finish.

8:45 a.m. - Rain is definitely expected around race time.

8:40 a.m. - Two-time Indy 500 champ Takuma Sato will start his 10th Indy 500 today.

8:31 a.m. - Gotta kiss the bricks!

8:28 a.m. - Scott McLaughlin on the pole.

8:25 a.m. - Hi Ed!

8:20 a.m. - Dave and Indy 500 winner and 13 Sports race analyst Tony Kanaan and family.

Credit: WTHR

8:16 a.m. - Indy native Ed Carpenter will be racing in his 21st Indianapolis 500.

8:06 a.m. - You're doing great, Lindsey!

7:59 a.m. - Let's all stay safe out there today.

7:51 a.m. - No one is better: Dave, Scott and Anne!

7:45 a.m. - IMS President Doug Boles breaks down the weather plan.

7:40 a.m. - Snake Pit people are a different breed.

7:35 a.m. - Can you bring that by the station when you are done?

7:28 a.m. - When you get to IMS early, coffee is a MUST. 

Credit: WTHR
When you get to IMS early, coffee is a MUST.

7:20 a.m. - We hope to see these spinning today. 

7:17 a.m. - If Hélio Castroneves wins today, he will be the first driver ever to win The Greatest Spectacle in Racing five times!

Credit: WTHR
If Hélio Castroneves wins today, he will be the first driver ever to win The Greatest Spectacle in Racing five times!

7:10 a.m. - Good morning, Chuck, Lindsey and Steve!

Credit: WTHR

7:01 a.m. - Ready to party!

6:59 a.m. - Here's a look at some of the merch.

6:55 a.m. - The Andretti Global VIP Suite is pretty sweet!

6:52 a.m. - You've got to grab some swag.

6:50 a.m. - Gates at the Snake Pit will open soon.

6:45 a.m. - Chuck and Lindsay recap the IMS weather plan.

6:40 a.m. - You're doing a great job ladies!

6:35 a.m. - Dylan Sprouse is the grand marshal of the 2024 Indy 500.

6:30 a.m. - A lot has changed over the years.

Credit: WTHR

6:25 a.m. - IMS President Doug Boles said they are monitoring the storms moving toward Indianapolis. They plan to have an update for fans at the track in the coming hours. He said it does look like there will be an opportunity to get some racing in after the first round of storms moves through.

6:17 a.m. - What a moment as gates open for the Indy 500!

6:13 a.m. - Fans have their favorites.

6:08 a.m. - The team behind the scenes to make it all look easy.

Credit: WTHR

6:04 a.m. - Race morning preps underway in Gasoline Alley.

6:00 a.m. - Gates are open!

5:50 a.m. - Gates will be open soon.

5:43 a.m. - You got that right! Greatest day...greatest track!

5:25 a.m. - Up and at 'em!

5:19 a.m. - The iconic Yard of Bricks!

5:15 a.m. - Final preps at the Snake Pit.

5:00 a.m. - We are live on WTHR Channel 13 and WTHR+.

4:38 a.m. - Make sure to tune in starting at 5 a.m.

4:30 a.m. - She is quiet now...but just wait!

Credit: WTHR

4:28 a.m. - Here is the latest on the forecast:

RELATED: What are the rain chances for the Indy 500?

4:05 a.m. - We're awake and ready to go!

3:49 a.m. - Well sure...it's easy to get a spot now...

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