Countdown to Indianapolis 500: Key Details and Driver Lineup

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana — The excitement is building as the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 is set for Sunday, May 25, 2025. The race will kick off with the green flag dropping at 12:45 p.m. ET at the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

This year’s event features 33 drivers, all vying for glory in one of the world’s premier racing events. Among them is rookie Robert Shwartzman, who made headlines by clinching pole position with a speed of 232.790 mph, making him the first rookie to do so since 1983.

Takuma Sato, a former winner, will start alongside Shwartzman in second position, creating a thrilling start for the competitors. The field also includes eight former winners, including four-time champion Helio Castroneves and Scott Dixon, who holds the record for laps led in the Indy 500.

Josef Newgarden, the defending champion, faces a setback starting from 32nd after penalties for illegal car modifications. His teammate, Will Power, will start from 33rd. Both drivers have previously tasted victory, raising the stakes for their performances this year.

Fans will be able to watch the race live on Fox, beginning at 10 a.m. ET. Coverage will include play-by-play commentary and expert analysis, making it a must-watch for racing enthusiasts.

The Indianapolis 500, often referred to as ‘The Greatest Spectacle in Racing’, draws massive crowds and attention from around the globe. Last year’s race saw Josef Newgarden take home a purse of $4.288 million, with total pre-race ticket sales for this year exceeding 350,000.

With 200 laps to complete, the stage is set for a mix of speed, strategy, and tradition as drivers prepare to cross the finish line and claim their place in history.