Start of Indy 500 qualifying delayed by rain

UPDATE: Saturday qualifying has been rained out. IndyCar will utilize a condensed format on Sunday, setting the entire grid.

Qualifying for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 is off to a rainy start, and IndyCar officials called off the planned practice session on Saturday morning. There was lightning as well, so IMS cleared the grandstands of fans. While that storm has moved through, the threat of inclement weather remains.

Saturday sets the grid for positions 16-33, with the fastest 15 advancing into the 'Final 15' tomorrow, and the fastest nine automatically locking themselves into the 'Top 12' round tomorrow. A full rundown of the 2026 qualifying format can be found IndyCar alters qualifying format for 2026 Indianapolis 500. There will be no bumping and all drivers entered will start the race next Sunday.

Fans in wet weather

Photo by: Penske Entertainment

With the threat of more rain throughout the day, if IndyCar cannot give all 33 entries an opportunity to make at least one qualifying attempt, than those who did go out on track will have to re-run in an altered Sunday schedule. They will need about a three-hour window in order to allow all cars to complete a four-lap qualifying run.

Scott Dixon “quietly comfortable” ahead of Indy 500 qualifying , will be the first car out on track. He will be followed by Christian Lundgaard, Ryan Hunter-Reay, Ed Carpenter, Rinus VeeKay, and Scott McLaughlin.

Defending winner Alex Palou, Jacob Abel, and Katherine Legge will be the final three drivers to go out on track. The exclusive club Katherine Legge hopes to join with historic 'Double' attempt

Felix Rosenqvist Felix Rosenqvist smashes 233mph barrier as Indy 500 speeds surge on Fast Friday, while 2024 Indy 500 pole-sitter McLaughlin holds the fastest no-tow speed at 232.674mph.