Ultimate Guide to 2025 Indy 500: Date, Time, Lineups, and TV
The Indianapolis 500, one of the grandest racing events in the world, is fast approaching. Set for Memorial Day weekend, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway will once again pulse with motorsport excitement.
This year’s race, the 109th edition, brings a wild mix of seasoned champions and hungry rookies all chasing glory. From Robert Shwartzman’s historic pole position win as a rookie to Josef Newgarden’s shot at a rare three-peat, the 2025 Indy 500 is loaded with drama and high stakes.
Here’s a rundown of what’s shaping up for this iconic race.
Event Details and Schedule
Contents
The 2025 Indianapolis 500 is locked in for Sunday, May 25. The race starts at 12:45 p.m. ET, but there’s plenty happening before the green flag.
Driver introductions kick off at 11:47 a.m. ET. The national anthem follows at 12:18 p.m. ET, then the famous “start engines” command at 12:38 p.m. ET.
You can catch the broadcast live on Fox, or stream it on Fubo if that’s more your speed.
Key Timings
- Driver Introductions: 11:47 a.m. ET
- National Anthem: 12:18 p.m. ET
- Command to Start Engines: 12:38 p.m. ET
- Race Start: 12:45 p.m. ET
If you want the nitty-gritty, check out the full schedule and lineup on USA Today.
Notable Drivers and Teams
This year’s field features a wild blend of former winners, grizzled veterans, and rookies out to prove something. Robert Shwartzman leads the pack after grabbing the first rookie pole since 1983, driving for Prema Racing in a Chevy.
Takuma Sato, a two-time Indy 500 winner, starts second for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing. He’s always a threat on this stage.
Key Competitors
- Robert Shwartzman (R), Prema Racing, Chevrolet: Pole position
- Takuma Sato (W), Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, Honda: Second place
- Josef Newgarden (W), Team Penske, Chevrolet: Defending champion aiming for a three-peat
- Scott Dixon (W), Chip Ganassi Racing, Honda: Veteran competitor
- Alexander Rossi (W), Ed Carpenter Racing, Chevrolet: Former winner
Pato O’Ward from Arrow McLaren, Felix Rosenqvist from Meyer Shank Racing, and Marcus Ericsson with Andretti Global are also worth watching. The complete lineup is up on the USA Today article.
Historical Significance and Traditions
The Indianapolis 500 is loaded with history and a few pretty quirky traditions. The most famous? The winner always drinks a bottle of milk in victory lane.
This started back in 1936 when Louis Meyer reached for buttermilk after his third win. Since then, drivers have kept the tradition alive, sometimes pouring the milk right over their heads.
The Milk Tradition
Before the race, drivers actually submit their milk preference—fat-free, 2%, whole, or no preference at all. It’s a small thing, but fans and drivers both look forward to it every year.
Josef Newgarden’s Quest for History
One of the biggest stories this year is Josef Newgarden’s shot at a third straight Indy 500 win. He’s already won back-to-back in 2023 and 2024, joining a pretty exclusive club.
If he pulls off the three-peat, Newgarden would land himself among the sport’s all-time legends. That’s not something you see every day—or even every decade.
Back-to-Back Champions
Newgarden’s back-to-back wins already put him in rare company—just six drivers have done it. His run for a third in a row is adding some serious buzz to this year’s race.
How to Watch
The 2025 Indianapolis 500 airs live on Fox. If you’d rather stream, Fubo has you covered.
Whether you live and breathe IndyCar or just tune in for the spectacle, this year’s race should bring some wild moments and, who knows, maybe a little history.
Broadcast Details
- TV Broadcast: Fox
- Streaming: Fubo
Need more info? The official broadcast guide has all the details.
Conclusion
The 2025 Indianapolis 500 is shaping up to be an unforgettable event. There’s a wild mix of seasoned champions and hungry rookies this year.
Some fans can’t wait to see if Josef Newgarden can make history. Others just want to witness the chaos and excitement rookies always bring.
Mark your calendars for May 25. It’s going to be a day packed with racing action—don’t miss it.
For the latest updates and more details, check out the full article on USA Today.
